Page 17 of A Dark and Stormy Night

Gwen had designed the cottage and coaxed the Virtue Falls planning commission into allowing them to build it by donating massive native growth easements on either side of their property, easements that in perpetuity could never be developed. Then she had decorated it herself, wisely keeping to cool shades of blue and white, and for color, a delicately patterned Japanese red silk kimono displayed on the wall. She wanted nothing to distract from the centerpiece of the room—the wall of windows that looked out over the magnificent vista of forest, beach and ocean.

Gwen waited in anticipation for the gasps of awe and praise.

Cecily said nothing.

Landon put down the suitcases with a thump.

After a silence that went on five beats too long, Gwen said, “I hope you’ll be comfortable here.”

“Oh. Yes. Yes! Of course! It is so . . . original . . . and cutting-edge clever. I can't imagine how much thought and effort you put into designing and decorating this place.” Cecily went to the bed and pressed on the plush down comforter. “I simply don’t understand why we aren’t allowed to stay in the house with you.”

Gwen barely knew how to respond. Guests were always enthusiastic about the idea of their own residence set in such magnificent surroundings. “Well . . . because . . . in the house, the second bedroom is small and off the kitchen and has no view. We built this so our guests could enjoy some privacy and—” She stopped herself.

She and Mario worked hard. They had built the firm together, they were childless, and they were dedicated to each other. For them, after a hard day at work, having their home to themselves was important, and she would not apologize for offering luxurious accommodations to relatives who had invited themselves to stay.

With a snap, she said, “As I said, you’re welcome to visit at the main house at any time. Now, the kitchenette is stocked with juices and healthy snacks. If you’ve forgotten any toiletries, you should find what you need on the tray on the bathroom counter. The gas fireplace is on a timer, so if you wish to enjoy the firelight as you go to sleep, feel free to do so.” She glanced at Landon.

He grinned like a normal man who looked forward to a romantic evening with his wife. But he kept his mouth shut.

Landon was tall and lanky, with a gaunt look around his cheeks and prematurely gray hair. He hadn't said a word since his initial Hi, good to meet you, and Gwen wondered if Cecily withheld food as punishment for insubordination.

Poor guy. Gwen put her hand on the cloisonné tray with the bottle, the cork pull, and the two gold-rimmed crystal glasses. “As a welcome gift, we left you an appetizer tray and wine from one of Washington’s finest wineries. The Chardonnay is one of our favorites, so we hope you will enjoy it.”

Cecily sighed wistfully. “If only I could. But my acid reflux won't allow me to drink the tiniest drop of liquor of any kind.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Gwen was pretty sure she didn’t give a damn.

“It’s really okay. I’ll be the one laughing when you drinkers destroy your livers.”

Gwen, and her liver, were speechless.

Oblivious to her faux pas—or was she?—Cecily walked over to the window and looked out.

Gwen told herself to relax, for who could resist that idyllic view of primal forest and distant ocean?

Cecily ran her hand over the sill, looked at her fingers, rubbed them as if she had detected dust, and asked, “Where are the curtains?”

“The curtains?”

“Yes. Curtains. For this window.”

“The copper trim was added as a decorative frame for the view. It doesn't need any more embellishment.”

“It's not about embellishment, Cousin Gwen." Cecily sounded as if she was explaining the principles of decency to a child. "People can see in!”

Gwen took a firm grip on her patience. “No. They can't. Virtue Falls is the closest town, five miles to the north. We’re off the main highway, no one comes out here, and even if someone wandered onto the property by mistake, the ground drops away steeply at this side of the cottage and it's impossible for anyone on the ground to see more than the bottom of the deck.”

Cecily’s artificially plumped lips wrinkled like a prune. “Can someone get up to the deck from the ground?”

“No, the only way onto the deck is through these doors.” Gwen flung open the slider and stepped out to let the cool ocean breeze cool her cheeks.

Landon followed her out.

Cecily hurried after them. “Heavens, Cousin Gwen! I don't want you to feel guilty or remiss."

Not a problem!

"I just feel so . . . exposed." Cecily hugged herself.

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