Dance of Death Read Free Page B

let’s see about that head,” Justin went on, his tone suddenly all business. “I’ll need some warm water, Deborah.”
    â€œOf course, Justin. I’ll see to it right away.” She left to summon a servant. A moment later, she returned.
    â€œThe maid will be in with the water in a moment,” Deborah promised.
    A knock sounded on the drawing room door. “Enter,” Marcus commanded. The door swung open, and a young servant girl stepped inside.
    Madeline stared at her, awed by her beauty. Rich, auburn hair covered her head in a halo of shining curls. Her skin was as clear and white as porcelain. She reminded Madeline of a beautiful china doll.
    The maid carried a bowl of gently steaming water in her hands. She watched it carefully, to make sure it didn’t spill.
    â€œPut the water down right over here, Molly,” Justin said.
    The servant girl’s large green eyes jerked up to Justin’s face. Her hands began to shake so violently that water sloshed over the sides of the bowl.
    â€œDr. Fear,” she whispered. “Dr. Fear.”
    â€œBring the water over to me,” Justin said again.
    Molly’s feet stayed rooted to the floor.
    â€œDo as I tell you, Molly,” Justin ordered in a soft, commanding voice.
    Molly staggered forward. She twisted her head fromside to side as if in agony. But her gaze kept returning to Justin’s face.
    â€œWhat’s the matter?” Madeline asked in confusion. “Is the water too hot? Did you burn yourself?”
    Molly stopped, shuddered, and lowered her eyes.
    â€œI won’t,” she cried. “You’re evil and I won’t come near you. You can’t make me do it!”

Chapter
    4

    â€œN ow, Molly,” Justin crooned. “Don’t be silly. You know there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
    He rose and took a single step toward the girl. Molly jumped away from him.
    What’s wrong with her? Madeline thought.
    Molly crashed against a curio cabinet. The bowl of water slipped from her fingers. It crashed to the floor and shattered into dozens of tiny pieces. Water streamed over the dark floor.
    â€œNow look what you’ve done, Molly,” Justin scolded.
    Molly threw her apron over her head and dashed out the door.
    â€œMolly! You come back here this instant and clean this up!” Deborah shouted. The only answer was Molly’s hysterical sobs echoing down the hall.
    â€œI really must apologize, Justin,” Deborah said, turning to him. “That girl is so high-strung she’s hardly worth the trouble. I’ll see about more water myself.”
    Justin shook his head and sighed. “I thought Molly was over her fear of me,” he told Madeline as he returned to his place beside her. “But I see now that I was wrong. Molly’s brother had an accident not long ago,” he explained. “There was nothing I could do to save him. But I’m afraid Molly believes his death was all my fault.”
    Madeline felt a rush of sympathy. “How awful for you. It must be terrible to lose a patient and then be blamed.”
    Justin’s expression warmed. “That’s it exactly,” he replied. “I was afraid for a moment that Molly’s reaction would upset you. But I should have known that you would understand.”
    Madeline lowered her eyes. She felt shy suddenly. Why should Justin care what she thought? They barely knew each other.
    â€œHere’s the water,” Deborah announced, coming back into the parlor with a swish of skirts.
    â€œThank you, Deborah,” Justin said. “Set it down on this table, will you?”
    Deborah did as he asked. “Take good care of my cousin now,” she teasingly ordered. “We wouldn’t want anything to ruin that beautiful face.”
    â€œDon’t worry, I wouldn’t want that either,” Justin answered.
    Deborah tittered. She walked over to Marcus and wrapped her arm