Read Online The Power of One by Jane A. Adams - Free Book Online Page B

for us and we’ll discuss what to do about it.’
    By the time Matthew handed over coffee and cake – chocolate, on account that it was apparently good for the nerves; Tim knew better than to debate that – Rina had finished ranting and was in a calm, considered mood.
    â€˜Do I call Mac and tell him an apology and a white flag are required,’ Tim wanted to know, ‘or are we talking chocolates and flowers here?’
    Rina sectioned her cake with delicate actions of her fork and Tim winced as she stabbed a selected piece, wondering which part of Mac’s anatomy she was visualising. Then she sighed, her shoulders relaxing for the first time since she’d come home. Tim wondered if Matthew could be right about chocolate cake.
    â€˜He was only doing his job,’ she said. ‘I think an apology will do in the circumstances.’ She stabbed the second morsel of cake more thoughtfully and Tim, relieved, saw that she was recovering her usual good humour.
    â€˜So what did you think she might have been about to tell?’
    â€˜That’s the thing, Tim. I’m really not sure. I really
don’t
think she knew who was aboard with Paul, at least, not the man’s name but I’m pretty sure he was there to look after him in some capacity or other.’
    â€˜Well, on that score, I don’t think he’ll get a reference,’ Tim said. ‘So, some sort of minder then. Presumably the de Freitas’s didn’t employ him so … Do you think Paul hired him?’
    â€˜Possibly, but again, surely his family would know all about that … mind you, Paul wasn’t confiding in them, I don’t think. I got the distinct feeling the day he was shot that they knew something was going on but were in the dark as to precisely what and I also got the very strong feeling that Lydia wasn’t used to that. She expected to be in Paul’s confidence. She was most put-out to realise that wasn’t the case.’
    â€˜Well, Rina, sorry to say this, but unless she comes and tells you what’s going on, I’m not sure there’s much more you can do.’
    Reluctantly, she nodded her head. ‘You’re right, I’m afraid. Timing is everything, Tim, and mine was off today. I missed my moment and now all I can do is leave the door open and hope she decides to walk through.’

FIFTEEN
    S even when she looked at the clock. When she looked again it was only a quarter past. Rina tried to concentrate on the game but Bridge didn’t hold her attention at all tonight. Steven and Matthew partnered one another as usual and played with the same eccentric intensity they brought to everything they did. The Peters sisters – in tandem – were paired with Rina and they were losing badly tonight. Rina’s turn to call. ‘Three clubs,’ she said, then realised that she’d be lucky if she got two. Relieved, she realised that Steven had called a higher bid and she wouldn’t have to back it up.
    â€˜Are you all right, Rina dear?’ Bethany asked. She and her sister perched on a two-seat music stool. Rina had never known either of them to play as an individual at Bridge or at the piano come to that. Like the Montmorencys, they seemed to have spent such a long lifetime as a double act that they found it almost impossible to think or act one without the other. There were times when Rina truly worried what would become of the one left behind once the inevitable happened.
    â€˜I’m all right, dear,’ Rina told her. ‘I suppose I just have a lot on my mind.’
    â€˜Rina had a spat with our pet policeman,’ Matthew said.
    â€˜Oh, Matthew, I did not.’
    â€˜You did, Rina darling. We all know that.’ Bethany was indignant. ‘Why else would Tim get all protective and big brotherish and hustle you away like that?’
    Rina was both amused and exasperated. ‘And how do you know it was Mac I’d argued