Go-Between Read Online Free Page B

wondering what previous owners of some of them had been thinking when they’d covered up historic buildings with modern facades, or, more happily, watching the progress of the latest restoration.
    She was tempted to linger now. To put this meeting off, just a little while longer. But it was better to get it over with.
    Better not to be late.
    Her destination was a Victorian a few blocks off the Plaza.
    Lady Jane’s served breakfast in the garden when the weather was decent, Michelle knew, and it was nice enough today. Mid-sixties. Almost sunny. She missed the LA heat, sometimes. It was hardly ever really warm in Arcata.
    At least the climate here is good for my skin, she thought, and then she wanted to laugh.
    Gary sat at a table in the back of the garden, under a wicker archway threaded with ivy, his legs stretched out, feet propped on a chair in front of him. He wore a baseball cap, the first time Michelle had ever seen him in any kind of hat, and sipped from a teacup. He seemed to be staring at the fountain, though she couldn’t be sure. The centerpiece of the fountain was an Indian-style Buddha. Not really a good fit with Victorian. She’d always wondered about that.
    â€œWell, good morning, Emily.” He bowed his head a fraction and pinched the brim of his ball cap.
    Michelle took in the logo. “The Humboldt Crabs?”
    â€œChampions of the Far West League,” Gary said, grinning. “You know they beat the Healdsburg Prune Packers last night?”
    Michelle pulled out the other chair and sat. “I missed it.”
    â€œRight here in Arcata.” He shook his head. “I have to say, this town . . . it isn’t really you , Michelle.”
    â€œHow would you know?” she snapped back.
    â€œI’m actually a pretty good judge of character.”
    The waitress approached. One of the owners: Jennifer. A few years older than Michelle. Patagonia vests, hemp skirts and handmade soft leather boots.
    â€œEmily, so nice to see you!”
    Michelle forced a smile, and nodded. “Great to see you too.”
    â€œWhat can I get you?”
    â€œJust coffee. Thanks.”
    Gary watched Jennifer pick her way down the gravel path that led to Lady Jane’s kitchen. “Interesting woman, don’t you think?”
    â€œDo not fuck with anybody else here, Gary.”
    For a moment, he was silent. “Well, well,” he said.
    Jennifer returned with coffee. “Is there anything else I can get you? We have fresh baked scones.”
    â€œNo thanks,” Gary said. “I have to watch my gluten.”
    Michelle sipped her coffee. She made a better cup at Evergreen, but this wasn’t bad.
    â€œAll right,” she said, when Jennifer could no longer hear. “What do you want me to do?”
    â€œThat’s it? You’re just gonna agree?”
    He sounded oddly disappointed.
    â€œNo. I’m going to hear what your job is first. And then I’m going to think about it.”
    Gary leaned back in his chair. “You know, I gotta admit, I was pretty surprised to see you and Danny still together. I never would’ve thought that would last.”
    â€œJust tell me what you want.”
    Now Gary smiled. “So you’re willing to go to the mat for him? Who’d a thunk?”
    You can’t lose it, she told herself.
    More to the point, you can’t pull out your .38 and shoot him in Lady Jane Grey’s garden.
    â€œWhat’s the job, Gary?”
    â€œBabysitting,” he said. “I need you to look after somebody. She’s rich. And tragic.” He shook his head. “Such a sad story.”
    â€œBabysitting?”
    â€œWell, she’s gone a little overboard with the self-medicating, and she operates in the kind of social milieu that I figure you’re familiar with. Fund-raisers and such.”
    â€œWhat would I do?”
    â€œLook after her. Manage her appointments. See if you can get her to take a