Free Connections of the Mind by Roseanne Dowell Page B

virtue.
    “So hello to you, too. I just got out of the shower.” She pulled the towel off her wet head. “And if you don’t mind, I’d like to finish blow drying my hair. Did you check in yet?”
    “No, we came right here. Your brother was in a big hurry to see you.” Allison sat on the chair. “Nice room.”
    “What the hell happened to you?” Lester looked at Rebecca. “Looks like someone beat you up. What’s going on here, Beck? I don’t like this.” He walked up close and touched her eye.
    “I fell.”
    “Like hell you did, looks like someone punched you in the eye.” He backed up, looked her up and down, his gaze stopping at her boot. “And what the hell are you wearing on your foot?”
    Rebecca backed up and sat down on the edge of the bed. May as well get this over with. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She had to make this believable.
    “I went for a jog on the hiking path, and you know klutzy me. I wasn’t paying attention and tripped over a small branch. I twisted my ankle and broke it. Guess the way I landed if my hands hadn’t been clenched in fists, I probably wouldn’t have gotten a black eye. On the other hand, if I hadn’t put my hands up to stop me, my face would have been pretty messed up.” She shuddered at the thought of what really happened. The look on her brother’s face told her he doubted her story, but he didn’t argue.
    “You really shouldn’t jog alone,” Allison said. “How many times have you tripped? How many times did I tell you to try just walking? What’s the big deal with jogging anyway?”
    Rebecca felt like kissing Allie. Of course, her friend knew she was lying, just like she always knew when Allie was lying. Fortunately, her comments helped reinforce the lie. She’d never tripped at home. And she hardly ever jogged. Maybe that had been the tip off. She’d have to tell her the truth later, when she and Allie found some time alone.
    Lester just stared at her. “So you’ve fallen before?”
    Darn, now she had to continue the lie. “Only a couple of times. Never got hurt. Sprained an ankle once but...” Rebecca shrugged it off like it was no big deal.
    “Uh huh. So this time you broke your ankle.”
    “Yeah, the doctor said it’s not a bad break. I just have to wear this boot for a couple weeks, and I’ll be fine.” Rebecca stood up and ran her fingers through her wet hair.
    “Listen, why don’t you guys go check in while I blow-dry my hair. After you settle in, we’ll get breakfast. I’m half starved.”
    “Good idea.” Allison jumped up. “Come on, Les, I want to freshen up a bit, too.” She winked at Rebecca. A conspiratorial wink that told Rebecca they’d definitely talk later.
    “Okay.” Lester followed Allison out of the room.
     
    “You don’t buy that malarkey about her jogging and falling, do you?” Lester said the minute the door closed behind them.
    “Sure, why not? You know your sister is a klutz.”
    “True, but something doesn’t feel right.” Lester put his arm around Allison and pulled her close. “I don’t like this whole thing. You are going to help me talk her into coming home aren’t you?”
    “I’ll try, but she’s a big girl now, Les. She’s not a teenager anymore; she’s an adult. And she knows her own mind. She makes her own decisions.”
    “Stubborn, too. But I still don’t like the idea of her being here.”
    “Why don’t we try to enjoy the weekend? It looks like a great little town. When’s the last time you took a vacation?”
    Lester stopped in front of the desk clerk. “We have reservations for Brennan. Two rooms.”
    “Ah, yes, Mr. Brennan, here we are.” The young man looked at the computer, punched a few keys and while it printed out, he slid the credit card receipt toward Lester. “Sign here.”
    Lester signed the receipt, and the young man handed Lester two key cards. “Rooms 112 and 114. To the left and down the hall.”
    Lester took the keys and handed one to