Dreamscape Read Online Free PDF Page B

schedule. Their children were grown, married, and lived out of state; one in California, the other in Illinois. Jeffrey had taken a part time job at a local hardware store. He loved the water, boats, and most of all, fishing.
    Today…today…well, his concentration lay in the midst of an extremely competitive game of rummy. Across the kitchen table, engrossed in the study of her cards and the game situation sat his opponent, all of seven years of age and not in the least intimidated by him.
    “Come on, Uncle Jeffrey. It’s your turn,” the child cried. “Of course,” she added as she leaned back in her chair, eyeing him, challenging him, “You probably do need the extra time. You’ve lost the last two out of three.”
    At that moment, Jeffrey Dills saw her father, the same eyes, mannerisms. Rick would never be forgotten, not with that little face.
    Eight years had past. God, where had the time gone? Young, brass, and Jeffrey’s partner, Rick played and worked like he’d had the world at his feet. Jeffrey had never forgiven himself for not being there that day, but neither had Ramona. He saw it in her eyes, the sadness that overcame her when she thought no one noticed. The day they buried Rick, Jeffrey made a promise to himself to take care of Ramona and her unborn child. Norah and he had.
    Norah said plainly, “Ramona has no one. The death of Rick has devastated her. Leila is the only thing she’s clinging to now that Rick’s not here. I don’t know why Ramona has refused contact with Rick’s family; her own family. I don’t know, but I know that I’m not going to turn my back on her. She doesn’t have anyone else.”
    The need to protect her daughter shone in Ramona’s eyes. Dills couldn’t say he understood, but he understood enough of what Ramona was capable of. And if she felt the need to hide, he had no right to question her.
    Ramona had changed from the happy, eager, naïve girl he’d first met to the woman she was today. Reluctant, reluctant to use her gift, only accessing it when necessary. Lately, something was up. He could tell.
    Leila jumped up from the chair when she saw her mother’s car pull in. “You’re lucky! Mom’s here!” Leila said and slung her cards on the table.
    Jeffrey stood up and watched Leila skip over to the front door. She opened it, and her mother walked in.
    The first time he’d seen Ramona, he’d thought Rick a lucky guy. Not that tall, probably 5’3”, but slender, dark eyes to match her long dark hair. Most of the time Ramona kept it pulled back. He thought she looked younger, happier with it down, but attractive without question.
    Should be dating or something, Rick would have wanted her happy, but Ramona seemed content with the way things were. After getting manhandled by her daughter, she turned her attention to Jeffrey.
    “You got a minute?” Ramona asked. She released her daughter’s hug, smiling down at her.
    “Yeah,” Jeffrey said. “Leila, go tell Aunt Norah Mom’s here.”
    Both watched as Leila ran down the hall, yelling to her aunt. The child never did anything quietly. He heard her calling out to his wife.
    “So let’s hear it,” Jeffrey said. He turned and faced Ramona.
     
    * * * *
    “Are you sure, Ramona?” Jeffrey asked. The concern couldn’t be denied, clear in his voice.
    Ramona stared back at her friend. She nodded. “Everything is in order. Just precautionary. You know. It’s the smart thing to do.”
    “Not with you, Ramona. I don’t buy it. What’s going on?”
    “Do you not want Leila if something happens to me? You and Norah are the only—”
    “Don’t go there, Ramona. Cut the shit! You had me deliver a letter to the FBI, and yes, I was sure they got it, before you ask. Then the next thing you’re updating your will? I’m not stupid!”
    Ramona hesitated. “I don’t think it would serve a purpose, Jeffrey. I just need to know Leila will be okay. Is that too much to ask?”
    “You know it isn’t, but you don’t