Viator (The Viator Chronicles Book 1)

by Ralston-Brooks, Jane

  “Yes, hello,” Gary said. He reached out his hand to her. “Erin and I are old friends.”

  Erin shook Gary’s hand. “It’s good to see you again.”

  “You too.” His eyes sparkled and lingered on hers.

  Another guest drew close and asked Gary to settle a little dispute about a gallery in Seattle, and he turned to Erin. “Would you mind?” He squeezed her hand and walked away.

  Erin wandered through the room listening to different conversations. Hannah and a few other women stood together in one corner of the room when Erin joined them.

  “I heard he’s been all over the world,” said one woman. “A friend of mine was at a party in the American embassy in Turkey and danced with him there.”

  Another guest leaned forward. “I hear he goes scuba diving in the Caribbean every year.”

  “What does he do for a living?” asked Hannah, glancing behind her to try to get a glimpse of Gary.

  “I’m not sure. Some kind of imports, I think,” said the other guest. “He makes a lot of money. He met his girlfriend skiing in the Alps.”

  “He has a girlfriend?” someone asked.

  “Not anymore. He left her a month ago. Actually left her in Spain. Rented a house for her, packed his bags, and left. I heard he paid for the house a year in advance.”

  “Really?” said a couple of the women in unison.

  “Well, I would love to dance with him in Istanbul … or anywhere,” said a guest. “He’s a very attractive man.”

  Erin looked across the room at Gary, where he was talking with a couple of men about, what? About tropical fish. Yes, he was a very attractive man. What kind of life he must live, traveling all over the world.

  Aleesha called everyone for dinner, and they strolled through the house, chatting and laughing. When Erin sat beside Hannah, Gary set his drink down at the seat next to her.

  “May I sit here?” he asked as he pulled out the chair.

  “Of course.” Erin sipped her water as he sat down.

  “I’m sorry I dashed off like that the other night,” he said.

  “That’s all right. I hope your meeting went well.”

  He laughed. “I survived. I was surprised to run into you there. It’s been so long. How have you been? Are you getting along all right?”

  “I’m doing okay.”

  He frowned and shook his head. “William was a good man.”

  “He was wonderful,” she said quietly.

  Gary picked up his drink and took a swallow. “I’ve really missed William’s friendship. I can’t imagine how it’s been for you.”

  Erin felt a moan begin to rise inside. “I’ve missed him so much.”

  He frowned and put his hand on her arm. “I’m sorry. I’m just causing you more pain.”

  She pushed her emotions back down and shook her head. “No, I’m all right. I never knew you and William were such good friends.”

  “Well …” Gary stammered a little and took another drink. “We saw each other a lot the year before he passed away.”

  “I didn’t realize …”

  “I was traveling a lot … but he helped me with some work issues.”

  Erin sipped her champagne. “The other night you mentioned you saw William the day before the accident and that you’ll never forget what he said.”

  Gary leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath.

  She looked at him earnestly. “I’d really like to know what he said that had such an impact on you. William had been distracted for a few days, like something was bothering him. He didn’t tell me what it was, but I know something was on his mind.”

  “And you think what he said to me might be connected? Why?”

  She shrugged and shook her head. “I don’t know. When you and I talked the other night, it just struck me. I would feel better if I knew what had been bothering him. It might be nothing at all. I know it was a long time ago, but …”

  He took another drink. “William had a meeting with someone right before he saw me, and I don’t think it went well. Whoever he met with must have said something to really piss him off. I’d never seen him like that. He said he smelled the stench of carrion, and … it better stop. He said someone was going to have to pay.”

  “What? What does that mean? The smell of carrion?” She shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

  “I don’t either. He didn’t explain it to me. And he didn’t tell you anything at all?”

  “No.”

  Gary shrugged. “Well, it’s old history now.”

  “I guess.” Erin sighed, and they both ate a few bites in silence. Why would William say such a thing? It reminded her vaguely of something, but she didn’t know what. She could see that Gary had been disturbed by the incident and didn’t want to talk about it.

  “You’re probably right,” she said. “It was so long ago.”

  They were silent a few more moments. “What about you?” she said. “I hear you travel a lot, but I don’t really know much about your business or where you travel to.”

  Gary hesitated. “Did William ever talk to you about what I do?”

  “Not really.”

  He smiled. “I import goods: clothing, furniture, machine parts, lots of different things. I spend a lot of time in Asia, some in Eastern Europe, too. Always looking for new suppliers. It has its ups and downs. What do you do? Do you work with Aleesha in her gallery?”

  She laughed as she passed the rolls and butter to him. “No, I play piano. I majored in music, and I work in the local music store and give lessons.”

  “You’re a musician? Are you good?”

  She blushed. “People have said they enjoy hearing me play.”

  It was Gary’s turn to laugh, his dimples deepening and eyes sparkling. “Even the worst musician could say that. It’s obvious you’re too modest. I’ll just have to ask Aleesha. No, better yet, I’ll have to hear you play and judge for myself.”

  “You might be disappointed.”

  He studied her face for a moment and leaned close to her. “I don’t think so. You’re more beautiful than I remembered, and I don’t think you’d disappoint with your music either.”

  He was so close she felt his warmth. “I haven’t performed in over two years. I just give lessons now.”

  “Why?” he asked. “Why don’t you perform anymore?”

  Erin looked out the window into Aleesha’s garden. The pink rhododendrons were in bloom and a finch splashed in the nearby birdbath. “I just haven’t felt like it anymore—after William died.” She shrugged.

  He finished his soup and broke off a piece of roll, buttered it, and took a bite. They were both silent. Gary poured more wine into her glass and leaned toward her so she could feel his warmth again. “It will get better,” he said.

  Erin wondered if she could possibly be a more depressing dinner partner. Every topic she raised seemed to make him feel sorry for her. She tried to think of a happier subject, but Gary spoke first.

  “So, do you go to a lot of art exhibits with Aleesha?” he asked. “Are you familiar with Ian MacKenzie?”

  “Yes, I love his work. Aleesha had some of his paintings in her gallery not long ago, and I even got to meet him.”

  “If you like Ian’s art, you obviously have good taste. What else do you like?”

  His eyes flickered with amusement, and she felt her face flush.

  “I meant, what other kinds of art do you like?” he said.

  “Of course. From the exhibits I’ve seen, there are fewer still that I really enjoyed. I like the old masters best. William and I saw the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit in Victoria a few years ago, and I was awestruck.”

  Gary nodded. “I saw that, too. It was wonderful. I enjoy many styles of art, and … I like many other things too.”

  Erin laughed. “So I’ve heard.”

  His eyes widened, and he leaned closer to her whispering, “What have you heard?”

  She pulled back a little, but a smile crept ov
er her face. “Nothing much, really, just that you dance in Istanbul, scuba dive in the Caribbean, and keep girlfriends in Spain.”

  “Ohhh, I see. Where did you hear that?”

  “I guess it’s common knowledge. So do you?”

  His eyes hardened. “Not exactly. She’s no longer my girlfriend. I have been known to dance and scuba dive, though. Among other things.”

  “Sounds like you lead an exciting life. I’ve never been out of the U.S., except to Canada. I haven’t even been to Mexico. Is your travel all for work, or is some of it for fun?”

  “A lot of both.”

  Aleesha invited everyone to bring their coffee into the living room. Erin sat on a couch next to another woman who chatted aimlessly about her sister’s new house. Gary wandered over to the fireplace nearby where he stood by himself, sipping a glass of brandy, his arm resting on the mantel. Erin only half listened, her eyes flitting to Gary every few minutes. Another woman approached Gary, and Erin watched the two of them as they went outside onto the deck.

  The mantel clock chimed and Erin looked at her watch, surprised to see that it was already ten thirty. She started to get up from the couch. “I promised my babysitter I’d be back by eleven, so I’m afraid I’ve got to go. It was great to see you again,” she said to the guest next to her.

  Erin found Aleesha to say goodbye, and Aleesha pulled her into the hallway. “Did you have a good time?” she asked.

  “Yes, I did. Thank you for doing this. And it was nice to see him again.”

  “Where is he, anyway?” Aleesha peered around the room.

  “He went outside a while ago. But I’ve got to get back home. Thanks so much. I’ve really had a wonderful time.”

  She retrieved her coat and purse from the hall closet, looking around one last time for Gary. She walked out to her Explorer and unlocked the door, but turned around when she heard the sound of footfalls behind her.

  “Do you have to go so soon?” It was Gary.

  “Yes, my babysitter’s expecting me,” Erin said. “She’s my neighbor, and getting older, so I don’t like to keep her up too late.”

  “Of course.”

  Erin couldn’t see Gary’s face in the dark, but she could feel his warmth. He was standing so close to her they were almost touching.

  “I should really go. It was good to see you again,” she said. She started to turn toward the car, but he put his hand on her arm, and she stopped.

  “I’m staying in Anacortes for the weekend.”

  She caught her breath. “What?”

  “I’d like to see you again. Dinner tomorrow?”

  “I’m sorry, I can’t. Gwen’s having friends over for pizza and a slumber party. I have to stay home.” She was almost relieved to have a genuine excuse but felt a twinge of disappointment, too.

  “Could I come over? I’d love to see the kids again. I could help.”

  “What? You wouldn’t want to do that. Three seven-year-old girls? It won’t be fun. It’ll be exhausting.”

  “I want to. And I always get what I want.”

  Erin laughed. “Really? Well, if you really want to. We’ll have dinner about six.” She searched through her purse for paper and a pen. “Here’s my address. It’s easy to find. I’m on Dewey Beach. My driveway is the long one through the apple trees. But don’t feel like you have to do this.”

  Gary took the paper and said, “I don’t. And I remember where your house is.” He stood still for a moment as if waiting for her to do something.

  “I don’t remember you coming to our house.”

  He laughed. “You weren’t there.”

  “Oh. Well, good night,” she said.

  “Good night, Erin Holley,” he whispered.

  Erin watched him walk back to the house, her knees shaky. The moon shone between the clouds and cast a cold glow on the street, and she felt a sudden chill. She climbed into her SUV and drove toward home. Her heart was pounding. She hadn’t been attracted to anyone for so long, and here she sat, trembling. Was she really that lonely? What would William think?

  Chapter 7

  The phone ringing pulled Erin out of her sleep, and she rolled over and answered.

  “Hello?”

  “It’s Aleesha. Are you still in bed? Sorry, but I just had to find out how everything went with you and Gary. What do you think?”

  “He’s all right,” said Erin, still half asleep. She looked out her open window at the scattered clouds. “He’s coming over tonight to help me with Gwen’s slumber party.”

  “What? He’s coming over to your house tonight? For a slumber party?”

  “He’s not part of the slumber party. He’s coming over tonight, and we’ll have dinner with the kids. He’s not staying.”

  “But when did you talk to him about this?”

  “He followed me out to my car,” Erin said.

  “Really? That’s great.”

  “Maybe.” She sat up in bed. “Don’t get too excited about it. I don’t know what he’s really like, except that he was one of William’s friends. I only met him a couple times before. I don’t really know him.”

  Aleesha’s voice was reassuring. “If he was friends with William, you know he must be a good man.”

  “Yes.” Erin hesitated. “Last night I heard all the women talking about what a fast life he leads.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything. Kenneth knows him pretty well, and I gather he has had a few adventures. But I’m sure there’s no truth to the story about him killing a man. I think that’s all made up. You know how people exaggerate.”

  “He killed a man? Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Erin hopped out of bed and grabbed her robe.

  “No, no, I don’t believe a word of it and neither does Kenneth. Besides, the story is that it was self-defense. So, you see, it’s fine.”

  “Fine? Good grief. What’s the story?” She went downstairs, hit the button on the coffeemaker, and walked over to the window to look at the beach. The wind was blowing a few clouds across the sky, but it looked like it would be a gorgeous day.

  “What I heard is that he was on a boat with friends somewhere in Asia,” Aleesha said. “Someone came on board, threatened them, and Gary shot him first. I don’t know if he actually killed him.”

  Erin shivered. “Anything else you know about him?”

  “His old girlfriend is definitely out of the picture. She’s in Spain, and he doesn’t even talk to her anymore.” She paused. “Don’t overthink this, darling. Just have some fun and see where it goes. Spread your wings a little.”

  Erin sighed. “I’m just kind of nervous.”

  “Of course you are,” Aleesha said. “It’ll be fine, though, you wait and see.”

  “Yeah.”

  “One more thing. Different subject, and this is too much fun. Have you ever read any of Michael Woodward’s books? He writes thrillers.”

  “No, I haven’t.”

  “You should, they’re very good.” Aleesha paused. “But anyway, I found out Michael Woodward just moved here to Anacortes. He moved into a little house just two blocks away from me.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “No. And Blue Heron Books is having him there to give a talk in a couple of weeks. We’ve got to go.”

  “Sure. I’ll have to read one of his books.”

  “Definitely,” Aleesha said.

  They said goodbye, Erin took a quick shower, and then woke up her kids.

  *****

  “Let’s put sprinkles on them. Lauren likes sprinkles,” Gwen said as she spread chocolate frosting on the cupcakes.

  “Sure.” Erin dug around in the cupboard until she found some blue and yellow candy sprinkles. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks. Why aren’t Lauren and Rose here yet? I think they’re late.”

  “It’s only five o’clock. They’re not late, but I’m sure they’ll be here soon.”

  Earlier in the day, Matthew and Gwen had helped clean the house, and Gwen had picked a b
unch of fresh lilacs from the garden. Their fragrance mingled with the aroma of freshly baked cupcakes, and the whole house smelled delicious.

  The doorbell rang, and Gwen ran to answer it. Erin followed and greeted Rose and her mother. Lauren and her mother followed behind them.

  “You both got here at just the right time,” Erin said. “Come in, and you can help Gwen put the sprinkles on the cupcakes.”

  When the girls finished decorating the cupcakes, they ran upstairs to Gwen’s bedroom, and Matthew and his friend Jacob walked into the kitchen.

  “When’s that guy going to get here?” Matt asked.

  “I told him dinner’s at six, so he could be here any time soon,” Erin said. “Can you stay for some pizza, Jacob?”

  “I’ll call my mom and ask,” he said.

  Erin pulled out the dishes and glanced at the clock again. She wondered if Gary had changed his mind and would cancel, and the thought gave her a dull ache in the pit of her stomach.

  Matt stepped in front of Erin. “Is that guy your boyfriend?”

  “What? My boyfriend? I don’t know him well enough yet, Matt. I need to get to know him better before I could even think about that.”

  The doorbell rang.

  Erin put down the plates and walked to the entry hall while Matt and Jacob went upstairs. She paused for a moment, suddenly anxious about how Matt felt, then she opened the door to Gary.

  “Come on in,” she said. “I’m glad you found us again.”

  “It was easy,” Gary said as he walked inside. He was wearing khakis and a blue polo shirt, and Erin felt a bit underdressed in her worn jeans, T-shirt, and bare feet.

  “I had forgotten how far you are from town. Here’s a bottle of wine to go with dinner.” He handed her the bottle and walked to the living room window to look out at the Sound. Erin followed him.

  “Come outside and see the beach—it’s the best part.” She led him back through the house to the door in the kitchen and set the bottle on the counter.

  “Mmm, cupcakes,” Gary said, and he scooped frosting from the bowl onto his finger and licked it off.

  “We go all out when we have company. Dinner will be my world-famous homemade pizza, so you’re really in for a treat.”