Read Online ShadowsintheMist by Maureen McMahon - Free Book Online Page B

to change,” I announced. “There’ll be more reporters on
their way, not to mention friends and associates. I think Grant should brief us
all on what he’s told them already, so we can get our stories straight.”
    Grant nodded agreement, approving of my apparent cool logic.
We all agreed to meet in twenty minutes and I escaped just in time, shutting my
door solidly and giving in to an unreasonable fear that flowed through me like
lava.
    A strange sensation had enveloped me. I felt it the minute
we stepped into the entrance hall and it remained even after Kong disappeared.
To describe it exactly was impossible but it was a feeling akin to being
watched from the shadows by covert eyes.
    I moved to the closet and pushed the hangers this way and
that, aware my hands were trembling. Abandoning that, I fumbled in my drawer
for a cigarette, lit it and inhaled deeply, trying to calm myself. I tried to
pinpoint a logical reason for my disquiet and finally settled on the lame
excuse that the memorial service and funeral shook me up more than I realized.
Having accepted this, I crushed out the half-smoked cigarette disgustedly. So
much for my resolve to kick the habit!
    Turning once more to the closet, I chose soft tan slacks, a
cream crêpe blouse with full-length draping sleeves and comfortably low brown
shoes. For ornament, I clasped a thin gold chain with a floating heart around
my neck.
    I brushed my hair and studied my pale face, not impressed by
the dark smudges beneath my eyes and the anxious tightness about my mouth. Yes,
certainly I was in a worse state than I realized and despite my
self-assurances, it took all my courage to descend the stairs some minutes
later. I let my eyes scour every inch of the foyer but the feeling was gone. I
breathed more easily, and almost convinced that the eerie feeling must have
been a product of my vivid imagination, hurried off to join the others.
    * * * * *
    The official reading of the will took place the next day,
and despite the fact that everyone already knew its contents, emotions were
high. Grant paced like a caged lion, Colin sat, splay-legged, cracking his
knuckles nervously, while Alicia fidgeted with her bangles. David wasn’t
present. I decided it was time I quit leaning on him and faced the music alone.
I listened impassively, keeping my face blank, all too aware of the furtive
looks cast in my direction by all eyes.
    The officiating attorney was Henry Legget of Garth, Garth
and Legget. He wore cut-down bifocals and eyed Grant and me over the tops of
them.
    “There will be a ten-day period from this date in which to
file for contest of this document but should the will be accepted, stipulations
must be complied with before the end of the month. Is this understood?”
    I gave a wooden nod and Grant shot him a look that made the
little man cough nervously.
    “Well, then,” he said, tidying his papers and placing them
in his briefcase, “are there any questions? No? Fine.” He snapped the case
shut. “I’ll show myself out.”
    No one spoke for some moments. I think we were all too
dazed. Finally, Alicia announced she needed a drink and scurried off to the
library. Colin and Grant eyed me, perhaps hopeful I’d announce some decision.
Instead, I excused myself and, after grabbing a copy of the will from the desk,
escaped before anyone could question me.
    David was waiting for my call. He said he’d be happy to see
me but he’d be working at the marina all day. In the end, we agreed to have
lunch together. It was already after ten but there would be enough time to stop
off at the law offices in Manistee before meeting him. I didn’t intend to leave
any stone unturned.
    There was a definite chill in the air when I left the house.
I was grateful for the warmth of my white cardigan. I realized with a twinge
that it would be winter in less than two months, which meant long periods of
time cooped up indoors. I hoped, if indeed this marriage to Grant was
inevitable, he’d at