Free Sidney Sheldon's After the Darkness by Sidney Sheldon

should I care what Lenny pays somebody else? It’s his money, after all. He can do what he likes with it. But it still rankled. Perhaps, on some subconscious level, it justified what Andrew had done.
    Maria was passed out cold when he left her this morning, exhausted from her drunken rage. When she woke up, she’d have a horrific hangover. Andrew didn’t want to be within a hundred miles of her when that happened. Now he wouldn’t have to be.
    â€œCabin crew, please be seated for takeoff.”
    Closing his eyes, Andrew Preston tried to relax.
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    G RACE MET HER SISTERS FOR LUNCH at the Cliffside Beach Club.
    After their awkward encounter the day before, Connie went out of her way to be solicitous to Grace, even presenting her with a beautiful guava-pink seashell she’d discovered on the beach that morning.
    â€œI know it’s not much, but I thought it would look pretty on your dressing table.”
    Grace was touched. She knew how difficult Connie found apologies. The shell said more than any words.
    Honor asked, “Are Caroline and Maria joining us?”
    In a cream J.Crew sundress that washed her out, with her hair scraped back in a ponytail, Honor looked exhausted. Grace wondered if she and Jack had fought last night after Jack stormed out of the dining room, but was too tactful to ask.
    â€œI don’t think so. Caroline’s in town looking at a painting. And Maria’s still asleep, I believe.”
    The sisters exchanged glances. “I wonder what she wears to bed?” Connie giggled. “Spun-gold Versace pajamas?”
    It was a nice, light moment. Grace finally started to relax.
    The waitress came and took their order. They were sitting at an outdoor table, right on the beach, but by the time their appetizers arrived, storm clouds had begun to gather.
    The manager appeared. “Would you like to move indoors, Mrs. Brookstein? I have a lovely table by the window I can offer you ladies.” At that instant a loud clap of thunder made everyone jump. Seconds later, the first heavy drops of rain began to splash onto the table.
    â€œYes, please,” said Grace, laughing. She thought about Lenny, out on the boat. I hope he’s safe and dry in the cabin, not out on deck catching his death of a cold.
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    I T WAS ALMOST FOUR BY THE time the three sisters arrived home. By that time, the storm was in full force. Michael Gray met them at the front door.
    â€œThank goodness you’re back,” he said, hugging Connie tightly.
    â€œWe only went for lunch at the club, honey.” She laughed. “Why so panicked?”
    â€œI didn’t know where you were, that’s all. I thought you might have gone sailing with Jack. The conditions are awful out there.”
    â€œJack’s gone sailing?” Honor’s white face turned even whiter. “Are the girls with him?”
    â€œNo,” said Michael. “Don’t worry. Bobby and Rose are playingChutes and Ladders with our boys in the kitchen. They’re a little bored, but other than that, they’re fine.”
    â€œAnd Jack? Has anyone heard from him?”
    â€œHis radio’s down.”
    Honor’s knees started shaking. Jack had been an avid sailor since his teens, but a storm like this would test anybody’s skill, even his.
    â€œIt’s okay,” said Michael. “The coast guard thinks they’ve located him. We should hear more soon. It’s been crazy out there, you can imagine, but they’re trying to get everybody back to harbor. Come on in out of the rain.”
    â€œWhat about Lenny?”
    Connie and Honor had moved inside, but Grace stood frozen on the front path. Rain dripped from her hair and the tip of her nose. She looked about twelve years old.
    Michael Gray frowned. “Lenny? I thought he was at the golf club. That’s what he told the staff here when he left this morning.”
    Because he wanted to be alone. He didn’t want you