Free Angels In Red by Adelle Laudan Page B

back... Maybe he really is sick?
    “I’m not going to lie for your father, but have you forgotten the people back home who do love you? Edna is sick with worry.”
    A wave of guilt washed over her. She’d been so caught up in her own needs; she’d completely blanked out the woman who was more like a mother than a housekeeper. Not to mention Buffy; her best friend must be going crazy with worry. She never intended to hurt anyone. “And you?”
    “It’s no secret how much you mean to me. I love you like a daughter.” He sniffled and looked away.
    “I know you do, and I really am sorry for causing so much worry. You do understand why I had to leave, don’t you? Does my father actually believe I’m going to agree to marry that man?”
    “I hear ya, kiddo. I think there’s more to the story than either of us know. Harold Meed has been to the estate every day since you ran off.”
    Her stomach churned, and she swallowed the sourness rising up the back of her throat. “He has? What does he want?”
    “I’m not sure, to be honest. His visits with your father are behind closed doors.” He rubbed her arm. “If I were to venture a guess, your hand in marriage is part of a business deal, or perhaps blackmail of some sort. Whatever the deal is, Harold expects you to marry him.”
    “I don’t care what he expects.” Blackmail? Her hand pressed against the diary in her coat pocket.
    Cold air filled the room as the police chief walked in and joined them. “We can leave for Jack’s place in half an hour or so.”
    Jenna used Charles’ shoulder to stand, and hugged him. “Thank you.” Her face warmed in the reflection of his reddening cheeks.
    “Ah, erm…I’ll be back as soon as the snowmobiles arrive and are ready to roll.” He backed up as he spoke, seemingly in a hurry to escape her sudden display of emotions.
    Jenna eased back down to her chair. Her hand pressed against her bruised ribs, the pain reminding her she was still healing. 
    Charles reached out to her. “Are you okay?”
    She sniffled, chuckling at herself. “I’m more than okay.”
    An image of Jack taking the Christmas tree back outside flashed in her mind. Jenna straightened in her seat, an idea forming in her mind. Perfect.
    Charles eyed her quizzically as she grabbed his arm.
    “I need you to help me do something before we head back to the cabin...”
    * * * *
    Jack thrummed the table top as he stared blankly into the dwindling fire. Everywhere he looked reminded him of Jenna. She’d only been there a short time, but his heart ached like he’d known her his entire life.
    The dogs sniffed every inch of the cabin for her. Sasha tilted her head sideways at him and whimpered. He half-expected to see a tear slip from her sad eyes.
    “I’m sorry old girl, she’s gone.” He scratched the patch of snow-white fur under her chin and sighed. The sadness in the room was almost suffocating.
    Rather than assume their usual places in front of the fire, both dogs sat at the back door. It’s all my fault.   He’d jumped to all the wrong conclusions. Of course she’d want to go home sooner or later.
    Jack gazed out the window at the setting sun, and how it cast a purplish glow on the snow. There is something magical about this time of night. I wish Jenna were here to see this .
    He rubbed his eyes on his shirtsleeve. For the past five years he’d been content on his own with the dogs. Now, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so alone.
    Sasha and Tito began whining and scratching at the door.
    “Knock it off you two. You’re not making this any easier. She’s not coming back.”
    Light flooded the room as a snowmobile passed his window, and then another. “What the...”
    Jack quickly slid his feet into boots and opened the door. Tito almost knocked him over as he bounded over to a trio of sleds.
    He put his arm up over his eyes, momentarily blinded.
    “Did you really think I’d let you off of having a Christmas tree that easy?”
    Jenna? His