Page 100 of Gabriel's Promise (Gabriel's Inferno 4)

“Of course not.” Julia reacted in horror. “He isn’t going to.”

Katherine lowered her potato. “Are you certain?”

“He hasn’t said anything.”

“That’s what I thought. It isn’t my business to psychoanalyze him. He’s a grown man and a friend. But there is something in him that’s self-destructive. And I fear even now he’s contemplating throwing the invitation to Edinburgh away, just so he can stay in Boston with you.”

Julia looked stricken. “He can’t do that. It would be a scandal and he knows it.”

“He had a scandal in Toronto and as much as I’ve forgiven both of you for keeping me in the dark, I’m still put out.” Katherine’s expression was one of irritation.

“Katherine, I am so sorry. We never meant to—”

Professor Picton interrupted her. “You are going to have to work out this situation with Cecilia. Otherwise, your husband is going to find himself all alone in a dark wood, having strayed from the sure path.”

The Dante reference was not lost on Julia. She nodded quickly.

Katherine lifted her potato peeler and held it like a scepter. “Cecilia is a friend but that doesn’t make her infallible. She’s punishing you and Gabriel because she’s jealous, and that is a p

oor look for anyone. You need to take control of the situation and not be manipulated like a marionette.”

“I will.” Julia’s tone was resolute.

“Good. And for the record, I am in good health and have no plans to expire.” Katherine recommenced potato peeling with new vigor, leaving Julia’s potato-peeling skills far behind.

* * *

“Come upstairs,” Gabriel whispered to Julia, after dinner. His blue eyes sparked with promise.

“What about our family?” she whispered back.

“Everyone is fine.” Gabriel gestured to the living room.

Diane, Julia’s stepmother, was chatting with Rachel, who was playing with Tommy.

Tom, Julia’s father, was doting on Clare and sitting with her on the floor.

Katherine, Aaron, and Richard were sipping sherry that Katherine had brought from Europe.

“Okay, but only for a few minutes.” Julia relented. “Otherwise, they’ll notice.”

Gabriel took her hand in his and escorted her upstairs. When they entered the master bedroom, he locked the door.

Julia stood expectantly, waiting for him to kiss her.

But he didn’t.

Instead, he entered the walk-in closet, switched on the lights, and emerged shortly thereafter, holding a tacky plastic pink flamingo that looked startlingly familiar.

Julia laughed. “Did you go back to the house and dig that out of the snow?”

“I removed it the day I met with the security company. And yes, I washed it.” He handed it to her, his lips twitching.

“What am I supposed to do with it?” She took the flamingo dubiously.

“Open it.” Gabriel pointed to an envelope that was strung artfully around the flamingo’s neck.

Julia placed the lawn ornament on the floor and removed the envelope. “What is it?”