Sisters

FIFTEEN




‘This will be your room,’ said Alex, stepping aside so that Dory could enter the guest bedroom which she had made up for her.

Dory walked in and looked around. ‘It’s nice,’ she said carefully. ‘Not as nice as my room at home. But it’s OK . . .’

Your room at home? Alex thought. The home where you are not welcome? She forced herself not to say what she was thinking. Instead she walked over to the closet and opened the door. ‘I put a few of my things in here for you. I think we’re the same size.’

‘How did you know my size?’ Dory asked.

‘The pea coat?’

‘Oh, right,’ said Dory, coming over and running the fabric of a shirt through her fingers. ‘These are nice.’

Alex could hear the murmur of people talking downstairs. Marisol had entered the house and the spirit of the occasion, helping Alex to uncover a tray of sandwiches she had bought and set out glasses for champagne. ‘We better get back to your guests,’ she said.

‘I think I’ll change into this,’ said Dory, choosing an olive-colored knit dress from the closet.

‘OK, well, come down when you’re ready,’ said Alex. She pulled the door shut and went down the stairs. Harold Gathman was at the foot of the steps, talking to a woman who was wearing a hacking jacket and Ugg boots.

‘Mr Gathman, I’m glad you could come.’ Alex extended her hand to the woman he was talking to. ‘We haven’t met,’ she said.

‘I’m a friend of Dory’s,’ the woman said before Alex could even introduce herself. ‘Regina Magill. I was one of Dory’s best customers. I’m kind of a dog broker. I put people together with the dogs they want. I always recommend Dory to the new owners to take care of the dogs. You never met a better girl. So good with animals. Animals can tell, you know. You can’t fool them. They know people.’

Alex smiled and nodded politely, thanking her for coming. Then she went through the house to the kitchen. Marisol was pouring champagne into plastic cups and handed one to Laney Thompson, who had come from across the street for the occasion. ‘Is Seth coming?’ Alex asked Laney. ‘He was at the courthouse.’

‘I’m sure he’ll be here,’ said her neighbor.

‘We’re going through this at a clip,’ said Marisol. ‘Have you got any more?’

‘Out on the back porch. I’ll go get one,’ said Alex. She slipped out the back door, where she had stashed a few bottles of champagne in a cooler filled with ice. She lifted the lid and wrestled one out. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a movement in the trees which flanked the porch. She looked up, peering out into the gloomy yard, and saw a man with a camera trying to conceal himself behind a tree.

Alex set down the champagne bottle and went to the porch door, opening it. ‘What are you doing?’ she demanded.

The man came out from behind the tree. ‘Just wanted to get a few pictures,’ he said apologetically.

‘This is private property. You can’t just come into my yard and start taking pictures.’

‘Hey, this is news,’ he said. ‘You’re living here with a confessed killer.’

‘Who do you work for? Get off my property or I’ll call the police.’

The photographer lifted his camera and took her picture.

‘All right. That’s it,’ Alex cried, pulling out her phone as she descended the steps and strode in his direction. The man backed away from her and then began to lope out the yard.

‘Bastard!’ she yelled after him.

The back door opened and Seth came out onto the porch. ‘Hey. What’s happening out here?’ he asked. ‘I heard yelling.’

‘You’re here,’ Alex said. She was still shaking from her encounter with the cameraman.

‘I wouldn’t miss it,’ he said. ‘This is the most interesting thing that’s happened in this neighborhood in years. So what was going on out here?’

Alex walked back to the house and up the porch steps. ‘Some idiot with a camera wanting a picture of Dory. He had to settle for one of me before I ran him off.’ She sighed. ‘I hope that’s not what we have to look forward to.’

‘I wouldn’t be surprised,’ he said. ‘This is going to be big news for a while.’

‘I suppose so.’ Alex sighed again. Then she looked at him shyly. ‘I saw you in court.’

‘Well, I have to admit I was curious. I’m no attorney but it sounded to me as if she may not have to stand trial on these charges. That Justice Initiative lawyer presented a pretty strong case.’

‘I hope you’re right. It would be good to have this over with.’

‘Not looking forward to this house guest?’ he asked.

‘It’s not that,’ said Alex. ‘It will actually give me a chance to get to know her.’

‘But . . .’

Alex hesitated. ‘No. No buts . . . She is my sister. You know, I’m still not used to saying those words.’

‘You sound convincing,’ he said. ‘Oh, by the way . . .’ He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a square plastic case. He handed it to Alex. ‘I found this after you left.’

Alex put the champagne bottle under her arm and looked at the CD that Seth had just given her. The cover photo of Lauren Colson was soft and sexy, and the title of the album was Love You Only. Alex looked at it and then up at Seth.

‘Thanks,’ she said. ‘That was so nice of you.’ She studied his face. She had often been attracted to men who were difficult and forbidding. Men who didn’t seem to listen to what she said unless she got angry with them. Seth’s face was very masculine, but it had an open quality. An attentiveness. He was interested in her life, and he made no secret of it. Although maybe that was all it was on his part. Simple curiosity.

‘It took me a while to go through that crazy collection of his,’ Seth said. ‘It’s open ’cause it’s used.’

‘Did you listen to it?’

‘I did,’ he said. ‘As I told you, I’m not a country fan, but she did have a beautiful voice. Very soulful.’

‘I don’t think I’ll play it while Dory’s here.’

‘What are you not doing while I’m here?’ Dory asked. She had stepped out onto the back porch. She was wearing the olive-colored knit dress, which fit her slim frame and smoky eyes perfectly. Her reddish hair looked like it was flecked with gold.

Alex slipped the CD inside her sweater and then turned back to Dory. ‘Oh, I was telling Seth that I want to spend a lot of time with you – while you’re here. You look nice,’ she exclaimed.

Dory was unsmiling. ‘What’s going on out here?’

‘Your sister chased off a photographer who was lurking around, trying to get a picture of you,’ said Seth.

‘Of me?’ said Dory.

Alex lifted the bottle of champagne. ‘Yes. I came out here to get this and I saw this guy trying to hide behind a tree in the yard. I told him to get lost and leave us alone.’

‘I’m not supposed to talk to those people. I had enough of them when . . . you know . . . before.’ Dory turned to Seth. ‘Who are you?’

‘Dory, this is Seth Paige. He’s a . . . neighbor.’

‘I thought he was your boyfriend,’ said Dory.

‘No,’ said Alex, feeling herself blush. ‘I don’t . . . have a boyfriend.’

‘Whew, it’s freezing out here,’ Dory said. She shivered and grasped her own upper arms. ‘I’m going back inside.’

‘Good idea,’ said Seth, opening the back door. He turned to Alex. ‘Are you coming?’

‘In a minute,’ said Alex. ‘You go ahead.’ She clutched the bottle to her chest and looked out at the now empty yard, wondering if it was going to become commonplace to have journalists and curiosity seekers lurking there. She wasn’t used to being suspicious of people. She was raised in a home where the door was always open.

She glanced back into the house. She could see people drinking, eating and celebrating, as they often had in the days when her parents were alive. Doug and Cathy Woods were never reluctant to have a party. Their hospitality was casual and inclusive. Alex thought that they would probably be proud of her for what she was doing today. Making a celebration of Dory’s release. Giving her a place to stay, in spite of her misgivings. It had been a difficult decision but, in a way, she felt cornered. If the court was willing to free Dory, how could Alex refuse her sanctuary? She told herself that she had nothing to fear from Dory. They were virtual strangers, and this house was little more than a temporary haven, a place to land when Dory had nowhere else to go.

Suddenly Alex felt a wave of sorrow and anxiety break over her, so strong she felt as if it could knock her down. She missed the life she used to have in this house with people who loved her. She held onto the door frame for a moment, shivering, and gazed in at the cozy scene. She could see that Dory was talking to Seth, her gaze focused on his handsome, bespectacled face. Every so often she would reach up and absently touch his forearm with her hand, as if to reassure herself that she was free. As if to prove that she could touch anyone she wished, and no one could stop her.

Alex finished putting out the trash and came inside to put the last of the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Dory, still wearing the olive dress, came into the kitchen and watched her load up the glasses.

‘That was nice of you. Thanks,’ said Dory.

‘Did you enjoy it?’

Dory shrugged. ‘Sure.’

‘Well, it’s not every day a person gets sprung from prison,’ Alex said.

‘No, that’s true,’ said Dory. She sat down on one of the kitchen chairs and tapped on the surface of the table.

‘So, you were talking to Seth.’

Dory looked up at her suspiciously. ‘And?’

‘Nothing,’ said Alex. ‘I just noticed you two talking.’

‘He’s very nice. And smart,’ said Dory.

‘He is. He’s an instructor at the University of Chicago. That’s a really good school.’

‘I didn’t go to college,’ said Dory ruefully. ‘I’m probably not smart enough for a guy like him. Although I did used to go out with a doctor.’

‘Hmmm . . .’ murmured Alex, thinking about Rick Howland. ‘Well, Seth will probably be going back out to Chicago any day now. He only came home to help his father out when he had surgery.’

‘Doesn’t mean I can’t get to know him,’ said Dory.

There was something in her tone which made Alex feel vaguely uneasy. ‘I didn’t mean that,’ she said. ‘Dory, would you mind helping me clean up?’

‘I thought I’d get one day off,’ Dory said.

‘Everybody has to help around here,’ Alex said lightly.

‘Everybody?’ Dory asked. ‘Who else is there?’

‘I meant both of us,’ said Alex.

‘Then say that,’ said Dory. She picked up a broom and began sweeping the kitchen. ‘I’ve been thinking about something,’ she said.

‘What’s that?’ Alex asked.

Dory carefully made a pile of crumbs with the broom. ‘I was thinking it might be a good idea if we got a dog. You said you always had pets,’ Dory reminded her.

Alex took a deep breath. ‘It’s true. I did. And I like animals. But I don’t know if this is the right time for a dog.’

‘Why not?’ Dory asked.

‘Well, there’s a lot to do in the house. And I’m not sure where I’ll . . . where we’ll be living. You know, in the future . . .’

‘You wouldn’t have to take care of the dog. I know everything about taking care of dogs.’

Alex wiped off the counter and frowned. ‘I suppose you do.’

‘That photographer that was here. That’s not going to be the last time that happens,’ Dory observed.

Alex nodded. ‘You’re probably right.’

‘A dog would keep them away.’

‘Well, maybe. Let’s think about it,’ said Alex.

Dory shoved the broom back into the pantry. ‘Oh, I get it. You make all the decisions. I don’t get a vote.’

‘I just want to think about it,’ Alex protested.

‘It’s just like being back in prison,’ said Dory.

Alex struggled to hold her temper. ‘Isn’t that a little bit of an exaggeration?’

‘What do you know about it?’ Dory asked.

Alex counted to ten, trying not to get into an argument on this first night together. ‘I don’t want you to feel that way,’ she said. ‘This is your home now. I want to feel like you belong here.’

‘This is not my home,’ said Dory. ‘I don’t belong anywhere.’ She left the room. Alex could hear her trudging through the house and mounting the stairs toward her room. The room that now confined her.