Page 54 of The Seven Rings
“Because,” Sonya said slowly, “she wants us—or at least me—to believe her power’s, if not unlimited, more than we can counter.”
“And she’d be wrong.” Picking up the sketchbook again, Cleo drew a quick sketch of Dobbs from memory. And managed to show the frustration as well as the madness. “Because she’s losing.”
“She’s losing,” Sonya agreed. “Every day we’re there, she loses a little more. Every painting of a bride we find and hang is a loss for her. Every room we use, another loss.”
“Hey, cutie.”
Trey turned Sonya’s head toward him, and kissed her.
“Smart women,” he said, “are so damned attractive.”
“She scares me,” Sonya admitted. “But—”
“You scare her right back.”
“Yeah. It’s good to know.”
“Another arrow in the quiver’s how I see it.” Owen jutted his chin toward the manor. “When we figure it all out, you’re going to put one right through her heart.”
“That’s the plan. She’s stopped.” Pleased, Sonya leaned back against Trey. “She ran out of steam, gave up, needs to recharge. Whatever, she’s stopped. Probably up there having one of her tantrums.”
And the thought of that pleased her even more.
They ate, lazed on the beach, and as the afternoon waned, stowed everything away to leave the quiet spot exactly as they’d found it. As they sailed, sliding along with other boats now, Sonya glanced at the manor from time to time.
But saw nothing except the great house on the cliffs.
They docked in the early summer evening, and madeThe Horizonshipshape before they stepped back on land.
“That was really wonderful.” In the truck, Sonya relaxed. “A perfect summer Sunday sail.”
“She’s got running lights,” Cleo pointed out. “Maybe a sunset sail sometime.”
“We could do that.”
“We could drop these guys off at my parents’, walk off our sea legs before dinner.”
“A man with a plan. Bay Arts is still open with its summer hours. I wouldn’t mind going in for a minute, getting a look at the new pieces Anna wants on the website.”
“Walking’s not shopping,” Owen warned.
“Often while walking, I find I might see something that says:Buy me!” Stroking the cat, Cleo smiled. “That’s not shopping either.”
“One step at a time. We’ll drop these guys off.”
When they reached the pretty Victorian, they found Deuce and Corrine in the garden sipping cocktails.
The dogs immediately made themselves at home, greeting their hosts, then wandering around the yard. The cat reserved judgment until Deuce walked over and gave her a long stroke.
She purred.
“She’s such a flirt.” Amused, Cleo stepped over to kiss Deuce’s cheek. “But so am I. Corrine, your garden’s so beautiful.”
“Next to my kids, my pride and joy. And don’t the four of you look windblown and sun-kissed. How about a cold drink? I’m having a Bellini, and Deuce is sticking with his G&T.”
“I’d love a Bellini.”
Echoing Cleo, Sonya held up two fingers.
