Read Online Act of Evil by Ron Chudley - Free Book Online Page B

he does or not, I don’t much care: I just love him. But nothing’s going to work for him—or us—if he has to go around pretending he’s someone he’s not. Do you understand what I mean?”
    â€œI think so, yes . . .”
    Stephanie leaned across the table earnestly. “Look, it’s going to get busy soon. I only suggested you come here because I didn’t want to embarrass him. I’m not going to tell him we’ve talked; not because I’m scared to do that, but because I think that for his own sake he needs to tell you the truth himself.”
    â€œI understand.”
    â€œI don’t know if he purposely waited till Terry Bathgate was away so he could invite you to the house and impress you. He says it was just spur of the moment, and I believe him. In one way, he was tickled to death to have pulled if off. He can be quite an actor when he wants to.”
    Hal chuckled. “He even said he was thinking of taking it up.”
    â€œThat’s just hot air.” Stephanie’s eyes, kind but strong, held his own. “Look, I know he hopes he’ll get back on top and it won’t matter. But if he doesn’t, how’s he going to explain himself to you? It’s an awful burden and there’s got to be some way of getting him out from under.”
    Hal shrugged. “So get him to call me.”
    â€œEasier said than done. He knows he’s been stupid, but he’s very proud. I can probably persuade him, but it’ll take time.”
    â€œThen I’ll get in touch with him.”
    â€œNo, no! Since you’re supposed to think he’s in India, he’d realize something was up. And he can’t know you heard the truth from me. That’d be too embarrassing, and might also seem like a betrayal.”
    â€œSo what do we do?”
    Stephanie sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know. Trent makes me mad as hell sometimes. But I also happen to love him. I need him to find a way out of this mess while somehow keeping what’s left of his self-respect. Will you help me do that?”
    â€œOf course.”
    More people entered the restaurant and Stephanie rose. “I’m here, four till ten, every day but Sunday. If you think of some way to contact Trent again without making him suspicious, phone me here—or come by—and we can talk.”
    â€œAre you really sure he wants to come clean?”
    â€œHe may not want to, but deep down he knows he must . Let’s just hope we can help him find a way to make it happen.” With a rueful little smile, she hurried off.
    Hal sat, bemused, realizing after a while that he was hungry. He thought of ordering something, but decided it’d be better to eat elsewhere. He waited until Stephanie glanced his way, gave a farewell wave—which included a phoning mime that was also a gesture of encouragement—and left the restaurant.
    As he walked to his car, through the newly gentrified little city of Duncan, he realized that, though still surprised and concerned, the idea of being able to help his brother gave him an unexpectedly strong sense of satisfaction.

nine
    On the trip back to Victoria, it was still light when Hal reached the Malahat Drive. But the highway, shielded from the westering sun by the swell of the mountains, was already in deep shadow. As he climbed higher, he again caught glimpses of Mount Baker to the east, now stained golden by evening light. Approaching the summit, the car came into full sun and he was momentarily blinded. Then he was over the top and beginning the long descent back to the city. As the car rounded a curve, a large sign caught his eye: MALAHAT MOUNTAIN INN—CASUAL DINING . The place looked inviting and his empty stomach made the decision for him. He just had time to get into the turn lane, then hang a left across the highway into the parking lot.
    The restaurant turned out to be a find. The interior was classy and