A Place Called Home Read Online Free PDF Page A

turn his attention to the third occupant of the room, whom Christine hadn’t noticed. Susanne sat quietly near the door, where she had been during the entire exchange. Mark was sure the concern and sympathy he saw in his wife’s eyes mirrored his own.
    Having left Christine in Maggie’s capable hands, Mark and Susanne checked on their own sleeping daughter and retired to the bedroom. As they prepared for bed, Susanne spoke for the first time. “I’m sure you realize she never intended to tell you a thing.”
    â€œI’m sure you’re right.” He paused and then added, “I can’t help but think of Emily as a young woman, possibly alone. I would want someone to help her.” His voice was heavy with despair.
    â€œOh, Mark, you know God would take care of her—just as I’m sure God put Christine in our lives because she needs us.”
    They were in bed now. Susanne lay on her side so Mark could rub the small of her back. She had done the wash today and ached all over. She was relaxed and near sleep when Mark spoke again.
    â€œI’d like to see her up on her feet tomorrow, but I think she’ll be embarrassed in front of me after tonight.”
    â€œYou’re probably right. Maggie and I can go in and get her up and dressed if she’s ready for it.”
    â€œSince she is healing well, that will be fine. Thanks for handling it. Good night, Sue.” He pulled her close and kissedher, and they both fell asleep with prayers in their hearts for Christine Bennett.

    Back in Spooner, once again in the ornate but dimly lit study, sat a man behind his desk in another late-night interview with the small, scruffy man who did his dirty work.
    â€œAre you all set to get in tonight?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œRemember, if you get caught you’re on your own.”
    â€œMe and the boys never get caught.”
    â€œGo alone!”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI said
go alone
. The three of you will wake the entire house if you search her room together. You go alone and quietly search through her clothes, drawers, everything. You mustn’t leave a thing disturbed or that busybody Mrs. Hall will have the sheriff out again.”
    â€œDo you want I should get rid of her?”
    â€œOf course not!” the man behind the desk snapped.
    â€œWill that be all, Mr. Jeffers?”
    â€œYes, just as long as you continue to keep an eye on my partner and report to me regularly.”
    â€œYes, sir, I’ll do that.”
    â€œYou may go, then.”
    As always, the little man was more than anxious to get away. He knew he wasn’t much, but he didn’t smile in a person’s face and then pull a knife when his back was turned. Two-faced! There was no other way to describe Vince Jeffers, and he didn’t trust him. Drawing deeply of the night air, he stepped out the rear of the house. The house, he thought, smelled evil, if that were possible. As he moved along in the shadows to do hisnight’s work, he decided that when this entire episode with the Bennett girl was over he would take his share of the money and move on. He was getting too old for this type of work. His new resolve made him quicken his pace in an effort to get the job done and be gone.

8

    Morning found Maggie, Susanne, and Christine all standing in Christine’s room staring at each other. The two older women had entered the room and found Christine up, wrapped in a quilt, and looking out the window. Some minutes went by before Susanne broke the silence. She spoke as she transferred a bundle of clothes from her arms to the bed.
    â€œI’m Susanne, Mark’s wife.” She paused, uncertain. This was not going at all as she had planned. “I brought you some clothes, but I don’t think they’re going to fit. I mean, you’re welcome to them…they’re mine, but…” She shrugged helplessly.
    A smile broke across Christine’s face at