KeepingFaithCole Read Online Free PDF Page A

from his mind, Tom swallowed down his first drink then
ordered another round. After all, the day could easily be counted as special; a
bit of celebration was in order.
    “This will be the first time
Ma and I have been together for years,” he mentioned, smiling at her. No matter
what his head told him, in his heart Tom knew she truly meant to keep her word,
to do right. She’d get up each morning, she’d work each day, and she’d do her
best. “Only thing missing now is my little sister, Sally. I’d like to find her,
just don’t know for sure where to start.”
    Abner Kellerman’s face grew serious. “I’ve got some connections, you know. Maybe I
could make a few inquiries.”
    Despite doubts that the
drunken doctor’s efforts would be of any use, Tom nodded and clapped the old
fellow on the back. “It would be appreciated. Much appreciated.” He strolled to
the other end of the bar and settled onto a tall stool.
    Jake Walker came over,
another drink in hand. “On the house,” he told Tom, setting it down before him.
    “Thanks.”
    “I wouldn’t put much stock
in Kellerman, you know.”
    Tom laughed. “I don’t.”
    “Want me to ask around a
bit? I actually do have a few connections.”
    Tom nodded. Maybe between
Kellerman and Walker, somebody would get a lead on Sally. Miracles didn’t
happen too often, but now and then, one came along, and maybe there was one
headed his way, one with his name on it.
    He grabbed the shot of
whiskey. As he drank it down, a good feeling spread throughout his body. A
damned good feeling. Something fine was coming his way. He’d swear on it.
     
    * * * *
     
    To Lucille’s surprise, when she arrived at work the
following morning, she found Charlotte Henderson waiting outside the
dressmaking shop. She hadn’t expected the woman to show up at all, let alone be
on time.
    “It’s half-past, Miss McIntyre.”
    “I’m running a little late,” she replied, embarrassed by
both the lie she told and by the obvious disregard she’d shown the woman. She
fumbled with the key and the lock, then pushed open the door. “Please, call me
Lucille. I’ll address you as Charlotte, if you don’t mind. I think working
relationships should be somewhat informal.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Had the woman not heard the instructions to use her given
name? If Charlotte weren’t willing to listen and do as she was told, she’d soon
find herself out of work. Lucille considered mentioning that fact, then thought
better of it.
    “Mama comes in a bit later each morning.” She directed her
new employee to step inside, wishing her mother were with her now to advise her
on the best way to deal with Charlotte. Having never been in the position of
manager before, Lucille had no idea what approach to take. Perhaps the best
course would be to establish definite rules from the start. “Since you can’t
sew, your duties will be mostly custodial—”
    “In other words, you want me to clean up after you.”
    Taken aback by the woman’s interruption—and the cutting look
in her harsh blue eyes—Lucille stiffened. “There’s a broom and dustpan in the
storeroom, along with a few other cleaning supplies. Come with me, Charlotte.
I’ll show you where to find them.”
    She squared her shoulders and marched toward the rear of the
shop, not caring whether Tom’s mother followed or not. Sooner rather than
later, the disagreeable woman would fall short of the expectations Lucille
placed upon her. When it happened, Charlotte would be summarily dismissed.
    When she heard the sound of footsteps behind her, Lucille
sighed. So far, her new worker had done nothing to warrant a firing. Of course,
only a few minutes had gone by. Give her time, and she’d do something wrong.
    “My personal office is over there,” she explained, pointing
to a small room that adjoined the shop. “That’s where I write up orders, handle
invoices, and deal with other paperwork.”
    “I’d be glad to help with any of it,