Secrets of Hallstead House by Amy M Reade Page A

stairs, the big front door flew open and Brandt stumbled in, thoroughly soaked. Rain ran in rivulets into his eyes and ears, and water puddled around his feet on the foyer floor.
    “This is unbelievable!” he exclaimed. I ran to the kitchen in search of some towels for him. As I looked through a drawer under one of the kitchen windows, I could see the rain slamming against the glass. Suddenly there was a flash of light that lacerated the sky, followed by a terrific boom that made the house shudder. I found several towels and ran back to Brandt. As he mopped his face and head, he said in wonder, “I haven’t seen anything like this in a long time. There’s no way Giselle and I can get back to Cape Cartier while there’s thunder and lightning out there.”
    I agreed and winced when lightning rent the darkness again and the thunder bellowed just beyond the front door. “You and Giselle need to stay here until the storm blows away.”
    Brandt went off to change, explaining that he always kept a set of clothes at Summerplace. I went in search of Vali to tell her that Brandt and Giselle would be having dinner with us.
    I found her and Giselle coming in the back door under cover of a big umbrella.
    “Vali, would you mind setting a couple extra spots for dinner? Brandt and Giselle are staying for a while, until the storm lets up.”
    Vali glared at me. “Giving orders now? Didn’t take you long to settle right in, did it?” she sneered.
    “Aunt Vali, I’m sure Macy is just trying to be thoughtful.” Giselle looked as if the rain hadn’t touched her. Her clothes were dry, her makeup was perfect, and every hair was in place. She was again wearing a form-fitting top with tight jeans and stilettos. She looked a little out of place.
    Vali rolled her eyes. I ignored her and went upstairs to change my clothes. When I came down again, I went into the dining room to find Stephan and Will as usual. Stephan offered me a hot buttered rum from a tray on the sideboard and I accepted gratefully. It tasted wonderful and seemed to ward off some of the chill from outdoors. Brandt and Giselle made their appearance just a few moments later. Brandt had changed his clothes and looked comfortable and dry. As they entered the dining room, Giselle took Brandt’s hand possessively and looked at me with a slight smile, almost triumphant. She certainly seems insecure , I thought.
    Dinner was an uncomfortable affair. Vali served a creamy onion soup, followed by a fabulous roast of pork with autumn vegetables and homemade applesauce. During the meal, we talked lightly about the storm, which seemed to be letting up a bit; then Stephan regaled us with an unsettling story of being caught in a storm on a cruise ship. I was unpleasantly reminded of my own experience aboard a boat during a storm. After we were done with our main course, Vali came to clear the dishes. As she left the room Will looked at me and pointedly asked, “Speaking of stories about water, Macy, have you ever heard the story of our local pirate, William Johnston?”
    “No,” I answered slowly. Something vaguely malicious in Will’s tone made me fear that another unnerving story was coming.
    “No? Well, it’s a famous tale around here, and you can’t go home without hearing it. William Johnston was originally from Canada and a self-described patriot. He lived a good part of his life in northern New York and was a tavern keeper there. During the Canadian rebellion of 1838, there was a British ship called the Sir Robert Peel that was docked at Wellesley Island. You may have seen Wellesley Island on your way here.
    “Anyway, under the cover of darkness one night, Johnston led a group of other patriots onto the Peel . They plundered the boat and forced all of her passengers ashore. Then they cut the boat loose from her moorings and set her on fire. The boat drifted down the river and finally ran aground at Rock Island, which is not too far from here. This had all been done in