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KIM BALDWIN. though Erin had sworn she’d never get one

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though Erin had sworn she’d never get one. With their jobs and Erin’s training, they had been playing phone tag. It was much easier for them to reach each other on their cell phones.

“The cellular customer you are trying to reach is unavailable. If you’d like to leave a message, press one.”

Gable hit the button. “Erin, it’s me. Please call me on my cell. I hope you’re okay.” She took a deep breath. “Please don’t be mad at me.

I’m sorry if I upset you.” Setting her phone on vibrate, she slipped it into the pocket of her blazer and headed to the reception.

She mingled for a while with a glass of Guinness in her hand, trying not to glance at the watch on her wrist. She lingered in small groups where someone was telling a story, so she could nod her head agreeably and feign interest, all the while obsessed with wondering what was happening with Erin. Her mind was so removed from the reception that she jumped out of her skin when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

“Hey! Easy there. I only wanted to ask you to dance.” Carl had a hand extended, palm up. The reception music was provided by a local DJ, whose current CD selection was Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood.” A half dozen other couples were dancing.

“What will Alberta say?” she kidded him with a smile, setting down her glass and letting him lead her to the modest dance f oor.

“She knows how much I love her,” he said, sweeping her around the f oor in a fast-fast slow-slow swing step.

The words tugged at her heart. “Your wife is a lucky woman,” she told him. I wish I could know so clearly how Erin feels.

There must have been something in the tone of her voice. Carl led her off the f oor and over to a corner away from everyone.

“What’s the matter, Gable?” he asked.

“You’re very perceptive, you know that?”

He shrugged.

“It’s Erin…sometimes I have no idea what’s going on with her,”

Gable said.

“Women are hard to understand, sometimes,” he said, and got a smile out of her. “Anything I can do? Want me to talk some sense into her?”

“No. But thank you. I mean that. You’ve been a good friend and I appreciate your support.”

• 202 •

 

FORCE OF NATURE

“I think a lot of the both of you.” Carl rested a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Let me know if I can do anything.”

“You can lead me around some more on the dance f oor and get my mind off my troubles for a little while.”

He held out his hand. “I can do that.”

v

Gable tried both of Erin’s numbers again as she drove home at eight. The party was still going strong, but they’d gotten past the dinner and requisite toasts, and picture-taking, cake-cutting, and garter belt rituals. She had slipped away when the dancing and drinking had begun in earnest, knowing she would not be missed.

Erin was still not answering either phone. Gable started to leave another message, but stopped herself. Don’t pressure her. Give hersome time.

She held her breath as she pulled into her driveway, hoping against hope that Erin would be waiting for her. Gable had given her an extra key, and she’d used it a few times. She had one to Erin’s cabin too, but she knew that now would not be the time to use it.

No red pickup was waiting for her.

Gable unlocked the door and let herself inside. The house was quiet. No messages waited on her answering machine. She shrugged off her coat and dropped her keys on the counter, wincing at how loud they sounded in the absolute stillness. The house lacked warmth without Erin and Earl Grey in it.

This is not like you, Erin. You’re never out of touch this longanymore. Not since we’ve been together. She tried to shake off a nagging disquiet.

• 203 •

 

• 204 •

 

FORCE OF NATURE



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