Free Silent Witness by Patricia H. Rushford Page B

hamburgers.
    After dinner, Scott challenged Jennie to a game of pool. She almost declined when Gram announced that she, Maggie, and Sarah were going back to the cabins.
Give it up, McGrady. There’s no mystery. Besides, what would you rather do, sit around trying to get a response out of Sarah or hang out with Scott?
Jennie glanced from Sarah to Scott. The girl’s eyes were like two black holes—cold, dark, and almost inhuman. Scott’s were warm and inviting. No contest. “You go ahead, Gram. I’m going to stay here and show Scott how to play pool.”
    â€œShow me how to play?” Scott countered. “Listen, frog face, I’ve been playing pool since I could walk.”
    â€œFrog face?” Jennie pointed a finger al his chest and poked him. “Well listen, toad head, my mother played pool when she was pregnant, so I learned how to play while I was still in the womb.”
    â€œChoose your weapon.” Scott retrieved two cue sticks and held them up for Jennie’s inspection. “Hey, Mrs. McGrady. You sure you don’t want to stay and referee this match?”
    Gram chuckled. “Not a chance. Don’t worry, Scott,” she teased. “The McGradys have always treated their opponents fairly. I’m sure she’ll let you win at least one game.”
    Scott feigned a wounded look. “I’m hurt.” Then, with an eyebrow raised, he turned to Jennie, “But I’m tough. You’re dead meat, McGrady.” Scott gathered the balls and racked them. “Just to show you what a good sport I am, I’ll let you break.”
    â€œBreak?”
    â€œHa! This is going to be so easy. Just take your best shot.”
    They stopped razzing each other to say goodnight to Maggie, Sarah, and Gram. Gram started to leave, then turned back. “Try to be in by ten, dear. I’d like us to chat and have a cup of tea before we turn in.”
    â€œOkay,” Jennie called over her shoulder as she chalked her cue.
    â€œDon’t worry, Mrs. McGrady,” Scott said as Gram headed out the door. “I’ll have her home in plenty of time.”
    Jennie elbowed him in the ribs. “I can get myself home. This is not a date, you know.” When Scott didn’t answer, Jennie added, “You okay? I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings or anything.”
    â€œSure. I’m okay. What’s a broken heart? It’ll mend.” He heaved a deep melodramatic sigh, then said, “Actually, I was just thinking about what we can do to make this more challenging.” Scott chalked his cue and blew off the residue. He cocked his head to one side and gave her a smile that reminded Jennie of the Cheshire cat in
Alice in Wonderland
. “How about this? We play three games. The loser has to take the winner on a date to Disney World.”
    â€œThat’s a pretty spendy date. Couldn’t we just play for a couple of bucks?”
    â€œOh, I get it.” Scott leaned his hip against the table.
    â€œYou don’t even know how to play, do you? You’re all mouth and no action.”
    You gonna let him get away with that, McGrady? Just because you’ve only played pool three or four times in your entire life is no reason to back down.
“Okay,” Jennie heard herself say, “you’re on.”
    When the games ended, she’d had so much fun it hadn’t mattered that he’d trounced her. Or that she now owed him a date to Disney World and Epcot Center. After the first game, he’d suggested they up the ante. Unable to resist the challenge, Jennie had agreed.
    â€œHey, how about we head down to the beach and view the sunset?” Scott asked, taking her hand. They strolled down the short walk and along the beach. When they’d gone to where they could no longer see the lights from the research center, they dropped to the ground. Jennie removed her sandals and pressed her feet into the still­warm