Hounded to Death by Laurien Berenson Read Free Book Online Page B

wall,” said Sam.
    â€œWill do. Aunt Peg has already said much the same thing. Now, what’s this about Rufus?”
    Sam’s deep laugh rumbled through the phone. “Just trying it on for size.”
    â€œAnd your supposed Scottish heritage?”
    â€œSupposed, hell. I look fine in a kilt.”
    â€œNo arguments from me, not that I’ve ever had the pleasure. Maybe when I get back?”
    â€œAnytime, babe.”
    â€œNow listen,” I said on a more serious note. “Talk to Davey about the fact that he might be getting a little sister. He’s waited so long for a sibling, I’d really hate for him to be disappointed.”
    â€œI know,” said Sam. “Me too. I’ll work on it.”
    â€œOne more thing. Reach down and give Faith a pat. Tell her it’s from me.”
    â€œAlready done,” said Sam. “She’s been sitting on my lap listening to your voice while we’ve been talking.”
    My heart softened. “I love you.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œDo better.”
    â€œYou’re the love of my life and you always will be.”
    â€œThat works.”
    â€œFor me too,” said Sam.
    Â 
    Bertie got back to the room just before midnight. She beat Aunt Peg by at least an hour. So it was no surprise that my aunt was looking rather bleary eyed at breakfast the next morning.
    Not that I was eating breakfast actually. But I was sitting at a table with the two of them, sipping a glass of orange juice and trying to be sociable.
    Aunt Peg’s a multi-tasker. She had a fork in one hand and the day’s agenda in the other.
    â€œMargo has really outdone herself,” she said. “This schedule has something that should be of interest to just about everyone.”
    â€œBetter still,” said Bertie, “if we get tired of sitting through lectures and panel discussions, all the inn’s facilities are available to us. I’ve got my eye on the spa myself. I’m pretty sure I could use a mud bath or a massage.”
    I watched enviously as she cut off a large square of waffle and stuffed it into her mouth. Bertie never had to worry about her weight. Not only that but whatever carousing she and Alana had been up to the night before, she didn’t seem to be suffering any repercussions.
    â€œRichard wants to try out the hot tub,” said Peg. “He asked if I’d brought a bathing suit with me. Can you just imagine?”
    â€œSure,” I said, lying with conviction. I’d never seen my aunt in a bathing suit and I doubted I ever would. “Speaking of Richard, how was your dinner?”
    â€œIt was fine.”
    I sat and waited. Aunt Peg ignored me and returned to eating her omelet. Obviously she thought her first answer had been sufficient.
    Which of course it hadn’t.
    â€œFine?” Bertie said after a minute. “Just fine?”
    Peg looked up. “What do you mean just fine? Fine is a good thing.”
    â€œFine is an okay thing,” I said. “It’s damning with faint praise. It certainly doesn’t sound very exciting.”
    â€œOh, pish. Who wants excitement at my age?”
    Bertie and I exchanged a glance. As if we were going to buy that . Especially considering the source.
    â€œWe want details,” I said.
    â€œWell, I’d like to win the lottery,” Aunt Peg replied, “and I don’t see that happening either.”
    She looked at her watch, pushed back her chair, and stood. “My dear friend Wanda Swanson will be starting her Saluki lecture shortly and I intend to be sitting front row center when she does. I trust you two can manage to keep yourselves occupied without my guidance?”
    Bertie and I agreed that we could.
    â€œIn that case, I shall see you later. We’ll meet at quarter to three outside the main lecture hall. Does that suit?”
    Charles Evans would be giving the keynote address at three. Before speaking with Margo