Haunting at Remington House. Laura V. Keegan

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СКАЧАТЬ here.” There must be a punk or two whose parents would love to get rid of them.

      “What a good idea, Tom. Billy, I bet Alan would love to come,” she said, then explained to Tom, “Alan’s an only child, he's probably bored to death. Maybe you know the family? Alan’s father is Dr. Raymond James.” Vivian’s eyes were intent on Tom's.

      “I don’t know Raymond, but I know his brother, Nicholas. We were at Yale together. I haven’t heard from him in years. I heard he’s a surgeon in Baltimore. I guess I should look him up sometime.” Tom knew he never would. Nicholas was a real jerk. Boring and arrogant as well.

      “Billy, why don’t you call Alan before we sit down to dinner?” Vivian said, dismissing her son. Tom was greatly relieved to have him out of the room.

      “I have some exciting news, Tom. I talked to one of my New York friends today. When I told her who I was having over for dinner tonight, she told me she knows you!” She watched Tom’s face. “Aren’t you curious who she is?”

      Tom could tell by the frown that momentarily shadowed her face that she was expecting more of a reaction. He felt nothing, except perhaps dread.

      “Don’t you want to know who?” Her eyes twinkled as she waited for his answer.

      Not really. Vivian watched him, disappointment registering in her voice at his lack of enthusiasm, though he sensed she enjoyed putting him on the spot. Okay, he’d bite. “Of course I do. Who?” Tom didn't like the games she was playing. He’d get through this evening, then keep his distance.

      “Catherine Connors!” She spat the name, almost giggling with delight.

      “I don’t know who that is.”

      “Catherine Connors,” Vivian said again, obviously frustrated. She was quiet for a second. “Maybe you know her by her maiden name? Let me think. I know I know it. Hmm.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “I remember. Balantyne.”

      “Cathy Balantyne?” Tom took a quick breath. “God, she was just a girl the last time I saw her. We used to compete to be the teacher’s pet. I actually believe Cathy hated me! Her sense of competiveness was all-consuming. I haven’t seen her since grammar school.”

      “Really? Well, perhaps Catherine was trying to impress me. You know Catherine! She likes everyone to think she knows everyone!”

      It didn’t sound like Cathy and Vivian were close friends at all. And, if they weren’t, Vivian probably knew nothing about Elise’s past friendship with Cathy. Several years ago, after Tom found several letters from her encouraging Elise to leave him, he’d contacted Cathy and rather forcefully severed all contact between her and Elise. He had no clue how or when Elise and Cathy met. It'd been quite a shock to him to find out that they knew each other. He could only guess why Elise kept the relationship a secret. Vivian cleared her throat. Trying to smile, Tom asked, “So, how is Cathy?”

      “According to her,” Vivian said, slightly sarcastically, “she leads a perfectly charmed life. Catherine's married to a prominent New York plastic surgeon, Elrich Connors. They're the toast of the town. I see them whenever I'm in New York. They have fabulous parties!” Vivian winked, laughing.

      Tom, though, knew from Cathy's letters to Elise that she was in a loveless marriage, relying on alcohol to dull her pain. She remained married to the ‘dear doctor’ to avoid the shame a divorce would bring to her and her family. Not to mention their prenup that would give a huge sum of money to her husband if they divorced.

      “I can’t imagine why Catherine acted as if she knew you so well. But you haven't seen her since you were kids. I was so excited that we had a mutual friend, and it’s not even true. I don't know what game she's playing with me.” Vivian sulked, drew her lips into an ugly frown. Tom guessed from the look on her face that she was planning to get even with Cathy for her deceit. She grinned wickedly. Her mood changed immediately.

      Tom drained his brandy snifter. And my sister wonders why I dread these social engagements. Not too hard to figure out. Tom prepared himself for the task of spending the rest of the evening with the self-centered, childish Vivian. I hope I’m up to this!

      Vivian blushed. “You must think I’m awful, being upset over something so trivial. I only wanted to be friends with you! I thought having a friend in common would make it much easier. Well, never mind about Catherine. Since she obviously doesn’t know you well, I guess you’ll just have to tell me all about yourself.” Tilting her head slightly, she looked at Tom through her long lashes, her green eyes glistening, a seductive smile on her face.

      Oh, great. Now she was flirting with him. Then Tom felt guilty. After all, what did he know about Vivian? She probably was lonely without her husband and friends here. Cassie said he had a bad habit of reading false emotions and traits into people. It ensured that he kept people at a distance. He supposed she was right to some degree; it made it easier to isolate himself. Tom smiled at Vivian and decided to give her another chance. Studying her, he tried to see nothing but the pretty, young woman who was trying very hard to entertain a difficult guest.

      “I’m going to check on dinner. I’ll be right back.”

      Tom poured another brandy and entertained himself by nosing around the room looking at the Harrisons’ extensive book collection. Vivian returned in a few minutes. Dinner was ready. He followed her to the dining room.

      The room was hot and stuffy; beads of sweat gathered on Tom’s brow. Trying to be inconspicuous, he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand and loosened his tie. Vivian, the all-seeing, gracious hostess, called for Amos, one of her household staff and the husband to Mannie, to open the window. Tom was moved from his seat in front of the fireplace to the other side of the table. He now faced Jimmy, who beamed at him.

      Billy sat to Tom's right. He asked, “Mom, where's Sara? I thought she was eating dinner with us. I have some things to talk to her about.”

      “I sent Mannie to get her. She'll be down soon.” Vivian had barely finished her sentence when the door opened, and Sara entered.

      “I’m so sorry. I lost track of time. Did I keep you waiting? Oh, hello. You must be Tom Gardner,” she said to Tom’s back as he strained to turn around in the chair which had him trapped in its cushy, velvet embrace.

      Quickly standing, almost tipping his chair over, Tom offered Sara his hand and a warm smile. Sara sat down across the table, next to Jimmy. While she told the boys about the trip she had just returned from, Tom took the opportunity to study her. She was in her mid thirties and very beautiful. Her dark, chestnut-brown hair fell in soft curls that framed her face—a stark contrast to her pale complexion. Her eyes were deep violet-blue, fringed with thick, black lashes. Her bright red lips were full, and when she smiled, revealed perfect teeth. Naturally high color on her cheekbones gave her a healthy glow. She radiated a sultry, sensual aura, while maintaining an innocent demeanor. He was immediately drawn to her.

      Sara talked animatedly to the boys, her eyes expressive and intense. Her hands were as active as her voice. She excitedly recounted several stories about her travels in the Bahamas. The boys were a captive audience. Tom caught her eye. She blushed, her cheeks turning bright red. Smiling back, she continued talking to Jimmy and Billy, who hung on her every word. Her smile caught Tom off guard. It seemed directed straight at his heart. Pure, innocent, real. He hoped the evening would be long.

      Vivian interrupted, ending Sara’s tale about her encounter with a white shark in the Sargasso Sea. “Jimmy and Billy, that’s enough. Sara can talk to you about СКАЧАТЬ