She could ask Trey, she supposed. Always assuming he wasnt fed up with her and her problems. Shed lost her temper with him earlier. Or maybe it was fairer to say that theyd both been exasperated with each other, but hed been the first to extend an olive branch.
Barney raised his head again, but this time he wasnt looking at her. He stared for a long moment at the front window of the cottage, as if looking for something out there in the dark.
What is it, boy? She went to the window and peered out, but could see nothing. The darkness was complete except for the rectangle of yellow light that lay across the porch from the window. Theres nothing.
Barney whined a little in apparent disagreement. He got up, padding softly from one window to the next. A little frisson of alarm slid down her spine.
Come on, Barney. Are you trying to unnerve me? She forced herself to turn away from the windows and took hold of his collar.
Barney gave a sudden, sharp bark, followed by a volley of barking and a lunge at the window. She swung around, and her heart jumped into her throat. Somethinga facepressed against the window, distorted by the glass.
Then the person withdrew a few inches and raised a hand in a wave. Amanda had a hysterical desire to laugh. It wasnt a monster or an enemy pressing against the glass. It was Bertram Berkley, her mothers agent. What was he doing here? She couldnt imagine anything that would take him away from the city.
She went to the door, clutching Barneys collar while she reassured him. Unlocking the door, she swung it open.
Bertram! What are you doing here? You startled me. I didnt hear your car.
Are you mad? He hustled inside as if eager for shelter against the dark. Drive my car up the rutted lane? Never. I left it down by the farmhouse. That road is bad enough. He shuddered elaborately, overacting as always.
Come now, its not that terrible. Ive been bringing my SUV in and out with no problems. She closed the door, realizing that he hadnt answered her question about why he was here.
Forgive me, dear, but your SUV is not a mint condition BMW.
Then you should have rented something more sensible to come here. And what are you doing here, anyway? If youd called...
If Id called, youd have told me to stay in Boston. He seated himself in the most comfortable chair and adjusted the crease in his trousers. The famous Bertram Berkley charm doesnt come across as well on the telephone.
Amused in spite of herself, Amanda smiled as she sat down across from him. After a suspicious sniff at Bertrams shoes, Barney returned to his hearth rug. Silence fell, almost oppressive. Bertram had brought a different atmosphere with him, but she couldnt say it was an improvement.
She studied him, trying to figure out what he was feeling, but as always, she had a sense that his face reflected a carefully cultivated facade. Whats so important that you chased me all the way up here on a workday to talk about? If this is about putting on a show again...
Its Friday, dear, he said gently. Im taking the weekend off. How better to enjoy it than a nice trip into the Pennsylvania mountains?
I should think a nice trip into New York City would be more to your taste. He was right; it was Friday. Shed lost track of the days since shed been here. Echo Falls seemed to exist in a world of its own.
True. He sighed elaborately. But Im endlessly self-sacrificing when it comes to my work.
Im afraid youre wasting your time. Im really not at a place where I want to talk about my mothers painting yet. Its too soon.
My dear girl, its not too soon at all. The time to do a tribute to Juliet Curtiss is now, while shes still in the public mind.
You mean you want to capitalize on her death. She should have realized Bertram wouldnt give up so easily. Her mother had been able to shut him down when he got carried away, but Amanda had yet to develop that gift.
Not capitalize. He shook his head, his expressive face drawing down into lines of sorrow, either at Juliets death or at Amandas failure to recognize his opinion. A tribute, I said. We must remind the public of what has been so needlessly lost. A gifted artist, cut off in her prime by this horrific plague of gun violenceits a comment on our time.
Amanda rubbed her forehead. I can see some sense in what youre saying, and I know you mean well. But I really cant focus on that now. Well plan it together once I get past the shock, all right?
She thought he looked as if hed like to tell her shed had three whole weeks to recover, but maybe she was wrong.
That will be too late. He leaned forward, intent. Dont you see? The market for Juliet Curtisss work is at an all-time high right now. We cant let this slip away. Youre losing money with every week that passes.
He meant sales. She supposed he knew what he was talking about, but... Then reality hit her like a hammer blow. Did she even have the right to sell Juliets paintings? A pit seemed to open in front of her, warning of all the possible missteps she could be taking.
That was another unarguable reason why she couldnt agree with Bertram about the show he wanted. And it was one she didnt dare tell him. She didnt have any illusions about Bertram, any more than her mother had had.
Bertrams good at what he does or I wouldnt let him near my work. But his moral sense is nonexistent.
Here. Bertram pulled a folder from the leather portfolio hed carried in with him, thrusting it toward her. I have all the details worked out. Youll see. It will be perfect, and you dont have to do a thing.
She took the folder because it was easier than arguing. Shed need to have legal advice before she sold even one of her mothers paintings, but she couldnt tell him that.
Ill look it over, I promise. Ill let you know what I think. But its still going to have to wait awhile. Maybe next month.
Maybe by next month shed know whether she had any rights at all in Juliets estate, including the right to sell any of her paintings. For a moment despair swept over her. How was she going to deal with this? She didnt doubt that Juliet thought everything had been settled with her will. If only shed confided in Robert, or even in Amanda...
But that wouldnt help her in dealing with Bertram right at the moment.
Anger had narrowed his eyes. Next month? But Ive explained all that already. Really, Amanda, youll have to trust me in this regard. Your mother would have understood the importance of timing. Even her brother sees that...
Her brother? George Curtiss? Whether he was still Uncle George was up for debate. When did you talk to him? And why?
Bertram seemed to realize hed made a misstep. He stretched his hands out in a placating motion, but it was too late for that.
Well? She stood, giving herself the advantage of height. Why were you discussing my business with George?
Bertram turned sulky. Hes an interested party, isnt he? After all, he was Juliets brother. Her closest relative. After you. Really, Amanda, Im just trying to do my best for you.
Whether there was any suspicion or malicious intent in his words, she didnt know, but she certainly wasnt going to let herself be intimidated by him. Bertram would be doing what was best for him.
Whether there was any suspicion or malicious intent in his words, she didnt know, but she certainly wasnt going to let herself be intimidated by him. Bertram would be doing what was best for him.
Anger stiffened her spine. I expect discretion from you, Bertram. You shouldnt be discussing my business with anyone else, including George Curtiss. If I dont feel assured of your discretion and loyalty, I will put my mothers work into other hands. Is that clear?
She didnt know whether she had the right to do that, either, but she suspected it would be an effective threat.
All right, all right. Im sorry. He rose, regaining his usual urbane smile. Im sure youll be satisfied with my work. After all, your mother trusted me to handle everything. With her input, of course, he added hastily, maybe reading a rebuttal in her face. Look, why dont you let me take you out someplace for a glass of wine and a bite to eat? Surely this burg has one decent restaurant thats open on Friday night.
Ive already eaten, thanks. And youd better be on your way to wherever youre staying tonight.
Bertram gave a speculative glance around the cottage. If you have an extra bedroom, maybe you could put me up.
So he could resume his argument in the morning. She didnt think so.
Im afraid not, she said, blandly ignoring the guest room. Youll find quite a nice motel near Williamsport. She opened the door. Barney rose to his feet, responsive to her cues, as if ready to hasten Bertrams departure.
But really, Amanda... He broke off when Barney gave a warning growl in response to his tone. Very well. Ill call you in the morning. At least lend me a flashlight to get back down the excuse for a driveway.
Amanda went to the kitchen drawer where shed found a small flashlight. Here you are. Dont disturb the Burkhalters, but just leave it on their back porch. Ill get it tomorrow.
He went out and then turned back. Maybe we could meet for breakfast in the morning. Just so you can give me your reaction to the plans.
Im afraid Im busy tomorrow. You may as well get on the road without bothering to come back to town. Ill email you once Ive had a chance to look over your plans.
He hesitated, as if thinking of making a comeback, but Barney came and pressed against Amandas leg, effectively filling the doorway. Very well. Good night. He flicked on the flashlight and marched off.
Amanda stood on the porch and watched the circle of light until it disappeared when he rounded a bend in the lane. Then the darkness closed in on her, and she shivered. Silly. But she wasnt sure when shed last felt so alone.
* * *
NORMALLY TREY SPENT Saturday catching up on the chores hed neglected all week in the press of work. Since hed bought the small Craftsman bungalow on Oak, hed learned that homeownership brought with it far more responsibilities than hed anticipated.
Today, for instance, he should be raking and bagging leaves. But it was one of those rare, beautiful October days when the sun was warm and the world around him seemed touched by golden light. It demanded that a person get out and enjoy it, before November brought cold, rainy days and the prospect of early snow.
His fallen leaves continued to form a brown and orange carpet over the small lawn, while he headed out to the Burkhalter farm. Not necessarily to see Amanda, he assured himself. But hed been troubled by what shed said about Sarah, and he wanted to see for himself. He couldnt imagine Sarah being anything but friendly and welcoming.
Amanda must have misunderstood. Hed see Sarah, straighten it out, and at the same time find out if she knew who the Amish boy was whod found Melanies body. She was bound to know, or at least be able to find out. In fact, it had probably been one of her kinfolk. Mike had said it was one of the Miller kids, and Sarah had been a Miller before she married Amos.
Trey turned up the lane that led to the cottage, raising a hand to Amos, who was heading toward the barn. When he pulled up at the cottage, Amanda came out on the porch. He felt a wave of pleasure at the sight of her. Wearing jeans and a flannel shirt, her hair pulled back and fastened at her nape, she looked as if she belonged here.
I wasnt expecting to see you today. She spoke as he got out of the car, coming toward him.
I took a chance youd be here. Thought Id like to have a word with Sarah to see if she can identify the boy who found Melanies body.
An expression of doubt crossed Amandas face. I told you she hasnt been exactly forthcoming on the subject, didnt I?
Yes, but sometimes the Amish can seem standoffish when theyre not aware of it. Sarah has known me since I was a kid. He grinned. In fact, she used to babysit me when she was a teenager. Let me try my luck.
Amanda shrugged, conceding, and they started down the path together. I wondered how you came to be such close friends with the Burkhalter family. Ill have to ask Sarah what kind of kid you were.
Obedient and well-behaved, of course, he said lightly. My father owns some land that adjoins the Burkhalter farm. He doesnt have any use for it, so he lets Amos keep it in hay. That kind of gave me free run of the farm. I loved it out here. He looked around at the golden hillside, the fields a patchwork now of gold and brown. I still do.
They approached the house and found Sarah hanging a row of sheets on the line. She pinned the last one in place and then turned to face them.
Trey. I thought that might be your car I heard. She flickered a meaningful glance toward Amanda. Amos is in the barn if you are wanting to see him.
Actually, Id like a word with you. Weve been asking a few questions about Melanie Winthrops accident up at the falls all those years ago. I understand it was one of the Miller boys who found her.