Gates of Paradise (Casteel 4)

He laughed again.

"I can see where I'm going to have to keep my life's secrets well undercover when you're around. I like to keep to myself," he said quietly, "but I did like to be with your mother and I do talk to people, just like I'm talking with you light now. Now, tell me about your recovery,"

"Yesterday I stood up by myself for the first time since the accident."

"How wonderful!"

"But the doctor and Tony think I should go slowly. No one tried to get me to stand up today, and I have yet to

use the walker. They keep insisting I take naps and sleeping pills and remained locked away from people. This is the first time I've been out of the house since, and I've been here nearly a week; I can't even call anyone and talk. I have no' phone!" I cried.

"Oh?"

"I haven't seen my cousin Luke since I left the hospital, which is six days now. I sent- him messages through Tony and Drake."

"Drake?"

"My mother's half brother."

"Oh yes, Luke Senior's son,"

"You seem to know a lot about my family for a worker . an assistant at that," I said suspiciously.

"I'm just a good listener when people talk around me,"

"What a remarkable memory for details you have."

I narrowed my eyes to show him I thought there was a lot more he wasn't telling me.

He smiled, a boyish smile.

"And what happened to Luke?"

"He hasn't called or come. I wheeled myself into Tony's office and called Luke's dorm at Harvard and left a message for him with his roommate before I came outside."

"I see. Well, I'm sure he'll soon pay you a visit, then."

"I don't know. Everyone's different . . . Drake is . . . in love with being a businessman, working for Tony, and Luke would never ignore me before. We've grown up together and we have always been very close. I've told him things other girls would never dare tell another boy, and he's told me things boys would never dare tell girls. Because we're special to each other," I emphasized. He nodded thoughtfully. "We're more than just cousins." I paused. For some reason I felt Lcould share the family secrets with this man. I sensed his sincerity and I felt so comfortable in his presence. It was as if I had known him all my life. Complete strangers in Winnerrow knew about Luke. Why not him? I thought. "Luke and I have the same father," I finally blurted.

"I see," he said, but he showed no surprise at the revelation.

"You don't see. No one could see how hard it is, how hard it has been," I cried. "Especially for Luke. He's had so many, many obstacles to overcome, mountains to climb. People can be very cruel sometimes, especially in small towns like Winnerrow. They won't let you forget the sins of your . . ."

"Sins of your fathers?" he offered.

"Yes."

"Luke must have grown into a very

extraordinary young man for you to care so much for him."

"Oh, he did. He's so bright. He was the class valedictorian! And he's thoughtful and polite. Everyone who's fair loves Luke and respects him, too! Mommy loved him. It was hard for her, but she cared just as much for him as she would have had he been her own son," I declared firmly.

"Tell me about your hair. When did you dye it? You did dye it?"

"Yes."

"When?"