； the creak of the mattress under one bag； the thud of
another on the floor； the jangle of metal hangers on a wooden rod…failed
to move her。
A crick in her neck finally brought her back to reality。 Hands bracing
her lower back； she rolled her head in a circular motion in an attempt
to release tension。
Bizarre。 Bizarre situation。 A real…life drama in place of a fictional
one； discarded now on the floor by the fire。 But there wasn't a thing
she could do。 She could agonize over it for hours； but that fact
wouldn't change。
Retreating to her bedroom； she closed the door tightly and propped a
chair against the knob the way her heroine had done in Chapter Six； or
thereabouts。 Quickly； she slipped into a long flannel nightgown； pulled
her hair from its knot； and took refuge under the bed's heavy quilts。
Despite the chair at the door； she wasn't frightened。 Not really。
Mitch's story irritated her； but it was believable enough。 Or； rather；
he was believable。 There was something about him…his intelligent manner
of speech； his clean appearance； his refined air…that spoke of breeding。
Granted； he'd been pretty crude at the start。 But even that could be
explained away。 He seemed neither malicious nor vengeful； only angry at
the rental agent's error。
What to do？ She had no choice but to sleep on the matter。 e morning；
a solution would be f