Sin & Contrition by William Peace

Author:William Peace
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Publish on Demand Global LLC

Chapter Thirteen

The Other ‘A’ Word: Adultery

Gary had met Linda Billingsley in the Matterhorn Lounge at Seven Springs Resort in the mountains east of Pittsburgh. She was sitting at the dark mahogany bar sipping a glass of white wine and talking to a girlfriend to her right. The two women were still wearing their ski boots and ski pants; their quilted down jackets were hanging over the backs of their bar chairs. Gary was sitting on Linda’s left, and on his left were two skiing friends who had gone to Penn State with him. It was six o’clock, and the bar was noisy with skiers and music from WDSY, “Y108 Pittsburgh’s Best Country.”

Jack Donovan, sitting on Gary’s left, was making significant head gestures to Gary’s right. He raised his eyebrows and gave Gary a surreptitious thumbs-up. Gary turned slowly to have a look. The woman facing Linda was a very pretty, petite blonde—probably in her mid-thirties. Gary could only see the back of Linda’s head which had a red cotton bandana tied over her short chestnut hair.

While Gary was sizing up Linda’s friend the friend made an almost imperceptible nod toward Linda’s left. Linda, taking the hint, turned to find that Gary’s attention had been diverted to her.

“Hi, I’m Linda,” she said.

“Hi, Linda. I’m Gary.”

“How was the skiing today?” she asked.

“I was skiing Avalanche this afternoon, but I decided to quit because it was getting icy in spots.”

“Avalanche,” Linda repeated, raising an eyebrow. “You must be pretty good.”

“No. Not so good. I’m just a little crazy, and I like a challenge. But it got the better of me this afternoon. How about you?”

“Well, I was skiing on Sunset. It’s nice and wide and you get a long run. I’m strictly a couple of times a year skier.”

Gary decided that he liked this woman. She wasn’t exactly pretty, but she had an expressive face, a warm manner, and the crinkles around her eyes and mouth suggested that she was pleased to talk to him. He said, “I usually try to come here about twice a month during the winter, but this year I’ve been able to get away only three times.”

“I like his eyes,” Linda thought. “They’re intelligent and friendly … I like the way his teeth show when he smiles … I’ll bet he has a sense of humor.” She said, “What keeps you away so much? Is it work or family?”

“Ooo! I like the way she gets right to the point,” he thought. “No, it’s not family. I’m single, and I’m here with a couple of old university friends. How about you?”

“Also single, but I usually come with Krista, whose husband doesn’t ski, and she has to get a special dispensation to go skiing. What is it that you do that keeps you off the slopes?”

“I’m the Pennsylvania state representative for the McKees Rocks area.”

“I see.” Linda was studying him thoughtfully. Then she smiled. “I don’t know whether to offer congratulations or condolences.”

“Condolences would be most welcome. The problem is

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