The House Across the Lake

by Riley Sager

“You have to sniff it first,” Tom says, sounding both annoyed and insulted. “Swirl it around in the glass, get your nose in close, then sniff. Smelling it prepares your brain for what you’re about to taste.” I do as I’m told, holding the glass to my nose and inhaling deeply. It smells like every other glass of wine I’ve had. Nothing special.