Then why
Allison. She wanted Donovan as my best man, said she had her reasons, and I went along with her choice.
Somehow the revelation didnt surprise Lane. Now that she thought about it, it made sense that Allison was responsible for Jacks presence. Yes, well, her friend owed her an explanation.
Anything else? Hale asked.
Lane hesitated. Should she? No, she decided. The mission she had been entrusted with was a delicate one, much too tricky to approach when Hale was obviously in a difficult mood. Better, after all, to wait.
She hated this situation and was beginning to wonder if her promise had been a mistake. She refused to hurt Allison or risk spoiling her wedding. But the problem was ultimately unavoidable. Shed been made to clearly see that several days ago. Somehow, for the sake of everyone involved, it had to be resolved.
No, Lane answered reluctantly, nothing else.
He nodded. Then Ill see you later.
Yes, she told him silently, watching him as he turned and walked off through the garden, unfortunately, you will have to see me later. And something tells me you wont like it. Only I wonder whats bothering you now?
There was no mystery about what was troubling her. Jack was still strongly on her mind. She needed to do something about that. But this time Allison would be her target.
Lane returned to the lodge and made her determined way up the massive staircase. The house was quiet, no one around. She assumed people were settling themselves in their rooms. And Jack? Well, hed been placed in guest quarters semidetached from the main lodge. She wondered about that arrangement, too.
Allisons bedroom was the first on the left at the top of the stairs. The door was ajar when she reached it. She had lifted her hand to rap on the frame when a gruff male voice close on the other side forestalled her intention.
Where do you want these?
I dont care about the luggage! It was Allisons voice, and there was a frantic quality to it. Just tell me what I want to know. Why are you here, Chris?
There was a sound of suitcases being bumped on the floor. Why do you think? Im working.
But it was your brother who was hired to
Mike couldnt make it. He got sick last night. Something he ate, I guess. Frankly, he needs the money, and Dorothy and Nils couldnt manage the weekend on their own. There
was no one else available, so I agreed to replace Mike. You didnt think I was eager to see you get married.
It doesnt have to be this way, Chris, Allison pleaded.
Lets not start in on that again. We both know it does have to be this way. Look, dont worry about it. I plan to make myself as scarce as possible. All Im here for is to do Mikes job.
I hate it when youre like this.
Lane, conscious that she was overhearing something intensely emotional, realized she had no business standing here listening to any of this startling conversation. She started to back away, but before she could manage a safe retreat, the door was flung open. The brawny Chris Beaver, his face stiff with pride, stormed past her without a glance and disappeared down the stairs.
Lane was afraid to guess what that little scene meant. She turned her head and discovered Allison standing in the doorway. The anguished expression on her friends face said it all. Hales dark mood in the garden suddenly began to make sense.
Lane had been embarrassed. Now she was simply worried. Are you all right?
Allison recovered herself. I have to be. Im the radiant bride, remember. She seemed to realize then that Lane must have witnessed her exchange with Chris, and she quickly changed the subject. Were you looking for me?
Uh, nothing that cant wait. This was definitely the wrong moment to press for an explanation about Jack. Dear Lord, was there anyone in this house, herself included, who wasnt struggling with an unpleasant secret?
Lane started to leave, but Allison stopped her. Come out to the chapel with me. Im going to check on Teddys flower arrangements.
Now? Are you sure that
I cant wait to see how theyve turned out. Its going to be fun. The whole thing tomorrow is going to be fun. A wedding well all remember. There was a fierce determination in her promise, as though nothing else must be allowed to matter.
Lane was beginning to have the uneasy conviction that Allison had no business at all getting married tomorrow. And certainly not to Hale McGuire.
Allison, do you think maybe
Please, Id like to go. Refusing to discuss anything but the flower arrangements, she insisted that Lane accompany her.
They paused on the lower floor to admire the florists efforts in the house. There was a replica of a Viking hall off the foyer, a cavernous place where the wedding luncheon would be held following the ceremony in the chapel. The table was already set for the celebration. The flowers were impressivemasses of scarlet poinsettias and tall candles in keeping with the weddings Christmas theme.
Allison, restless and overeager, snatching at conversation, inspected the arrangements. Wonderful, arent they? I loved that holly bouquet with the gilded angel back in the foyer. Teddy really has a special touch. The flowers in the chapel should be spectacular.