Part 29 (1/2)
”Yes, a very long time. And I've enjoyed every minute of it ... well, almost.”
”I am sorry.”
”Sorry?”
”About ... before.”
”Oh. I knew that. Don't give it another thought.”
”You do deserve better,” I said. ”You deserve the best.”
He looked out over the crowd. ”Your husband dumped her. At least for now.” Josh winked. ”The games begin.” He motioned toward Wolfgang, who had already changed into his bulky snowmobile suit.
”Isn't he rus.h.i.+ng things?” I said. ”Linda's party is not exactly over.”
”This could be a major hint that he'd like it to be.”
The jazz trio ended its number and Wolfgang disappeared from the room. Shortly after, I heard the loud buzz of a snowmobile warming up outside.
”Well, Gwyn, it's been a pleasure,” said Josh, ”but hubby is coming this way and he's not exactly smiling. Catch you later.”
”Bye, Josh.”
Trevor marched toward me, his face fiery red. ”What was that?”
”What was what?”
”You, dancing with that loser. What? To get back at me? Pretty childish.”
”No, and lower your voice. Who's being childish?”
”Oh, to h.e.l.l with it. I'll be outside. I'll see you when I'm done.”
I watched him stalk away. Funny how he'd just a.s.sumed I wasn't going.
The jazz group put their instruments back in their cases, and the help staff began to clear the room of stray gla.s.ses and plates. Guests either said their good-byes, or headed to designated rooms to change clothing. Coffee was offered to those left behind.
I wandered to the rear of the house and drew the curtains aside. I could see the headlights of a few snowmobiles parked outside or moving slowly toward the acreage beyond. Josh was gone. Trevor was gone. All of the men had left.
I went off to look for Linda and Caroline.
I found Linda standing alone in the kitchen.
”Aren't you going out?” I asked.
”No, not in the mood. Aren't you?”
”I don't know. I have this cold, and I'm tired. But Trevor's going.”
”I wish they'd all go home. The neighbors might get testy if this thing gets too noisy, though a few of them said they'd join in. Wolfgang's planning a big bonfire afterwards.” She walked to the kitchen table and sat down. ”You want something? Coffee?” she asked.
”Not unless it's decaf.”
”It isn't.”
I sat down with her. ”Your party did turn out great.”
”I suppose it did, but I probably should have cancelled, considering how much I've had to do lately.”
”So when are you leaving for Hawaii?”
”Thursday ... if I go.”
”What do you mean? If you go.”
”Because Wolfgang's a colossal jerk.” The buzzing of the snowmobiles intensified. She glanced toward the window. ”I hope he runs himself into a tree, the b.a.s.t.a.r.d.” She turned back to me. ”Don't worry. I'm not serious-not yet anyway. It looks like we'll be in Maui the first week, at the Grand Wailea Resort. After that, I don't know. Wolfgang says he wants to surprise me. I'll send you a postcard.”
”I'd rather you call.”
”Sure.”
”Can't talk you out of it?”
”No.”
”Have you seen Caroline anywhere?”
”I think I saw her head outside. That's a nice guy she's with. Does she like him?”
”Yes.”
”Well, I hope it works out for her.”
After a while, Linda left to go upstairs and I again tried to watch the others from a window. Lights bobbed up and down invisible mounds of snow and through the trees at the back of the property. Up by the house, I caught sight of two snowmobiles idling, waiting for pa.s.sengers. I couldn't stand it one minute longer. I had to know if Trevor was with Sylvia.
I changed into heavy clothes, picked out a helmet from a pile near the door, then hopped on a snowmobile that didn't appear to be in use. I gunned the engine and charged off.
I knew the property fairly well, enough to know the hazards. Linda and I had walked it several times before she'd made the decision to buy it.
Most of the snowmobiles were still at the back of the property, following the trails that curved through the woods. I sped across the snow, crouched over the snowmobile as it smacked down over several small rises. Gripping the handlebars tighter, I stood, straddling the machine like a steed in full gallop. I cranked open the throttle, giving it gas. Reaching the open field, I raced across it, then braked momentarily to locate the trailhead. I saw it, and punched the throttle open, flying up the curving path. I was gaining on them. I could see their headlights in the near distance through the woods. So concentrated on their lights was I, that I nearly missed the next turn. I slammed on the brakes and slid out so fast the tail end of the snowmobile arced a hundred and eighty degrees. I'd narrowly missed a big st.u.r.dy pine. I stopped and caught my breath, thinking that it wasn't necessary to die and make it easier for Sylvia and Trevor to be together.
Before I could start out again, I heard what sounded like a whump, then screams and shouts. All activity stopped.
I raced up the trail and saw snowmobiles scattered all over. I jumped off and started running.
People were standing over someone on the ground. Headlights were trained on the body, lying still on its back. Two men crouched near it. As I approached, I could see that the body was a woman's. One of the men crouching over her was Trevor. I ran toward him.
”What happened?” I shouted, but he didn't seem to hear me. ”Trevor, what happened? G.o.d, is it Caroline?”
I stopped, and someone grabbed my arm. ”No, Gwyn. It's not. I'm perfectly fine.”