"Which I've destroyed," he stated, completing the unspoken end of her

thought.

"Only for the moment. You'll eventually leave be quiet again."

He scanned the cabin.

"You live an..

"It is pretty simple."

"Simple? I'd describe it as damned rustic.

even. Living in a one-room cabin on the side of a moun' rain. No modern conveniences, no electricity."

She shrugged again.

"I like it. It's quiet. I get a lot of work done here." Ellen pointed to the drafting table, gave the bookcase a lingering look.

Jack got up and crossed the room to admire the sketch' attached to the

slanted surface of her table.

"You stuff." He grinned, adding, "Of course, what do I about art? I can't remember my own name."

She covered her mouth quickly, trying to hide her re, spouse to his remark. ' "Gotcha!" he said, triumphantly, pointing at her. knew I could make you smile."

Ellen slowly lowered her hand, and Jack could. see color that highlighted her cheeks. Her eyes lost their i pained look, and her sheepish grin turned into laughter, Jack joined her.

"That sounds good. I was afraid you'd been living up here by yourself

for so long you'd forgotten how to laugh."

The brief flare of amusement abruptly faded from her face, leaving her pale and drawn.

"There's not much to laugh at around here."

"So I noticed."

It's not fair, he thought, watching her solemn mask of self-control slip

back into place. How can I stand to watch her be so serious, when I know how beautiful she looks when she laughs? An awkward silence built between them, almost daring him to disturb it.

It was a dare Jack had to take.

"So what's the hot entertainment around here? Solitaire?"

She turned her attention to the pile of dirty dishes. "Go Fish?"

Ellen ignored him.

"Strip poker?"

She pivoted, clutching a plate.

"Whatis it with you?" Her somber, ivory mask slipped, revealihg a

flushed an- get.

"I don't need anything from you. Especially not entertainment."

"Her outburst caught him by surprise. Jack had pected laughter, but he

got an explosion of temper instead. He bristled.

"Wait a minute.

I'm not trying to give you the business. I'm not that kind of guy ' Ithink. "Anyway, where do you come off yelling at me? I'm just someinnocent schmuck who" -- "Innocent? Don't give me this innocent craplSome things don't change no matter what disgui you" -- The plate slippedfrom between her fin gem and shatlx whe it hit the wooden floor.

Jack stepped around the shards of china and grabbed her by the arms.

"You do know me!"

72 ,4 Killer Smile "N-no!" She struggled, trying to pull out of his

grip.

"I don't. I mean, I'm not sure."

"Not sure of what?"

"I'm ... I'm ..." She dropped her head, then slowly looked back up at

him.

"For a moment ... when you laughed, you sounded just li him," she whispered.

Jack released her, unwilling to add to her fear by the simple act of

touching her. He took a step backward and jammed his hands into his pockets.

"Him who?"

"Honk." Her voice cracked.

"Hank B-Bartholomew."

Jack paused, wondering if the name would start a chain reaction in him.

Would locked-up memories suddenly break loose and reveal all?

When no flood occurred, he became impatient for her explanations.

"Why aren't you sure whether I'm this guy or not? Do I look like him? Do I act like him?"

"No. But ..."

"But what?"

"I'm not sure what he looks like ... now." : - "Ellen, you're not

making sen. You either know wha he" -- Ellen raised a pale hand and gestured for him to while she fumbled behind her for a chail Jack reached for her elbow, but she jerked out of his grasp.

"Judging by your reactions, I don't think I want to find out' I'm this Bartholomew characlr:' looked up, Jack didn't like what he saw in her't down on the end of the bed.

"Tell me about him, Ellen; Tell me everything."

She dropped into the rocking chair and began an im-media rhythm. Her eyes glazed as' she stared into the "I was a freshman in college ...

Chapter Five ".

Hank?" The empty theater magnified her voice and sent it back to her in pulsating waves.

"I don't understand. There's no one here but us."

"I know." Her boyfriend squeezed her hand a bit too hard.

"I can't stand the thought of sharing you with anyone else."

Ellen pulled away from him.

"But you said we were going to a play.

You lied to me!"

"But only for the sake of romance, Ellen." The humor in his voice died away when she tried to take a step back from him.

"Don't leave, Ellen. The night and the fun has just begun." His fae twislxi into a'siely smile which frightened her. more than initial disphyof anger.