Secrets of Hallstead House Read Online Free PDF Page B

Iroquois.
    “When my husband, Forrest, was alive, he took a great interest in the history of this area. He had a wonderful collection of Native American artifacts that were found all throughout this region,” Miss Hallstead stated proudly. She was quiet for a moment before adding, “After Forrest died, I gave the entire collection to a museum in Canada that he used to love visiting.”
    Miss Hallstead slowed her pace and looked off into the trees. I slowed with her and then asked, “What was Forrest like?”
    She smiled and kept walking but didn’t answer right away. As I began to think she had simply ignored the question, she spoke again. Her voice was quiet and wistful.
    “Forrest was wonderful. He was tall and handsome, and he was the love of my life. I met him when he came to work for HSH Oil. He was in charge of research and development, so he was in my father’s office quite often. All the secretaries used to fawn over him, but I mostly ignored him at first. I was too busy with my work. At that time, not many women held positions in business, plus I was the daughter of the company’s owner and the granddaughter of the company’s founder, so I felt constant pressure to prove to myself and everyone else that I deserved the position I held. Anyway, I think he viewed me as a challenge at first, but it wasn’t long before we were both in love. Madly. We were married within eighteen months, but our only child, Diana, was not born until many years later. She was the best surprise I ever had! Forrest’s work, at which he always excelled, took him away from me and Diana more often than any of us liked, but he loved his job. It was important to him and he wanted to do it well.”
    She laughed softly, almost to herself, and then continued. “Forrest loved to read and dance and go out on his boat. He was never happier than when he was on this island.”
    She looked at me suddenly with tears in her eyes. “You know, sometimes I’m absolutely lost without him. He died here at Summerplace four years ago. I miss him so very much.”
    I felt so sorry for her that I put my arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to bring back painful memories.”
    She smiled again and sniffled. “Nonsense—they’re very happy memories! Though they make me miss him even more.”
    At that moment Pete came striding along the path. He smiled at Miss Hallstead and started to say something, but he stopped immediately when he saw her tears.
    “What’s the matter, Alex?” he asked as he took her arm. He glared at me. “What happened?” he asked me angrily.
    “Pete, dear, I’m fine. I was just telling Macy about Forrest and, just like a silly old lady, I got all choked up. I’m really fine.”
    “Okay, if you say so. I have some things to do, but I’ll come see you later,” he promised. She gave him an affectionate smile and continued walking. Pete held me back for a moment.
    “That didn’t take you long. Why’d you upset her like that?” I opened my mouth to protest, but he continued. “She doesn’t deserve it. Don’t do it again.” Then he turned on his heel and stalked off. I was left feeling angry and embarrassed. My cheeks felt hot.
    “You coming, Macy?” Miss Hallstead asked. “Shall we head back in? I have work to do.” She must have noticed that I was flushed, and she added, “Pete looks out for me and he’s suspicious of anyone new. Just give him a little time and he’ll come to trust you, I’m sure.”
    I wasn’t so sure, but I smiled at her and we turned around and walked back toward Summerplace.
    Miss Hallstead changed the subject. “Tell me about your family, Macy.”
    “Well,” I answered, taking a deep breath, “I recently lost my parents. They were killed by a drunk driver in Connecticut, not far from where they lived.” It was my turn to become pensive. After a few moments, during which Miss Hallstead said nothing, I went on. “I miss them very much. In fact,