The tension was palpable in the house that evening. Although everyone seemed involved in activities as normal, each of them was alert and on guard. Ben sat with a book open in his hands, but never flipped the pages. Rowena worked on the computer, but every few minutes she scanned the windows anxiously. Marianne and Gwynn studied wedding catalogues. Marianne and Striker were getting married soon, and the girls were supposedly choosing Marianne"s gown, but they flicked through the pages sporadically, without studying any of the designs. William sat reading a book to Katie, who was on an overnight visit. Her carer, Cecilia had a standing arrangement for one night a month, when William and Gwynn kept Katie, while Cecilia visited with her sister in Billings. The arrangement coincided, unfortuna
