Castle Rock by Carolyn Hart

Author:Carolyn Hart
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781616148744
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Published: 2014-01-09T05:00:00+00:00

It wasn’t going to be easy to search the Minters’ cabin because Lou Minter spent most of the day lying on her bed, pillows fluffed behind her, watching TV and eating chocolates.

The next day Serena waited impatiently until midmorning, then she walked down to the garage. She went into a supply shed, picked up a couple of fuses, a flashlight, and a screwdriver. She took time to walk up beyond the stables and look out toward the driving range. Satisfied that Howard Minter and Peter were there, she turned and walked briskly to the Minters’ cabin.

At her knock, a sulky voice called, “Come on in.”

Serena stepped into dimness, the only light the flickering sheen of the TV screen.

“Mrs. Minter, I’m sorry to bother you, but we’re having some electrical problems and I need to check the fuse box in your closet.”

Lou Minter looked disappointed. “I thought maybe you’d come to talk. I’m so sick of watching this stupid TV I could scream.”

For a minute, Serena almost felt sorry for her. If ever someone had been thrown out of their own milieu into a strange and alien environment, it was Lou Minter. Serena felt at a loss because what could she offer? She was busy throughout the day, working in the office or out riding. Julie was . . . What was Julie doing with her days? Probably riding out with Peter or talking to Will. That left Will and the two professors. Ostensibly, the professors were busy. So, with a little pang of guilt, Serena offered up Will.

“Have you been to visit Will’s studio?”

Lou flicked off the TV and sat up straighter against her pillows. Her sheer lacy nightgown gaped. “Will. That’s the big redheaded guy?”

“Yes. He’s a painter.”

Lou tossed her head and her thick wavy blonde hair cascaded like molten gold. “Come on and sit down.”

Serena hesitated then accepted the invitation.

“What’s he paint?”

“Still-lifes mostly and country scenes, mountains and desert.”

Lou grimaced. “Mountains and desert, you’ve got too much of both of them. God, I hate this place.” Then she said quickly, obviously not wanting to lose her audience, “Hey, I don’t mean to insult you. It’s just . . . I’m not used to all this space,” and she waved her hand.

Serena thought Lou wasn’t being overwhelmed by space so long as she clung to this cluttered, closed room with its heavy scent of cigarette smoke and chocolates. She managed a smile, “I think I know how you feel. A city crowds me, closes me in, so I suppose it’s all in what you are used to.”

“That’s it exactly,” Lou agreed.

“So you haven’t spent much time in the country?” Serena probed gently.

“First time. Last time if I have anything to say about it.”

“What prompted you to come to Castle Rock, feeling that way?”

Abruptly, a cautious, careful look came over Lou’s face. “Oh, we thought it would be fun, something different,” she said carefully.

“Has it met your expectations?” Serena asked lightly.

At Lou’s blank look, Serena said gently, “I mean, has it turned out to be what you expected?”

Lou shrugged.

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