The Alpine Betrayal (31 page)

“L.A.,” he answered, his brown-eyed gaze level with mine. “But now I’m thinking S.F. I could fly down there and be back in Fairbanks Monday morning.”

I kept my voice steady. “Is that what you want to do?”

Adam looked away, to the windshield, which was already almost covered with thick flakes of snow. “I’m not sure. I’d call first.”

“Good thinking.” I should be giving him advice, I told myself. Or encouragement. Or something. Instead, I waited.

“Would he pitch a four-star fit?” Adam continued to stare at the white windshield.

“Probably not. As long as it wasn’t awkward for Mrs. Cavanaugh.”

Now he turned again to face me. “Do you want to come?”

“No.” I gave a single shake of my head. “Not this time.”

“It’s the first time,” Adam pointed out.

Let’s hope it’s not the only time
, I thought, and was astonished at my reaction. “That’s okay.”

Adam opened the car door. “I’ll call now, then check the flights,” he said into a flurry blowing out of the north.

“I’ll get the number,” I responded, careful to watch my footing on the surface of newly fallen snow. There were times when my ankle still hurt.

Inside the house, I busied myself while Adam took up the phone. On my knees, I shoved crumpled newspaper
under the grate, piled up kindling, and dumped a couple of logs on top. Striking a match, I tensed as I heard Adam’s voice, tentative but clear.

“Hi, this is Adam Lord. Your son.”

I caught my breath. How like Adam to be so direct! What must Tom be thinking? I tried to picture him at the other end, gripping the receiver and chewing on his lower lip.

Adam was laughing. “Right, I’m in Alpine … Yeah, well, I’ve got all this money…. Huh? Right, she’s fine, she’s here playing with matches…. No, not till Monday, so I thought maybe I’d fly down to—okay, sure, right…. No, I haven’t checked with the airlines yet.” Still grinning, Adam glanced over at me and gave a thumbs-up sign. “I’ll call you when I land. What? Call ahead from Sea-Tac? Okay. Thanks … sir.”

I struck a match and set off the fire. But it was Adam who had lighted up the world.