The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-08-08
Chapter 80
START oE CATASTROPHE

START OF CATASTROPHE
a LICE came in. as she usually did
n with a little furry of move
ment and life. 1t had been that eager
vitality in her that had first so at
tracted him: now he hated It.
Halo Jimmy" Her voice was as
apparently unaffected and sincere as
ever. and he hated that. too. He did
not turn round.
What are you doing there?" she
asked laughing. Going to get the
tea?"
He managed to speak, and was
astonished that his voice was steady
and calm.
Il thought of it."
She crossed the room whistling
a gay little tune. Here, I'll see to
it. | didn't think you'd be back SO
soon."
Il suppose not"
Her quick hands were already
busy amongst the crockery.
did you have a good afternoon?"
she asked, land find out what you
wanted to-"
Eyes. You hairs very untidy." he
couldn't help adding.
rIs it?" Alice laughed and put up
her two hands for moment to sub.
due that dark waywardness. She
started to hum.
did you enjoy the pictures?"
White asked.
Eyes, fairly we'll; didn't stay for
the full round. though"
They're good liars. the man
thought. watching her.
"The usual husband and wife
stuff. | suppose?"
He saw the smile spread slowly
over her face; he was waiting for 1t.
"Yes. the usual husband and wife
stuff" she agreed. did you see your
friend the Inspector" she asked
reaching for the kettle.
"The Inspector? No. | haven't
seen him yet"
Perhaps he's lost" she said with
a laugh.
HE wouldn't be the only one. I"
White said sombrely: she glanced
up and for the first time since com
ing in looked at him fairly and
squarely.
You're a nice cheerful one to
come back to. l don't think" she
said.
White returned her look and
actually smiled. He was learning de-
ceit it seemed: hate Is a good
teacher. Something which he could
no longer control moved In James
Whites brain, his smile actually
deepened.
Il was out Nyeton way this after
noon." he said pleasantly. He saw
her hand tighten on the handle OF
the kettle and all he regretted was
that IL was not Tightening from
physical pain.
"Nyeton way?" she asked coolly.
eyes. Up in the Woods-the Big
Wood"
The kettle lid clattered on the
stone floor; she made to pick It up
and then stopped. looking at him.
He let her look. and thirty seconds
Of silence passed.
whats the matter with picking
up the kettle lid?" he suggested. Her
eyes left his for a moment and al.
most instantly f1ickered back again
then she bent and retrieved the
fallen lid.
Must have been nice out there to:
day." she said.
Especially in the SUM-"
CHE didn't answer that but moved
~ across the room to cut the
bread and butter. An iron.strong
hand perfectly cold (she shuddered
a little u its accidental touch)
closed on the handle of the long
bread knife before hers could.
"I'll do that" her husband said
affably. you set the things out. Did
you see any one you knew at the
pictures?"
mo-"
"That's awkward"
What do you mean?'
He laughed. "Su. pose I didn't be
lieve you had been there. It might be
difficult to prove you had"
She Strengthened up from the
table and looked directly at him:
but her eyes were different now
from when she had first come in
there was fear in their darl depths
now.
II don't have to answer to you
for what l do every minute Of the
day. do II"
"You said you were going on the
'brs to Morechester."