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tions. His words choked off, leaving him standing foolishly, staring at the woman like a stunned schoolboy awed by enchanting beauty. |
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"You look quite different, Mr. Frazier." The Caron woman's appraisal was cool and measured, almost mocking in its confidence. |
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"Some things have changed," Charlie finally managed. |
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Jubell Caron glided toward him and around him, assisting him with his coat, taking it from him and laying it aside. She moved with an effortless grace, making no sound, accomplishing her task with an unnerving ease. |
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He followed her, just as he had the first time, into the great room with its crackling fire and the somber, shadowed corners that concealed things. She offered him a seat beside her on the plush velvet love seat. It was, he realized now, part of the ritual. He felt stilted and uncomfortable. Despite the draft, the subtle movement in the heavy drapes, the room seemed uncommonly warm. |
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She turned to him. There was an expectancy in her voice. "I thought perhaps you had considered not returning." |
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"I saw no reason to," he replied. |
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A small frown played with the corners of her cool, gray-green eyes. "Why, Mr. Frazier? Is it because you thought I had not acted upon your request?" |
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