Look, he pressed her, it isnt what you think. Its just that Id feel better if we rode together.
Why?
Because I
dont trust the situation.
The sleighs?
Maybe. Or maybe its the whole setup of this weekend that bothers me. I learned something last night I dont like. All right, so it probably doesnt mean a thing. Lets just say you humor me, and we stick together.
There was a mysterious grimness in his undertone that frightened her. Was he serious? For a moment she was inclined to think so. Then she dismissed the whole thing, remembering how often in the past she had fallen for Jack Donovans take-charge, overprotective tactics. Well, not this time.
Sorry, Lane said at a volume that could be heard by the others, but Ive already promised Judge Whitney Id ride with him.
She hadnt, and she regretted the necessity for her impulsive lie. She could see how surprised Dan was when she rejoined the group, but he offered no word of contradiction.
Before Jack could object, Ronnie linked a proprietary arm through his. Sit with me, and you can tell me all about these important fossils of yours.
Lane watched an irritated Jack being hauled off to the second sleigh. She felt sorry for him. Almost.
Dan, falling in step beside Lane as the rest of them moved toward the sleighs, whispered in concern, Is something wrong?
She shook her head, then offered a quick apology. Im sorry about that. I hope you dont mind.
Riding with you? On the contrary, its my pleasure. She could feel his curious gaze on her as they reached the end of the dock. An old friend of yours?
She knew he was referring to Jack. Not exactly. She hesitated. There was no reason he shouldnt know. Try an old husband. Now, she added, just as buoyantly as she could, would you like to suggest some graceful way to climb down from this dock and into that sleigh?
* * *
THE HORSES WERE POWERFUL Belgians, able to draw the heavy sleighs over the fractured ice of the broad harbor with an effortless ease. The snow cover, thick in places, almost nonexistent in others, formed swirling patterns across the wrinkled surface. Through the brittle air the sleigh bells called to each other musically.
It should have been a pleasant experience, one that Lane could enjoy without reservation. Instead, she twisted in her seat to gaze back longingly at the receding village where a pair of white church steeples rose through the dark evergreens against the steep hillside. Those spires looked so solid and comforting, the ice beneath her so fearfully insecure.
No need to be nervous, her insightful companion assured her. We dont very often get safe ice on the bay this soon in the season, but its been an unusually early winter with a lot of hard freezes. And the Nordstrom brothers, he added, referring to their drivers, are experienced and know what theyre doing.
Lane turned her head, managing a lopsided smile for Dan beside her. That obvious, huh?
Your tension? Well, a little, he conceded with a gentle smile.
She considered him, thinking how different he was from his cousin, Allison, with his relaxed manner and brown hair frosted with gray. He was the sort of person who prompted confidences, probably a good quality in a judge. She decided to share a confidence of her own.
And I was hoping it wouldnt show. But I really do have a good reason for minding so much. Bad memory.
Something traumatic? he guessed.
You could say that. When I was about eight or so a playmate and I went out skating where we had no business to be. The ice was rotten, and it collapsed under us. I was lucky. They managed to fish me out. She wasnt. She was dragged under the ice. When they did get to her it was, well, too late.
Good Lord, he murmured sympathetically, then this crossing must be a real ordeal for you.
Her laugh was shaky, and she knew it. Lets just say that when it comes to ice I prefer it in my drinks to having it under my feet. Uh, Id appreciate it if my little confession was just between the two of us.
Done.
Thank you.
Lane made another concentrated effort to enjoy the crossing. Or at least tolerate it. Not easy considering their present position. They had left the harbor behind them and were now on the open reaches of the great bay. The frozen sea, like a lunar landscape, was seamed with hazards around which the sleighs carefully detoured. The ice had faulted and folded in some past thawhuge, upthrust slabs of it scraped head-high along a shoal. The stacked shards glittered like crystal under the winter sun.
Dan pointed to small, jerry-built shelters scattered across the surface. Some of them had small Christmas trees anchored to their roofs. Fishing shanties, he explained. If its clear tomorrow, holiday or not, the
ice fishers will drive out here in bunches in their trucks and spend most of the day.
She knew he meant it as another encouragement. It didnt work. She was too busy minding the alien ice. She could swear it was alive. She could actually hear it now creaking, snapping with the cold, rolling like drums in the distance. Awful.