Free A Barlow Lens by Elizabeth Noble Page A

explain everything.” He took a deep breath and looked out the front window, reaching for the ignition. “God, I wish he’d left that message on voice mail.” He put the key in the ignition.
    A shadow moved across Wyatt’s peripheral vision from Val’s side of the car. Wyatt barely had time to grab Val’s shirt and yank him down, covering Val’s head with his arm. “Val, look out!”
    Val’s window exploded inward, showering them with jagged chunks of shattered glass.

Chapter 7
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    Cleveland, Ohio—1927
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    T HE DAY started like any other for Tom. School had been back in session a few weeks. It was mid-September and a hot day already. Tom sat sipping his coffee, wondering how he’d ever get his students to focus on their lessons sitting in a hot, stuffy room. Maybe he’d be able to manage organizing something they could do outdoors. The skies were blue, and not a cloud could be seen, so no rain was likely.
    He sighed and looked at the Cleveland Press pages in front of him. Specifically at one picture on one page.
    â€œNot a bad photograph, huh?” Emma appeared on the other side of the counter, in front of Tom.
    â€œIt’s very nice. One of the weekends we went to Euclid Beach. That was a good day,” Tom said.
    Emma laughed softly. “Every day we spent out there was a good day.”
    â€œTrue.” Tom leaned back while she refilled his coffee. “It’s still hard seeing that photograph of you and Philip in the paper, announcing you’re getting married in a few months.”
    Philip was working a different duty shift this month and wouldn’t be done until the afternoon. That meant no breakfast together, but they could have an early dinner together. Then there were the evenings they were able to spend together at the Canary.
    â€œThere are two vacant apartments in my building,” he said.
    â€œWell, ain’t that handy. You tell Philip yet?”
    Tom shook his head. “I was going to wait until our next night out at the Canary, surprise him.”
    â€œHe’ll love that. Our secret. Nancy has her place upstairs, so we’ll work it out, and it’ll be good for all of us,” Emma said. Tom had come to know her and Nancy very well. Emma was constantly bright and sunny, always seeing the good side of people and situations. “You know we have to get married,” Emma said softly, putting her hand over Tom’s. “People expect it. Don’t let it get you down, nothing will change.”
    Tom looked up and smiled. “I know, but sometimes I think….”
    Emma leaned over the counter and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Weddings are fun. We’ll dance, and have a ball,” she said. “I promise. You’ll see.”
    â€œGuess I’d better get going.” Tom set money on the counter and pushed off the stool. He waved to her as he walked out of the door.
    It was a short walk to the school, but by the time he reached the front door, his shirt was starting to stick to him.
    The children were arriving for the day, and as he climbed the steps, he was greeted with a chorus of voices: “Good morning, Mr. Manning.” Tom returned their greetings with one of his own, calling each child by name.
    No matter how hard he wished it, for some reason his spirits today simply wouldn’t lift. He’d known for months and helped formulate their plan. Philip and Emma would marry. An appropriate time later, Tom and Nancy would as well. No one would ever think twice about two married couples spending time with each other. Just like now, no one looked twice at the four of them.
    His room was on the second floor. He sighed as he reached the door. There was a class full of students for him to concern himself with right now. Other thoughts would have to wait. As he began his lessons, it was as he had feared: the children were fidgety, and keeping their attention was difficult in