Jan Hudson - The Rebel

“Sorry to disturb you,” Suki said, “but we was worried about you, you being sick and all.”

“No problem. I couldn’t resist that tub, and I fell asleep.”

“Supper’s in an hour. You want me to bring a tray up to you?”

“Oh, no. I’ll dress and be right down.”

“We don’t fancy up for meals around here except on special occasions. Just put on whatever you’re comfortable in and come on down. We’ll eat on the sunporch at the back of the house. You like tamales?”

“I adore tamales.”

“Good. That’s what we’re having. Maria makes some of the best ones in these parts, and she knows how Gabe loves them. Course Skye’s a vegetarian, and Miz Flora is almost one—she only eats chicken and fish—so they’ll be having something else. I don’t guess you’re a vegetarian?”

“Nope. I like steak too much.”

Suki laughed. “Me, too. And pork chops. And did you ever try to eat chili without any meat in it?”

“Not lately.”

“Let me tell you, it’s not the same with that tofu stuff. Maria—she does most of the cooking—can do wonders with just about anything, but even she can’t perform miracles. You need any help getting dressed?”

“No, I’m fine,” Belle said. “I’ll be down in a shake.”

Suki left and Belle finished drying off and dressed in khakis, loafers and a blue cotton sweater. A shampoo would have to wait. She brushed her hair, wound it and clipped it up, then slapped on a bit of makeup. In ten minutes, she was on her way downstairs.

She followed the sound of voices from the back of the house to a large den with big leather couches and the same eclectic mix of furniture. A fire was burning in the oversized stone fireplace—more for the ambience, Belle suspected, than for warmth.

Gabe, sipping from a drink, stood with his back to the fire. Skye, perched on a couch arm, had a wineglass, as did Flora, who was relaxing in a wing-backed chair. Gus lay at Skye’s feet, Tiger and a cat lay napping together by the fire, and another cat dozed in Flora’s lap.

Gabe noticed her first and smiled. “Feeling better?”

“Absolutely. Sorry I conked out. I couldn’t believe I went to sleep when I slept most of the way here.”

“Don’t apologize,” Skye said. “It’s perfectly natural. Your body is still recovering, and sleep is a great healer.”

“You just make yourself at home, dear, and think of us as family,” Flora said. “Would you like a glass of wine?”

“I’d love one.”

“Gabe?” Flora said.

“Zinfandel?” he asked Belle.

She nodded and went to stand near the space that Gabe left. When he returned with her glass, she said, “I love the fire.”

“Me, too,” Gabe said. “We won’t be able to enjoy it much longer, but while the nights are still cool, we’re using the last of the firewood.”

“Ha!” Skye said. “Don’t let him kid you. My brother’s been known to light a fire and turn on the air-conditioning.”

Gabe grinned. “Guilty.”

“Belle,” Flora said, “Gabe tells us that you’re a spy. I don’t think I’ve ever known a real spy. How very fascinating!”

Gabe shook his head. “I didn’t say that she was a spy. I said that she was an FBI agent.”

“Well, isn’t that the same thing?”

“Not really,” Belle said. “You might be thinking of the CIA.”

“CIA, FBI, SPCA. I get all those initials mixed up.” Flora held out her glass toward Gabe. “May I have just a tad more? Anyhow, I think it’s exciting. What exactly does an agent do?”

Skye looked amused.

“A number of things that involve investigation of federal crimes,” Belle said. “But I’m no longer an agent.”

“Oh, that’s a shame. What do you do now?”

“Nothing at the moment. All the people in my family are in law enforcement, but I’m not interested in pursuing the field anymore. I discovered I wasn’t cut out for chasing bad guys. I want to explore other areas and find something that suits me better.”

“Oh, wonderful,” Flora said. “I adore new beginnings. They’re so exciting. I’ve made several of them myself. Mostly with husbands. I’ve had three, you know.”

“No,” Belle said, “I didn’t know.”

“Yes, indeed. I’ll tell you all about it some morning over coffee. Or while you’re sitting for me.”

“Sitting for you?”

“For your portrait.”

Skye chuckled. “Mother paints everybody’s portrait who’ll sit still long enough. She’s quite good.”

“I do soul paintings,” Flora said. “I find them very insightful.”

“Soul paintings?”

“Don’t ask,” Gabe said.

“Now, children, don’t make our guest nervous. Belle, is your room comfortable?”

“Very much so. It’s beautifully decorated, as is the rest of the house.”

“Lisa did it,” Skye said. “Your suite was her last project before she flew the coop.”

“Lisa?”

“Gabriel’s former fiancée,” Flora said. “She was a gifted decorator.”

“And a real snot,” Skye said.

Amused, Belle glanced at Gabe, who seemed to find the fire much more interesting than the pre-dinner conversation.

Belle wanted to hear more about Lisa and her flying the coop, but she didn’t ask and nobody volunteered any more on the subject. Just as well, she thought. She wasn’t eager to discuss her failed love life, either.

They all ate together, along with Suki and Ralph, who seemed to be part of the family, at a long harvest table in the sunroom. Since it was well after dark when they dined, there wasn’t a sun to see. Maria’s tamales were indeed among the best Belle had ever eaten. Everything was delicious and when the meal was over, Suki and Skye cleared the table.

Everyone scattered to tend to various tasks, leaving Flora and Belle alone in the den.

“Let me show you around the house so you’ll be familiar with everything,” Flora said.

Belle followed her on a tour of the downstairs, through the formal living and dining rooms.

“Down that hall is Gabe’s domain. He has his home office and private rooms there. And here is the library. We have quite a collection of popular fiction as well as classics. I like mysteries myself. And romance.” Flora winked. “Help yourself to anything that suits your fancy.”

“I will. I love to read,” Belle said, selecting a couple of books that looked interesting.

“Upstairs Skye and I each have a suite, and I have my studio. Tomorrow, if you feel like it, I’d love to have you sit for me. You can read and I can sketch.”

“You said something about soul paintings. Exactly what is that?”

“It’s a bit hard to explain. It’s probably best if you experience it. Anyhow, feel free to have the run of the place, but we do set the alarm system at night, so don’t go wandering outside without the code. I never can remember what it is, but Gabe can explain all that later.”

“Do Suki and Ralph live in?”

“Well, sort of. They have their own separate apartment over the garages. And Manuel and Maria have a place near the clinic. Other employees live off premises. Would you like some coffee or an after dinner drink?”

“No, thank you, Flora. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll go upstairs and read for a bit, then make an early night of it. I can’t seem to get enough sleep.”

BARKING ROUSED BELLE. Piercing screams made her shoot straight up. Bounding from her bed, she grabbed the Glock from her bag and ran to the hall.

She heard a noise behind her and swung around, both arms extended and ready to shoot.

“Whoa, whoa,” Gabe said. “It’s me.”

Belle lowered the pistol. “Sorry. Old habits. I heard barking and screaming. Did your mother find another scorpion?”