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"That's silly, Jack. Looks have nothing to do with mental abilities."

"You're right," he said. "I'm just babbling. Tired, I suppose."

"We should sleep," I agreed. "Good night, Jack. Thanks again."

"Night," he said. "You want the lamp on or off?" "On, I think."

He paused and then said, "Not logical."

I had to laugh aloud. "You're a very nice person, Jack. I'm glad you're the one who's looking after my well."

"Thanks," he said. "Pearl?"

"Yes?"

"What did you do with that cat bone?"

"It's still here on the bed," I said. "That's where my mother wanted it."

He was quiet. The wind wove its way through the openings in the house and in and out of rooms below us, sometimes making a whistling sound. Walls creaked, and a loose shutter tapped monotonously against a window frame somewhere. I thought I heard the sound of flapping wings and imagined bats had inhabited the rafters, but I knew they weren't dangerous.

It had been a long, emotional night. Now that I was lying down, my body felt as if it would sink into the mattress. I tried to stay awake to listen for footsteps or the sound of my mother's voice, but before I knew it, I was in a deep sleep.

I sank into dreams filled with the faces of people I had met in the bayou. I imagined the people in the shack who gave me directions, and I dreamed they were outside. They had followed me to Cypress Woods and were muttering to themselves in the shadows. They drew closer and closer and entered the house. They were all coming up the stairs, the woman with the rolling pin arms leading them and the children all following behind. I saw them enter the bedroom and sensed them around me. Their eyes were big, and their faces were liquid, changing from round to oval to round again.

And then I felt a hand on my cheek. It was too real to be in a dream, but I couldn't open my eyes. I moaned and struggled against the invisible bonds that bound me. I tried to open my mouth, but my jaw was locked. I gagged on my tongue and exerted all my strength to get my mouth open. Finally my lips parted and I screamed.

Jack was at my side in moments. I sat up and threw my arms around him.

"What happened? What's wrong? Pearl?" He held me tightly, and I locked my arms over his strong, secure shoulders.

"Just hold me," I pleaded. "Just hold me."

"It's all right," he said, gently brushing my hair, first with his hand and then with his lips. "You're safe. It's all right."

I tried to swallow. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure Jack felt the thump in his chest, too.

"You poor girl," he said. "Damn this bad luck. Damn it."

His lips moved to my forehead. I closed my eyes, welcoming the warm affection and comfort, bathing in his touch. He continued to kiss me, moving his lips down to my closed eyes and then my lips. I didn't resist. We kissed long, but gently. And then he pulled back.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean . . ."

"It's all right," I said and sighed as he eased his embrace. I lay back.

"What happened?" he asked.

"I felt a hand on my cheek."

"Just a dream, I suppose. I was having nightmares myself," he added. He held my hand. "You all right now?"

"Yes, thank you."

"I don't want you to think I was taking advantage of you or anything. I . ."

"I'm glad you kissed me, Jack."

"You are?"