“...I’m willing to bet that Charlie forgot to tell Gwen, who handles all their social obligations, that you were coming. And, in the throes of yesterday’s urgency that forced them to fly to Minneapolis, he forgot as well to alert you – that is, if he remembered that you were coming at all.” Sal punctuated his comments by raising bushy eyebrows, easily upstaging his ragged grin of self-approval.

Grace had been measuring Sal as he spoke. She focused first on his eyes, dark and moist under dark brows, then at the tired flesh pouched beneath them and the lines extending to right and left. Finally she noted the way the pupils shifted to avoid her stare, even as they fought to project veracity. His ample, tan nose led to full, moist lips and healthy, but slightly tinted teeth. She was reminded that he smoked and that she had forgotten her Crest toothpaste. White hair, slightly long, wreathed his tan scalp and contrasted smartly with the cinnamon shirt hanging loose over creased, beige slacks. Except for the surprising incongruity of black, tasseled loafers, it gave him the appearance of a warm, aging teddy bear. Unexpectedly, she found herself pleasantly accepting of his appearance and demeanor, but she knew better than to be anything but cautious.

Read a Review

Author Bio