Jimmy recognized the island from the pamphlets. It was bigger than he had imagined, the A-frame lodge on high ground and half a dozen cabins on a broad peninsula. They entered a little cove, sliding in alongside a floating dock. "The skiff's yours,' said their host. He gestured at a small aluminum boat. "She's gassed and ready. When you need more gas, look in the lodge. In the big red cans.'
"Which cabin is ours?' asked Mom.
"You pick,' said Mr. Gressy. "Any one you want.'
There was a moment of silence, then Dad attempted a smile. "Where are the other people?' he asked.
"Aren't any.' Mr. Gressy gave a disinterested shrug. "You've got the run of the place.'
They could have asked to leave, to be taken back to the security of their Volvo. But why? The old man watched them unload their gear, sometimes shaking his head as if amused. Were they that inadequate? Jimmy wondered. As vacationers went, did they measure up that badly?
Their last cooler was set against the hull. Jimmy grabbed it and gave a jerk, then saw the butt of the rifle tucked into a special-made slot, almost invisible. An instant later, Mr. Gressy said, "Shot a bear, just last week,' and gave a scornful little laugh.
Nobody else noticed the rifle or the words.
Jimmy hurriedly dragged the cooler to Dad, both of them lifting it up and over. Then the old man was saying, "Rules, folks. I've got one big important rule.'
Even the twins paused, standing there with their dolls clenched to their chests.
He told them, "I live on the other side of the island, alone, and I like my privacy. If you need me, blow the boat horn up at the lodge. Blast till I show.' He stared at Dad, his expression dismissive. "Less of course I'm gone, which puts you on your own.'
Mom grasped Dad's hand and squeezed.
Dad coughed and said, "Climb on over, son.'
Jimmy joined them. The dock rode low in the water, weighed down by their luggage.
"Enjoy yourselves,' said Mr. Gressy, laughing for no clear reason. Then he untied himself and raced out of the cove, probably going home. The dock moved over his wake, then everything turned hot and still, almost silent. Finally Mom dropped Dad's hand and said, "Well, I guess we pick our cabin.' But nobody seemed eager to step onto solid land, some tiny precognitive voice warning them against that simple act.
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