The Manipulators

For a Victorian house to take on such an Italian character amazed Gary as he was ushered from Florence to Naples to Capri to Sicilian villas with which he could not identify.  The Italian motif was broken only by the single upstairs room filled with carvings, baskets, and frightening masks from her stint in PNG.  It was an ethnic tour he would not forget.

“Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable evening,” he said as he donned his jacket.

“My privilege, Dr. Conway.”

She watched him off the steps and onto the walk where he turned toward the University.  The insects were chirping and the night was warm in response to the freshness of May.

“My privilege indeed,” she echoed as she shut the door, dead-bolted it and leaned back against it, her eyes half-closed, her thoughts moving back over every aspect of the evening. 

It had been an unqualified success.  The ground was furrowed and the seed sown.  Now Spain – far from Ellen Shaw – was just what was needed.  And tonight had made a dent, even in her hold.  Gary was vulnerable.  She had sensed it this morning.  And in Spain that vulnerability could be exploited. 

She remained still for some time, a smile edging across the features she appreciated as much as others did.

Her love for Gary Conway had blossomed the moment he had introduced her to Fitzgerald’s writings, the moment he had illuminated her mind with new ideas.  Something men her own age had never done.  Of course, sacrifices were in the offing if Gary ultimately reciprocated, but .  .  . 

The smile faded as she considered what else victory would mean.

Ellen would be hurt.  Yet, there was no engagement.  All they had was a ‘relationship’ which meant that Gary was fair game.  So, there was nothing unethical in fighting for him over the summer. 

Angie’s features suddenly hardened as her thoughts darted from Ellen to Joey and his inexcusable request.  Joey.  Selfish, jealous Joey.

Damn him!

She could have refused and would have, if only he had asked her something clearly immoral or illegal.  Since it was neither, she was trapped.  Sibling ties demanded her honoring his request.  Yet, Gary had immediately picked up on the flaw: why not ship the gifts to John Welsh?  It clearly made more sense.

Unfortunately, logic was not one of Joey’s strong suits.

What troubled her most was that with Joey one could never be sure if everything were as innocent as it appeared.  If so his asking was plain stupidity; if not – which was far more likely!  – he was putting her at risk, a clear breach of the Family code.

Stooping that low would be unforgivable!!  Absolutely unforgivable!!!