Margaret's Ark by Keohane Daniel G

Author:Keohane, Daniel G. [Keohane, Daniel G.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Suspense & Thrillers
ISBN: 0983732906
Publisher: Other Road Press
Published: 2011-07-07T00:00:00+00:00

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The Meyers’ dining room was tucked in the far corner of the house, big enough to seat ten around a rosewood table, plus accommodate the matching serving table and buffet.. Rain pattered against the glass of a pair of French doors leading to a patio. The room was warm, the weather outside held at bay by a real fire in the fireplace centered against the adjoining outside wall. Orange flames licked around a single, fat piece of birch.

It was comforting. Heat, fire, the antithesis of rain and water.

Eight were seated for dinner with the two chairs immediately before the fire removed to avoid subjecting anyone to its direct heat during dinner. Conversation circulated from general hospital gossip to the Red Sox’s early-season losing streak. Try as everyone might to avoid it, the weather outside lingered behind every topic. The youngest of the group, Karen and Devin Jahns, steered the discussion from Red Sox to Bruins, whose surprising berth in the Stanley Cup playoff seemed to be the most amazing event they'd ever witnessed.

They also talked of recent stories about unexpected or unseasonable migrations of wildlife eastward, from all across the world. Topics changed to medicine, the stock market, everything except the weather. Suresh did his best to remain quiet, neutral on all topics.

A sudden, heavy gust battered the French doors. The meal was served by Meyers' wife, Linda, to whom Suresh and Neha had been only briefly introduced before the woman scurried away with their wet coats. Now, she placed the main course on the table, a sizzling half-round chunk of beef. It was accompanied by steamed vegetables and various slices of fresh fruit that would normally be served as an appetizer or dessert. The perfect compliment to the heavy fare, and a relief to Suresh, who was vegetarian.

When Linda Meyers sat beside him, Suresh noted only the slightest trace of a perfume from her, rosewater. He thought of the grove in his dream, of Neha lying among the blossoms.. Bernard Meyers carried most of the conversations, or led them in varying directions if he detected one or more of his guests was losing interest.

Noting a pause in the conversation, their host said casually, “It would seem, however, the biggest topic of conversation today has been the rain.” He paused. People were not quick to respond.

As if on cue, the French doors rattled as wind tossed another bucketful of water against the glass.

Neha was the first to offer any real comment. As she finished serving herself a modest helping of vegetables and accepted the plate of fruit, she said, “Rain is rain,” and smiled. “Though I suppose there are some out there who would say otherwise.” Suresh saw her consider the beef, but in deference to her husband, she did not take any for herself.

Polite laughter at her words, a couple of nodding heads. Maureen from radiology acknowledged the statement with an exuberant nod of her head. “Absolutely,” she said. “There's an ark right down the road in Arlington whose builder is probably dancing in the rain right now, saying 'I told you so'.

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