Broken Things (Faded Photograph Series) Read Online Free PDF

acknowledgment hurt more than the gunshot wound he’d once sustained in the line of duty. The assailant’s bullet had torn the bone and flesh, but Allie’s rejection had lacerated his very soul.
    Enough reminiscing!
    Jack peeled back the sheets and shot up out of bed, heading for the kitchen. Reaching the cupboard, he rummaged through it until he found a glass.
    “Dad, you okay?”
    “Sure. Fine.” Standing at the marbled island in which the sink,, he flipped on the faucet. “Just needed a drink of water.” He gulped down several swallows. “What are you doing awake at his hour?”
    “Thinking.”
    “Don’t hurt yourself.” Jack grinned.
    Logan threw him a dark glance, and Jack chuckled.
    “Hey, I need to talk to you about something that happened tonight.”
    “Oh?” With narrowed gaze, Jack considered his adult son reclining on the plaid sofa in the adjacent living room. He knew he hadn’t been a good father to him, even though he’d tried. But sometimes things just don’t work out despite a man’s best intentions. So three months ago when Logan asked to share his apartment because he was thinking of getting married and wanted to save a few bucks, Jack consented. He figured he owed Logan that much―even though he’d expected the worst. After all, Logan had every right to be angry―just as angry as when he was a teenager. But he wasn’t. Of course, he had a point to prove…
    “What’s up?” Jack leaned against the counter.
    Logan stood and strolled to the half-wall dividing the rooms. He reminded Jack so much of himself―the way he once was―that it hurt at times to even look at him.
    Like now.
    Lowering his gaze, Jack stared into his water goblet. “What’s on your mind, kid? Spit it out.”
    “That woman at Uncle Steve’s tonight...Mrs. Littenberg―”
    “Littenberg?” Jack brought his head up sharply. “Is that her last name now? Littenberg?” He produced a curt laugh that sounded spiteful to his own ears. Littenberg...so that’s the name of the guy she fell in love with. The guy who was better than me...
    “Dad?”
    Jack refocused on his son. “What?”
    “Mrs. Littenberg told me how she became a Christian. She said you led her to the Lord.” Logan tipped his head and his brown eyes filled with suspicion. “Is that true?”
    “Hard to believe, isn’t it?”
    Logan brought his chin back, incredulously. “It’s true?”
    “Yep.” Jack could barely believe it himself.
    “But―”
    “But I don’t act like a believer? Is that what you’re going to say? Well, that’s true too.”
    “Why?”
    “Why…what?” His frown deepened.
    “Why…why didn’t you tell me? All this time…” Logan shook his head. “Dad, I don’t get it.”
    “Look, I stepped out of the circle of Christianity a long time ago after I realized prayer doesn’t work and faith isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
    Logan shook his head. “Aw, Dad…you’re so wrong.”
    “Yeah, well, before you pass judgment, walk a mile in my shoes, okay?
    “I’m not passing judgment. I want to help you.”
    “Don’t waste your time.” Jack held up a forestalling hand. “Besides, this topic’s not open for discussion. There are just some things better left alone and this is one of them. As for Mrs. Littenberg ,” he fairly sneered, “she had better mind her own business from now on.”
    “Dad, talk to me. I want to understand.”
    “Drop it, Logan.”
    The warning hung between them until finally the younger man backed down.
    “Fine. Whatever you say. Sure, I’ll change the subject.” He paused in thought, pursing his lips. “Uncle Steve told me that you and Mrs. Littenberg were a pretty hot item once upon a time. He said you two were―to use his words―‘in love.’”
    “I thought you were changing the subject?”
    “About your faith.”
    Jack moaned, feeling the muscles in his neck tighten.. “Your Uncle Steve’s wrong. We were never in love.” He turned on his heel. “And this