Katie's Dream Read Online Free PDF

around at my side. It seemed to be coming from Edward’s car. Teeny, whimpery noises.
    At first I didn’t see anything at all in the shadows. But then behind the driver’s seat, a shape. A child. Huddled on the floorboards and curled up alone in the dark.
    â€œHello,” I said softly. “I’m Mr. Wortham, Edward’s brother. Who are you?” Edward didn’t have a wife or children that I knew of. What was this about?
    The child raised its head, just a little, and I could see the long, dark curls. A little girl. Why hadn’t Edward said something? Why didn’t he bring her inside?
    â€œAre you hungry?” I asked her.
    She just sat there watching me. I reached my hand toward her, and she drew back. Once again, I felt that churning inside me. I could have hit him, whatever he meant by this. Whoever this child was, how dare he just leave her in the car? And had he given her reason to be afraid?
    I set the bucket down. “Why don’t you come inside?” I suggested. “My wife would be happy to pour you some milk and get you a bite to eat.”
    She shook her head, just enough for me to see it in the darkness.
    â€œDid he tell you to stay put?”
    She was quiet for a moment. Then in a tiny, timid voice she answered me. “Yes, sir.”
    â€œWell. This is my home. Not his. And what I say goes here. You’re coming in for a meal if you need one and a soft bed for the night. And if he doesn’t like it, then he and I will have to settle matters and it won’t be your fault. Do you understand?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œCome on. Okay? Don’t be afraid.”
    Slowly she crawled toward me, never taking her eyes offme as she moved. So small. Barely Sarah’s size. Where in the world had he gotten a child? Why? A heat was growing inside me, fierce and awful. Scarcely was I ever angry. Not since long-gone days when I had been so much younger and Eddie had been such a torment. Now he was back.
    â€œSamuel Wortham?” she whispered.
    â€œYes. That’s right. Edward’s brother. But I promise you we’re not much alike.”
    She stood on the seat and took hold of my arms. She was a skinny thing; I could carry her easily, and the bucket too. She clung to my neck on the way to the house, resting her head against my shoulder. She sniffed once or twice, and I wanted to ask her name. I wanted to know plenty. But from Edward first.
    I gave the door a push, walked straight for the table, and set the bucket down in front of Edward’s face. I could feel the child’s body tense against mine when she saw him. Juli gasped. I saw with relief that Sarah was gone. Juli must have sent her on up to bed. Thank God.
    Edward rose to his feet before I could say a word. And he was laughing. “Well! You found her. That didn’t take long! I was saving the surprise for later.”
    â€œYou tell me what the devil you’re doing with a scared child in your car!” I demanded. “Ed Wortham, where’d you get her? Where’s her family—”
    â€œNow, calm down.” He was smiling, still laughing inside.
    I might have set the girl down, but she was clinging to me.
    â€œYou’re looking at my good deed for the year,” he continued. “I met her mother back East. Told her I knew where the kid’s father was and that I’d take her to him. Now isn’t that a nice gesture on my part?”
    â€œWhere? Where’s her mother?”
    â€œI have no idea where she is now. She was in Albany.On her way to Buffalo. But she’d be gone from there by now. A singer. Does a lot of traveling.”
    â€œWhy would she leave her child with you?”
    â€œLike I said, I know her father. Look at her, Sammy. She look like anybody you know?”
    I didn’t look. I didn’t see much point.
    â€œTrudy Vale, Samuel. That name mean anything to you?”
    Not a thing. Julia walked up beside me and put