Rekindled Read Free

you? I have a tendency to forget what I say from one minute to the next.”
    “Baloney.”
    “Hmmm, I could use some of that, too. Supper was very early. It’s nearly ten.”
    At least he’d had supper. She hadn’t eaten a thing. “How much longer do you think this will last?” She still had to make the return trip to Little Compton that night.
    Howard checked his watch. “I have no idea. But I have to be out of here by ten-thirty to make it to Manchester for the eleven o’clock news. They’re doing a live interview. I hope good old Brad speeds it up.”
    He got his wish within minutes. As Chloe sat back, the long-winded state representative transferred the podium to “my illustrious colleague in the New Hampshire state government,” and Howard took the reins.
    Chloe did take notes. It was the one way she could keep her thoughts in the present and her eyes away from Ross. Once upon a time, he had played a cataclysmic role in her life. So much had happened since that night.
    When Howard finished delivering a poignant plea for the preservation of the coast, the crowd came alive with questions and comments that had less to do with scientific matters, than practical ones. They wanted to know things like how increased tax revenues would be used to benefit local residents, and who would pay for the added police and fire coverage that would be necessary, given the proportions of the Rye Beach proposal.
    It was closer to ten-forty before Howard was allowed to leave the microphone. To Chloe, with a frantic look at the time, he said, “Thanks again, Chloe. Think you can cover for me here a few minutes longer?”
    “Sure thing, if I can answer their questions. My field is geology, not politics.”
    “Don’t underestimate yourself. Why not change your mind and spend the night? There are a number of nice inns close by. It’ll be a long drive back to Rhode Island alone.”
    She was touched by his worry, but confident. “I’ll be fine. Driving relaxes me. I have plenty of unwinding to do.” A movement in the corner of her eye reminded her of the source of her tension. She ignored the tall figure who approached for all she was worth. “Go on now, Senator. You’ll be late.”
    Howard’s expression was wry. “I already am. Take care.” He shot a glance at Ross. “Let me know what happens.”
    Chloe found no humor in his double meaning, particularly with Ross suddenly at her side. “I think they’d like to ask us a few more questions,” he said and she suddenly wished Howard had stayed, if only to serve as a buffer. She was on her own now.
    With a forced smile, she stood. “Fine,” was all she was able to murmur as she walked to the podium.
    Luck was with her. The questions from the audience came quickly, reimmersing her into the world of coastal geology. She parried the onslaught with ease, rising to meet the challenge in spite of an unease in the pit of her stomach. It was only when a question was directed at Ross that she let herself look at him again. The breadth of his shoulders was more marked now that his jacket was open and pulled back by the hand in his trousers’ pocket. His other hand rested on the podium, fingers long and straight, tanned, relaxed.
    Several questions later, a gruff-looking local came forward. “I have a question for Ms. Macdaniel,” he said in a forceful voice. It brought her mind back, along with a certain wariness. “Yes?”
    He stared straight at her. “I want to know what makes you qualified to be a consultant. You look awful young and awful pretty.” His words took on a faint sneer. “What’s with you and Wolschinski? Are you a regular on his payroll?”
    A murmur of dismay passed through the audience. It was small solace for the shock Chloe felt. In the past she’d had to defend her qualifications on occasion, but never in the wake of such a crude insinuation.
    Poise and professionalism were called for, and she mustered them up. But when she opened her mouth to speak,