Oliver laughed. He stopped laughing when Amelie made her next move, and concentrated on the chessboard with a fierce, blank expression.
Who is Bishop? Michael asked.
Exactly who he says he is. He has no reason to lie.
So hes your father? Claire asked. There was a long silence, one not even Oliver broke; Amelie raised her cool gray eyes and focused on Claires face until Claire felt the urge, not just to look away, but to run.
Amelie finally said, In a sense, at least, as you might Oliver studied the board, then studied her with equal annoyance as he tipped over his doomed black king. We need to discuss this, he said. Obviously.
Your tragic lack of strategic skills? Amelies frost-colored brows slowly rose. I am deliberating what to do about our guests. For now, go home, Oliver. And thank you for coming.
She said it without a trace of ironyshe could dismiss him like a servant, but at least she thanked him. Olivers eyes went even darker, but he got up without comment and walked out into the kitchen. Claire heard the door slam behind him.
Amelie took in a deliberate breath, then let it out. She rose to her feet and nodded to Michael. I think youll be safe enough here tonight, she said. Let no one enter, not for any reason. A quick, almost invisible flicker of a smile. Except for me, of course. Me, you cannot stop.
What about Oliver? Shane asked.
His invitation to enter has been revoked. He wont be able to bother you unless you do something foolish. Which, from the look Amelie gave him, she considered hardly unlikely. Bishop is my affair, not yours. Go about your business, and stay out of this. All of you.
Wait, my parents
Amelie didnt wait. With silent grace, she left the table and walked up the stairs, and as her luminous pale figure disappeared at the top, Shane said, Where the hell is she going? Theres no door up there.
Claire knew. She knew all too well. However she does it, shes gone. They all looked at her, even Michael. There must be some way out. Whats she going to do, bring her pajamas and crash on the couch?
Do you think she has any? Eve asked. Because Im betting she sleeps in the nude.
Eve!
What? Come on. Can you really see her in flannel footies? Bunny slippers?
Michael sank into the chair Amelie had vacated, and stared at the chessboard. He slowly reset it, but Claire could tell he wasnt really thinking about the game. Shane, he said. Go make sure were locked up, would you?