A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 68



"This is my house."

"But where are we?"

"Ah. We are in a distant corner ofMaine ." "So, I'm your prisoner now."

"You are my guest."

"A guest who can't leave.Sounds like prison to me."

"We need time to get to know each other again. I will not be shut out of your life this time. I will not share you with another. This time, you will believe. This time, you will be mine."

"So you're going to keep me locked up inside this house?" She stared down at her hands, noticing, for the first time, that she was holding the brush so tightly, her knuckles were white. "And what if I believe and I still don't want you? Still don't want to be what you say you are?"

"Then I will let you go."

"Why won't the doors or windows open?"

"Because I did not wish them to, but they will open for you now." "Did you take my phone?"

"Yes."

There was no need to ask why.

She glared at him, angry and more than a little frightened.

Gently, he took the paint brush from her hand and dropped it into a can of turpentine. "Come," he said quietly, "walk with me."

Though it sounded like an invitation, she knew she had no choice. When he offered her his hand, she took it. Together, they walked down the stairs. The front door opened at a wave of his hand and they stepped outside.

The night was cool and clear. A full moon hung low in the sky, bathing the trees and flowers in a wash of silver. Electric lights illuminated a flagstone path that led around the side of the house and through a wrought iron gate that opened into an enormous yard. Tall trees grew in the distance. Closer at hand were flower beds filled with roses and shrubs. There were trees cut into a variety of shapes: a bear standing with one paw raised, a unicorn looking over its shoulder, an elephant standing on its hind legs, a giraffe, a whale, a seal, a dragon. There were a number of fruit trees and, further down the path, a small natural pond. A large gazebo stood in the middle of the yard, surrounded by rose bushes. A high wall surrounded the yard and the house. She made note of the trees that grew near the wall. It wouldn't be too difficult to shinny up one of the trees and climb over the wall.

Dominic's hand tightened on hers. "The wall is electrified.To discourage vandals."