Eye of the Beholder

there are things in this world, especially here around Avalon, that we do not fully comprehend."
    Alexa gazed at her, appalled. "Are you telling me that you actually believe that some mysterious negative force has been awakened by Trask's return? That some dark energy vortex is responsible for Guthrie's death?"
    "There's no reason to look for supernatural causes. Human beings generate more than enough negative energy all on their own to account for most of the problems in the world."
    "On that, we agree," Alexa said firmly. "From what I've seen and heard of Dean Guthrie, he was his own worst enemy."
    "You're right," Joanna whispered. "Everyone knows that."
    Alexa took another step, reached out, and put her hand on Joanna's arm. "Talk to me. Tell me why you're so scared. What do you think Trask might uncover here in Avalon?"
    "I don't know." The skin of Joanna's finely molded face drew very tight. "That's the problem. Don't you understand? I don't know what Trask will find out if he continues to dig up the past. Opening old graves is always a dangerous business."
    Old graves.
    It was a good thing she did not believe in negative auras and bad vibrations, Alexa thought. Joanna's anxiety and barely controlled fear lapped at her in dark waves.
    "Joanna—"
    "You want to know why I'm scared? I'll tell you why." Joanna hurled the amber crystal onto the counter. "Twelve years ago the man I loved was killed in a terrible accident. His son vowed revenge. Now that same son is here in town, and one of the men he threatened all those years ago is dead. No, I don't think it's a coincidence."
    "Are you telling me that you think Trask murdered Guthrie?"
    "No."
    "Then what are you saying, Joanna?"
    "I'm saying that I think Trask should go away before someone else dies."
    A tiny, trembling movement caught Alexa's eye. She glanced down. Joanna's hands were shaking so violently that her turquoise and silver Dimensions bracelet was dancing on her wrist.
    "I need my pills," Joanna said.

    The day did not improve markedly as time passed. Trask did not call, but a reporter from the Avalon Herald did.
    "Rich Rudd, Ms. Chambers. Just following up on what I got from the cops. Guthrie was one of the movers and shakers here in Avalon for a long time, you know."
    "Yes, I know."
    "I understand that you and JL Trask, the president and CEO of Avalon Resorts, were first on the scene?"
    "That's right. We were just finishing dinner when we heard the crash."
    "Dinner?"
    Alexa drummed her fingers on the counter. "We had dinner together."
    "I don't recall a restaurant near Avalon Point..."
    In for a penny, in for a pound, Alexa thought. "JL Trask was a guest in my home last night, which happens to be dose to Avalon Point."
    "A guest." The sound of rapid-fire typing on a computer keyboard echoed down the line. "Have you and Mr. Trask been acquainted long?"
    "That question doesn't sound relevant, Mr. Rudd," Alexa said coolly. "Unless you're also doing the Society column for tomorrow's edition?"
    "Trask and Avalon Resorts are big news here in town. There's been some talk about an old feud."
    "Really?" Alexa infused as much innocence as she could into her tone.
    "A feud that involved Dean Guthrie and Lloyd Kenyon."
    "Fascinating," Alexa said, deliberately vague.
    A large object obscured the light in the doorway of the shop. Alexa looked around and saw Trask. She clutched the phone in her left hand, stabbed a finger at it, and mouthed the word reporter.
    Irritation narrowed his gaze. He walked toward her.
    "Guthrie was said to be visibly upset by Trask's presence here in Avalon," Rich Rudd said on the other end of the line. "Would you care to comment?"
    "No."
    Trask crossed to the counter and took the phone from Alexa's fingers. "Rudd?" he asked softly.
    She nodded.
    "I've been ducking his calls all day." He spoke into the phone. "This is Trask."
    Alexa heard a buzzing sound. She realized it was Rich Rudd firing questions. There was a short pause while Trask listened.
    "It's personal, Rudd. Sorry, that's the only question I'm going to answer today."
    He replaced the receiver very gently.
    Alexa eyed him. "What was the question?"
    "He asked me if our relationship was business or personal."
    "Oh." Alexa could not think of anything else to say on that topic.
    "How was your day?" Trask asked.
    "Lousy. Joanna Bell and some of the other shop keepers here in the Plaza seem to think that dangerous metaphysical forces have been unleashed in the vicinity of Avalon. On