1

WHEN THE card arrived, Corinne’s first impulse was to throw it in the trash. It was an invitation from her boss, Michael Collier, “requesting” her to be one of his guests at his beach house over Labor Day weekend. She didn’t want to go; she detested the man. But she had no choice; he had gained control of her life, and his requests were really orders. It would be extremely unwise to refuse.

Michael was not a nice man. He wasn’t a bad looking man - thirty years old, six feet tall, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was wealthy and, as a result, never had to do - or did - anything he didn’t enjoy. Unfortunately, what he seemed to enjoy doing most was tormenting people. He was good at that, as his victims could attest. He was also a coward. More about that later.

Corinne reminded herself that she wasn’t the only one he controlled. But this sad state of affairs shouldn’t last much longer, she thought. What she couldn’t know was how quickly and suddenly it was to end.

She sat back in her chair, remembering the day the nightmare began, three years ago. Michael had called her into his office and told her, “I’m assembling a team to handle a couple of research assignments that just came up. You’re on it.”

“Thanks, but I’m not interested,” she replied. “I’m working on a project of my own.”

“I don’t think you understand, Cori.” She hated that nickname and he knew it. “You don’t have a choice.”

“What do you mean?”

“Come around here and take a look at this.” He gestured for her to move around his desk, so she could see his computer screen. “I’m very proud of this program. It took me six months to develop and perfect it. I wanted you to see it, since it may concern you.”

She looked at the screen. Page after page showed up on it, showing funds embezzled from the company - small amounts at first, but growing larger over the ‘years’. They were deposited to an account in a bank she had never heard of. She asked him about it.

“It doesn’t exist, except in this program. I think of it as the new, computerized bank. It will probably exist in the future for real. There aren’t any buildings; all transactions are done by computer. It was easy to program it, and put several dummy accounts in. It looks totally legitimate. Keep reading.”

She did. She saw that the total amount deposited to the pertinent account was over $300,000. In growing disbelief, she noticed that there was no name, of any of the usual personal information showing to whom the account belonged.

She looked at him with disgust. “You’re saying that you will put my name on this account if I don’t work with you? What’s to stop me from blowing the whistle on you?”

“You won’t be able to prove it,” Michael told her. “This isn’t in the company’s computer system - yet. I won’t put it in, unless I have to. And if I do, no one will be able to tell that it isn’t real. My computer talents are extraordinary, if I do say so myself. I even figured out a way for money to actually be gone from the company’s account, looking like it happened just the way this program shows.” He sat back, a smug look on his face. “Oh, don’t think about stealing the disc. It takes a special code to access it, and if you remove the disc without first inputting another code, it is wiped clean. There’s another disc with all this on it, but in a very safe place, to removing this one won’t stop my plans.

“You expect me to believe that you developed this program just to get me to work with you?” Corinne was scornful. “I don’t believe that for a nanosecond. You dislike me as much as I dislike you.”

“You’re absolutely correct. I’ve shown the program to others; never mind who. You’ll find out soon enough. But, as long as you all do what I want, this program will not be used. I like to think of it as loyalty insurance.”

“Loyalty insurance!? Cooperation insurance, maybe! You’ll never get any real loyalty with those tactics!”

“Whatever.” He waved her remarks off as though they were of no consequence. “However, from here on in, you’ll do what I tell you. You’ll start by working on my project...”

“YOUR project!?”

“...support me as team leader, and in anything else I may decide to go after. And don’t try to sabotage me by doing inferior work. Don’t try to spoil my plans, or you will regret it.” His expression changed, as he envisioned a bright future for himself - or what he would do to those who opposed him. Then he looked straight at her. “You won’t have to stop working on your current project; just add this to your workload.” He handed her a file folder. “I know you’ll be able to handle them both. That will be all.”

Corinne left his office, fuming. How dare he!? What was the matter with him, that he had to use blackmail to get people to work with him? Or was there more to it than that? Whatever it was, he had to be stopped. But, how to do it? As she walked to her office, thoughts of a knife, a gun, poison and strangulation had all passed through her mind, and were immediately rejected. She wanted him punished in a way that wouldn’t hurt anyone, but that he would remember for a long time. She looked at the work on her desk and decided to put the problem out of her mind until this project was finished. She got to work to try to complete it as soon as possible.

She couldn’t put it out of her mind too long, however. She found that she couldn’t sleep that night for thinking about what had happened. She sat up in bed, her arms around her bent legs, her chin on her knees, musing. So many ‘whys’. Why was he doing this? Heck, why was he working at all? With his wealth, he could be traveling around the world with the jet set crowd. Crowd, crowd - wait a minute - of course! He hated crowds. He doesn’t want to be one of many, following the crowd. He wants to be the one on top, in front, the one in control. To be calling the shots; that was as necessary to him as breathing! He was going to work his way to the top of the company, and then.....what?

He was very clever at getting what he wanted, she reluctantly admitted to herself. That program he created, for instance............

She rolled over onto her stomach, pushed the pillow under chest and rested her chin in her hands, thinking about that program, with all the details and time he had to spend getting it exactly right. A glimmer of an idea came to her, and she pondered it. What if she created a program of her own; not a phony one like his, but one with facts. What if she gathered evidence of his misdeeds, with corroboration? It would be risky; if he got wind of what she was up to, that would be it for her. Plus, it would take time, while he continued on his merry way, trampling people’s lives. But, if it worked - and it just might - everyone would be free of him, and he would get what was coming to him. She moved the pillow back up, rolled onto her back and put her hands behind her head. A smile spread across her face as she fell asleep, planning her strategy.

Corinne sat up, the invitation still in her hand. It had taken three long years of work to get to the point where she felt she could present her evidence to the right people. Three years of keeping silent while he got rewards he didn’t earn, while he hurt and cheated people who didn’t deserve such treatment. Many times during those years, she wished she could have brought him down sooner. But try as she did, only now was she certain her plan would work.

It was Monday. The invitation said to arrive Friday evening. Would she get a response before then, she wondered. Well, no sense in thinking about that now. It will happen when it happens. She wanted very much to be there when it did. She shook herself mentally, and went back to work.

2

Corinne drove to the beach house after work. On the way, she thought about having to face Michael, not knowing the outcome of what she had done. She hadn’t heard back from anyone to whom she had sent the evidence, but wasn’t surprised. She knew they would want to check everything out thoroughly before coming to a decision. It was just not knowing when they would do something that made her nervous.

She considered herself lucky that Michael never tried to force her into having an affair with him. Maybe he didn’t consider her attractive enough. She didn’t think of herself as beautiful, but thought she was fairly attractive, with naturally wavy auburn hair, which she kept fairly short and dark brown eyes, which she thought was her best feature. Maybe, she thought, since she was two years older than he was, she treated him - subconsciously - like a younger relative, which put him off. Or maybe since she was only five foot four and the shortest person in the group, not tall enough for him. He could be strange like that.

She arrived at the beach house around seven fifteen. She realized she wasn’t the first to arrive when she saw two cars she recognized. One belonged to Paul and Carla Evans, the other to Lisa Maguire.

Paul and Carla were co-workers, and close friends of Corrine. She thought he was what people thought of when they used the phrase “tall, dark and handsome”. He was six foot two with dark brown hair and eyes. He was brilliant at what he did, but his work had gone unnoticed, thanks to Michael’s deviousness. He, too, had been threatened with the same program as Corinne. Plus, in the past three years, Michael had promised Paul a promotion with a substantial raise four times, only to back out.

Carla, Paul’s wife, was a perfect match for him. She had the same dark brown hair, but where his was wavy, hers was straight, and worn in a becoming pageboy. She was a year younger than Corinne, and three years younger than her husband. She was also six inches shorter than he was, which he said he considered made them fit together perfectly. She was one of those women forced into a brief affair with Michael, and now had the unfortunate position as his secretary/assistant, meaning she did most of his work.

Liza was Michael’s current girlfriend, and hostess for the weekend. She was the same height as Carla, with lovely blonde hair and emerald green eyes. She was very attractive and, although only twenty four years old, highly intelligent and capable. But Michael was constantly putting her down, and seemed to enjoy humiliating her, finding fault with everything. Corinne suspected that Lisa, too, had been forced into the relationship and couldn’t get out of it.

Corinne was met at the door by Mrs. Wexler, the housekeeper. “Good evening, Miss Alcott. It’s nice to see you again. I hope you are in good health.”

“Good evening, Mrs. Wexler. I’m fine thank you. You are looking well.” She followed the housekeeper into the house and up the stairs. “How is your husband?” Mr. Wexler was the mechanic/handyman.

“Thank you, he’s well. I’ve given you the same room you were in the last time you were here. I hope that will be satisfactory.”

“Very. It’s a lovely room. But then, all the rooms are. You should be proud of how wonderful they look.”

“It’s a pleasure to keep this house up. Here we are.”

She opened the door, and they entered a small, but pleasant room, whose windows opened onto a marvelous ocean view. She went over and opened one. “Dinner is at eight thirty, but Mr. Collier has requested that everyone be downstairs by eight for drinks. And, of course, we still dress for dinner. If there’s anything you need, please let me know.” Mrs. Wexler looked around to make sure everything was in order, then left, closing the door behind her.

Corinne stood in the middle of the room, looking around for a moment It really was a lovely house. It was L shaped and since it stood on an outcropping of land, both the outside sides faced the water, giving those rooms wonderful views. She went to the window and looked out at the peaceful ocean view before her. She knew that when everyone had gathered downstairs, the atmosphere would be anything but peaceful. She glanced at the clock beside the bed. It was seven thirty. She hurried to unpack and dress for dinner.

She entered the living room to find that another co-worker had arrived. James Donovan was in the room with Michael and Lisa. He was Paul’s age, six feet tall, with light brown hair and green eyes. He was looking very uncomfortable and somewhat upset when Corinne walked in. She suspected that Michael was up to his usual antics.

“And here come the rest of my guests, right on time,” Michael said genially. Corinne looked around to see Paul and Carla walking in behind her. “I’ve made Bellini for everyone to try.” Mrs. Wexler came in, carrying a tray with six filled glasses and a pitcherful of the drink. “Go ahead, take one.” Michael took two and handed one to Lisa. “I have a toast to make.”

When everyone had a glass and the housekeeper had left the room, Michael raised his glass and said, “To my promotion to Vice President.”

“What!” James shouted. “Michael, you’re lying! How dare you!?

We all know there are no openings for a vice presidency, and even if there were, you’ve done nothing to earn it, don’t know anything about....”

“Easy, James.” Paul put a hand on James’ shoulder. “It won’t help anyone, least of all you, to rant and rave about this.” He turned to Michael. “But James is right about the openings, Michael. How can you say that? Or do you have some information which makes you expect an offer?”

“Oh, I expect it all right. Chris Henderson is leaving the company - for personal reasons.” He smiled as if he knew those reasons. “Who else would they choose to replace him?”

Corinne looked uncomfortable. She knew what those reasons were and who had ferreted them out, making sure the right people learned about them. Chris did have problems, but he was working hard to overcome them. He didn’t need or deserve this kind of treatment. She silently wished him well, and hoped.....

“Everyone drink,” ordered Michael. “Who knows, maybe you’ll all benefit from this.”

In a pig’s eye! Thought Carla. “Michael, this is delicious,” she said, hoping to give James some time to regain his composure. “What’s in it?”

“Fresh peach juice and sparkling white wine. There’s more, if you want some.” Carla nodded. Michael got the pitcher and poured some into her glass. He then put his hand on her hip, and whispered into her ear, causing her to stiffen, but she said nothing. Paul, noticing what happened, looked angry, but kept silent.

Promptly at eight thirty, Mrs. Wexler came back into the room to announce dinner. As they went into the dining room, Corinne found herself walking next to James. She leaned toward him and said quietly, “Try to keep your cool. Maybe the promotion will fall through.”

“I’d like to see him fall through - into a very deep hole,” he growled.

“Ok, everyone, find your places and be seated,” said Michael. “Chef Anton has done his usual superb job, I’m sure, so enjoy. Enjoy!”

As good as the food was, no one except Michael seemed to be able to eat much, or enjoy it. The wine however, was another story. The glasses were constantly being refilled. Michael kept up a constant monologue, commenting on everything from the food to the weather and anything in between. He didn’t seem to notice that no one else was eating or talking very much. Or, if he did notice, he didn’t care.

When dinner, which seemed interminable to Corinne, was finally over, everyone rose to have coffee and dessert in the living room. Michael grew more expansive, complimenting everything and everyone, but his compliments to the women made them uncomfortable. Liza tried to point this out to him and he snapped at her, then continued as if she hadn’t spoken. Finally, when he had finished a second cup of coffee, he stood up and said, “I’m going to take a walk along the beach to work off some of that meal. I’ll see you all in the morning. Come Lisa.” Lisa, with a slight show of reluctance, stood up, took his outstretched hand, and they left.

Corinne went to the window and watched them walk toward the water. Behind her, James exploded. “That man is going to get what’s coming to him one of these days. I hope I’m there when it happens.”

“We all want to see him get what he deserves, James,” Carla said. “And the sooner, the better.” She turned to her husband and put her arms around him, holding him tightly. Paul held her close to him.

Corinne turned from the window. She wanted to tell them what she’d done, but couldn’t, not yet. Well, she thought, maybe some time during this weekend, she would be able to. One could but hope... “It’s been a long day, and I for one am tired. I think we could all use some sleep. Good night, everyone.”

Carla released Paul. “I’ll go up with you.” She kissed her husband and walked over to Corinne. “We’ll let them indulge in some man talk.” The two women left the room.

Paul watched them go, then went and sat down on the sofa. “James, you need to be more careful,” he said. “If you say the wrong thing, and Michael’s in the wrong mood, you could end up losing just about everything.”

“I know, I know.” James sat down heavily in one of the chairs. “It’s just that sometimes, when he surprises me like he did this evening, I lose control. Thanks for stopping me.” He leaned back and sighed. “I don’t know how you do it, the way he treats Carla, and right in front of you.”

“Don’t remind me. Sometimes, I’d like to rip his heart out. I may have a long fuse, but it’s getting shorter all the time.” He paused for a few moments. “Did you notice the look on Corinne’s face when she turned from the window? She’s up to something, and I’d sure like to know what it is. I hope it bodes no good for Michael.”

“I didn’t notice, but I hope you’re right. She’s a good lady, and deserves better than what she’s getting from him.”

“Don’t we all?”

The two men sat in a companionable silence for a while. The muted sound of the ocean was calming for both of them. Finally, Paul stood up and stretched. “Well, I’m off to bed. You coming?”

“In a bit. I’m enjoying the silence. See you in the morning.”

“Good night, then.” Paul left the room and went upstairs.

Meanwhile, Corinne and Carla walked up the stairs together, talking. “Corinne, I really hope someone can stop Michael, and soon. I don’t know how much more humiliation I can take from that man, and I’m so afraid that Paul might one day do something we’d both regret.”

“Just hang in there a little longer, Carla. I have a strong feeling that things will change for the better soon. No, don’t ask me how or why,” she added as Carla looked questioningly at her. “Just hold the good thought.” They stopped at Corinne’s room. “Try to get a good night’s sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Carla hugged her. “You’re such a good friend. You always make me feel better. Good night, then. I”ll see you tomorrow.” She went on to her room.

Just as Corinne was about to get into bed, there was a knock on the door. She put her robe on, turned on the light and opened the door. Mrs. Wexler was standing there, bolding an envelope, which she gave to Corinne. “This just came for you, Miss Alcott. I hope it isn’t bad news.”

Corinne opened the envelope, took out the single sheet it contained and scanned the contents. “No, Mrs Wexler, it isn’t bad news. In fact, it’s very good news. Thank you for bringing it to me so quickly.”

“You’re very welcome, Miss Alcott. Sleep well.”

Removing her robe and turning off the light, Corinne got into bed, turned on the bedside lamp, and reread the contents of the envelope. It said:

Your package received and examined. All interested parties agree that the evidence warrants immediate and severe measures must be taken against Michael Collier. Please advise him that we will see him first thing Tuesday morning. Also, we are considering suitable compensation for injured parties.

It was signed, William Crandall, C.E.O.

Corinne put the sheet of paper back into the envelope and put the envelope into her purse. She climbed back into bed and turned off the light. Putting her hands behind her head, she lay back, sighed deeply and imagined what the scene would be like when she told him in the morning. She fell asleep while thinking about her third scenario.

3

When she woke up the next morning, Corinne felt more rested and refreshed than she had in a long time. The first thing she did, however, was check her purse. She wanted to be sure she hadn’t dreamed last night’s revelation. The envelope was there, and the sheet of paper inside still said the same thing.

She washed, brushed her hair, dressed and arrived in the dining room around eight. Michael, Paul and Carla were already there. “Good morning, Cori,” Michael greeted her cheerfully. “Sleep well?”

“Very well, Michael,” she replied. “But, if you can spare a few minutes later this morning, I have something to talk to you about, in private.”

“So serious on a holiday weekend.” He looked at her intently for a moment. With some difficulty, she kept her face expressionless. “All right, come into my study at nine. We’ll talk then.” He stood up. “I won’t be able to spend today with you all. Something’s come up, and I have some last minute details to clear up. I’m sure you can find something to amuse yourselves. I’ll see you all at seven thirty in the living room for drinks. Until then.....” He took a cup of coffee and a croissant with him as he left the room.

Corinne sat down and helped herself to some scrambled eggs and a croissant. She looked over at Paul and Carla. They looked somewhat upset, but relieved that Michael had left. “Cheer up, you two,” she said as she poured herself some coffee from a decanter on the table. “Though I can’t give you any details yet, I can assure you that things are about to change. For the better.”

They looked at her questioningly. “How do you know? Paul asked. “What are you up to?”

“Let’s just say I got word from higher up, and leave it at that for now. Where are the others?”

“I haven’t seen Lisa this morning,” Carla replied. James was here about twenty minutes ago, grabbed some coffee and an orange and said he would have breakfast on the beach.” Both she and Paul were looking more cheerful. “Well, since we have the day to ourselves, what shall we do?”

“I think I’d better go find James,” Paul said. “I don’t think he should be alone, the mood he’s in. And maybe the two of us can keep each other from doing anything we’ll regret later. Why don’t you two ladies go into town and see what’s going on there, shop, chat, have lunch - you know, whatever ladies do when they get together?”

“Sounds good to me. What do you think, Corinne?”

“I like the idea. I’ll have to see Michael before we go. Let’s meed in the foyer at, say, nine thirty. Ok?”

“Find. Il get changed into something more appropriate for a lot of walking. If I know you - and I do - I’ll need to.” Carla kissed her husband. “Have a good day, Paul. Give James my love.” She kissed Paul again, more deeply. He responded, pulling her onto his lap.

“Only a little of it, darling. The majority of your love is for me, remember?

“Of course, Paul. Now let me up. What is Corinne going to think?”

That you two love each other even more than you did when you got married. I think it’s terrific seeing you both like this. Encore!” She grinned.

Paul and Carla laughed as they both stood up. “Enough for now,” said Paul. “I’m off to find James. I’ll see you both whenever you get back. Don’t buy out the town, you two,” he added as he left.

Corinne smiled up at Carla. “Do all men say that to their wives who are about to go into town?”

Carla laughed. “I think it’s genetic. Well, have a nice breakfast. See you at nine thirty.”

Corinne finished her food, then helped herself to an orange and some more coffee and started to peel the orange. How would Michael take the news? She wondered. As she sipped her coffee, she decided to tell him straight out. Quick and clean, that’s how it would be; then she and Carla would be off to town.

She finished her breakfast, and was about to leave the dining room, when she heard a scream from the direction of the study. It was Lisa. Corinne started toward the study, but Lisa’s next words stopped her.

“You monster! How could you do this!? I’ve done everything you wanted and more. This is how you treat me? You...you...” Lisa screamed again, this time in pain.

“Don’t you ever try that again,” Michael snarled at her. “You’ve had it good compared to some others! Be grateful I haven’t treated you worse. I could, you know. I even might, after what you just tried. No, get out!”

“I’ll get you for this! You won’t get away with this! I’ll find some way to stop you, no matter what of how long it takes!” Lisa came running out of the study, slamming the door behind her. She rushed by Corinne, who tried to go after her, but before she could say a word, Lisa grabbed her purse and keys from the table in the foyer and stormed out of the house. She got in her car and roared off.

Corinne, seeing a movement out of the corner of her eye, looked up and saw Carla ascending the stairs. Well, that was loud enough for the whole house to hear. She looked back down the hall and saw the housekeeper disappear around the corner. She looked at her watch and saw that it was eight fifty. She would get the letter and be at his study door on the dot of nine. She was more than anxious to get it over with.

At two minutes to nine, she came back down the stairs. She went to the study door, took a deep breath and as the clock on the mantel in the living room chimed the hour, she knocked on the door. She heard a gruff “Come in,” and she opened the door. Michael was sitting at his desk, with his back to her looking out the window. “Don’t just stand there, come in and close the door.” She closed the door and, as she approached the desk, saw his letter opener on the carpet. She bent down to pick it up.

“Leave it,” he growled. “Can you believe it? That little bitch tried to stab me with it.” Corinne could easily believe it, but said nothing. “Well, she’ll never get another chance. Now, I’ve got a little fob for you.” He turned around to face her, and she realized he could see everything reflected in the window.

“No.”

“No?” His eyebrows raised. He leaned forward. “I think you forget who you are talking to.”

“I haven’t forgotten and you heard me correctly. That’s what I came to talk to you about. You are no longer calling the shots. The Board of Directors want to see you first thing Tuesday morning, and not to give you a promotion. They know the truth about you and are planning to take action against you.

“That’s a lie! He stood up and came around the desk toward her. “I am being promoted, not disciplined! There’s no way those idiots in their ivory towers could know anything about anything! If this is your idea of a joke, it’s a poor one, in very bad taste. I don’t know what you’re up to, but it won’t work. Keep it up and I’m going to have to.....”

“You’re going to have to report to the Board on Tuesday morning, and nothing else,” she told him firmly, standing her ground. She took the letter out of the envelope and handed it to him. “It’s no joke. Read it.”

He did. “What’s this? What ‘package’ are they talking about? What did you send them?”

“Evidence of just about everything you’ve been doing to people over the last three years. Documents, letters, memos, tapes, all corroborate and irrefutable. Did you think that you were the only one able to create a computer program? Only mine isn’t phony. Did you think you were untouchable? Apparently so, because you were careless, and I was able to get access to that program you’ve been using against me - and others. And you never knew,” She was scornful. “How stupid, how egotistical of you! Well, now you know - and so does the Board of Directors. And before you say it - and I can see that you’re thinking it - you were never betrayed; you never lost our loyalty. You can’t lose what you never had. I told you that day, you would never have anyone’s loyalty, not really. You were the betrayer! You betrayed each and every one of us time and time again, whenever it suited you! And now you’re going to have to pay for what you’ve done!”

Michael went back to his chair and sat down, his face white and his hands shaking. “How could this happen to me? What went wrong? I can’t believe this is happening to me. I didn’t think anyone would have the nerve to retaliate.”

“Well, you were wrong. And it’s time to pay the piper. You’ve got a lot to make up for.”

“ What am I going to do now? What am I going to do?”

“You’re going to walk into that conference room Tuesday morning. You will accept their decision; you’ll take whatever discipline they give you like a man should. And you will start giving people the consideration and respect they deserve!”

Michael looked at Corinne with fear and hatred. “Get out. But,” as she turned to leave, “Don’t any of you try to go home. This isn’t over yet! GET OUT!”

Corinne left the study quickly and closed the door. Mrs. Wexler and Carla were both in the hall, looking worried. “Are you alright, Miss Alcott?” the housekeeper asked. They could hear Michael moving around in the room, cursing.

“I’m fine, Mrs. Wexler, but I think we should leave the area quickly. Mr. Collier is in a very foul mood,” she replied as he cursed even louder. They all left the hall, Carla and Corinne going upstairs to Corrine’s room.

“What did you say to him, Corrine?” Carla asked as they went inside.

“I told him that the Board of Directors knew the truth about him, and showed him proof I received last night. He can’t hurt or use anyone any longer.” Corinne sat down on the bed, shaking. “It was harder than I thought, but satisfying to a certain extent. Just give me a few minutes to calm down, and we’ll go into town like we planned.”

Just then, both women started as they heard him come upstairs yelling, “Milton! Milton, where are you? Help me get my clothes changed. I’ve spilled coffee all over me. MILTON!”

“I’m here sir,” the valet replied from the door to Michael’s room at the end of the hall. “You’ll be cleaned up and changed in no time at all, and I’m sure you’ll fell much better for it.” The rest of his soothing words were lost as the door closed, though Michael’s voice could still be heard.

“Are you ready to go now, Corinne?” asked Carla. “I’d like to leave while he’s still in his room.”

“That’s a good idea. She picked up her purse. “Are you ready?”

Carla nodded. “Let’s go, then.” They went downstairs, where they saw the housekeeper in the dining room, clearing away the last of the breakfast things.

“Oh, Mrs. Wexler,”

“Yes, Miss Alcott?”

“Carla and I are going into town, and won’t be back until later this afternoon. So we won’t be here for lunch.”

“A wise decision. I’ll tell Chef Anton. He’ll be disappointed you won’t be here to sample his luncheon cuisine.”

“Tell him we will be disappointed, also. But we won’t miss his dinner.”

“I certainly hope not, Miss.” Chef Anton was in the doorway leading to the kitchen. “Except for Mr. Collier, none of you ate very much last night.”

“My apologies, Anton,” said Carla. “It was the atmosphere, not the food, which dampened our appetites. The food was wonderful. But then, it always is.”

Chef Anton looked mollified. “Then let us hope the atmosphere improves tonight. But, Mr. Collier is not usually known for making things pleasant for others, is he?”

“That will be all, Chef Anton,” said Mrs. Wexler sharply. “You may go.” When he returned to the kitchen, she said to the women, “I hope you have a pleasant time in town. They are having a crafts fair. I’ve gone a few times and enjoyed it very much.”

“Thank you, we’ll check it out,” said Corinne, and she and Carla left the house.

4

They took Corrine’s car, and went into town, where they found the fair in full swing. They went from booth to booth, buying little, but admiring everything. They stopped at the booth of an artist who did portraits in pastels. Corrine persuaded Carla to sit for him, while she watched. The result was well worth the price, and the artist was gratified by their praise. Corrine got his name and address; she had an idea for a Christmas gift.

When they sat down at an open air café for lunch, they saw Lisa standing off a ways. Carla looked at Corrine a moment, then waved at Lisa to get her attention. Lisa came over, but didn’t want to stay. “You ladies don’t really want me to interrupt you. I’m no going to be very good company for some time.”

“What’s wrong, Lisa”? When Lisa hesitated, Carla added, “Please tell us.”

“Michael showed me ‘evidence’ that my brother had been stealing drugs from my father’s pharmacy here in town and selling them on the street to kids. That’s how Michael got me to have an affair with him, and be his ‘hostess’. But now he says he has evidence that my brother had my father’s full knowledge and cooperation, and he can’t ‘in good conscience’ keep it to himself any longer. Can you believe he actually said ‘in good conscience’? He doesn’t have one. He’s going to ruin my brother’s and father’s lives, just for his own amusement.” She sat down, covered her face with her hands and her shoulders started shaking.

Carla got up, went over to Lisa and put her arms around the girl’s shoulders. “No he won’t, Lisa. He’s got major problems of his own to deal with now. He isn’t going to have time to hurt others.” She looked at Corrine.

Lisa looked up at Carla, then over at Corrine. “Really? How can you be so sure?”

Corrine took one of Lisa’s hands in hers and looked directly into her eyes. “I’m sure, Lisa, and you can be, too. But you’d better stay away from the beach house fora while. I had a talk with Michael after you left. It put him in a very foul mood.” She gave Lisa’s hand a little squeeze. Lisa began to look happier and put her other hand on top of Corrine’s. Carla added her hand to the pile, and they all smiled at each other.

The three women spent the afternoon together, checking out the rest of the booths, and getting to know each other. They parted from Lisa, who was going to see her father, and drove back to the beach house, arriving about four thirty. Paul came outside to meet them, and praised the portrait of Carla. Then he told them that Michael had gone back into his study half an hour after they left, and no one had heard a peep out of him since.

“The entire staff was in the kitchen talking about the fight you had with him when James and I came in, Corrine. They seemed to admire the way you stood up to him.”

Corrine looked embarrassed. “Carla can tell you that I was shaking when I came out of the study. I don’t think I could do that again.”

“Well, maybe whatever you did had a salutary effect on him. At any rate, he hasn’t bothered anyone since. In the meantime, how about being a cheering section for James and me? We’ve been playing backgammon since lunch; best of seven. We’re about to start the seventh game now.”

“Maybe after I’ve had a shower,” his wife replied. “It was fun, but I’m hot and sticky.” Corrine agreed with her.

They went into the house together and were met by James. “The board’s set up for the deciding game, if you’re ready. Or do you want to concede now?”

Paul laughed. “Oh, no. I beat you three times; I can do it again.”

“Come on, then.” The two men went back into the living room, and the women went upstairs to their rooms.

Corrine showered and washed her hair. The water felt so good, she just stood under the shower head and let the water flow over her for a few minutes. She finally got out, dried herself off and wrapped a towel around her head. She looked at the bed longingly. She was still tired and wanted to lie down. Well, maybe for just a few minutes..........