She Waits Read Online Free PDF Page A

"Aunt Hannah, don't. It's all over."
    I looked at Maggie and tried to figure out why she would cut her aunt off like that. "I'm sorry," I said, not knowing quite what to say. After a few moments of awkward silence, I tried to change the topic. "Shouldn't you be off that foot?" Nice segue, Kate.
    "Yes, she certainly should. Let's all go in. What time is it?" Hannah looked at her watch. "Good heavens it's after noon, time for a cocktail! It's getting cloudy and it'll take the chill out of our bones."
    It was getting rather cool. I turned and looked for my crazed canine but she was still nowhere in sight. She'd be back in an hour or so, after she finished snooping and burying whatever she'd found.
    Maggie limped into the den and I followed.
    "Have a seat, anywhere," she offered, plopping on the couch while I looked around the massive den.
    "Your aunt's house is huge."
    "This house belongs to me. Aunt Hannah has lived with us since my mother died. Both of my parents are gone now, so it's just the two of us."
    "I'm very sorry about your parents--your aunt told me about them earlier."
    "I had a feeling she was going to do that. She likes you. You have an honest face. Aunt Hannah is very impressionable."
    "We had a very interesting talk, nice but interesting."
    Hannah came in with a tray full of glasses and a decanter. "Pour if you will, Kate," she said.
    "My pleasure, Hannah."
    "You have an engaging personality, Kate. And beautiful green eyes. Doesn't she Margaret?"
    "Of sorts."
    "Now," said Hannah sitting down with her drink. "Tell us about yourself, Kate. How long have you been a photographer? Are you originally from Illinois?"
    As soon as I opened my mouth to speak, the doorbell rang. I wonder if I can do that again? I opened my mouth again, and by golly, it worked.
    "Hello, is anybody home?" A woman's voice came from the foyer.
    I watched Hannah and Maggie stare at each other--neither moved.
    "Ladies, someone's at the door." I looked first at Maggie, then at Hannah, watching for any reaction.
    Hannah took a long, long sip of her sherry. You could almost call it a swig. Maggie drained the contents of her glass, laid her head back on the arm of the couch, and closed her eyes. Well,when in Rome. I drained my glass as well.
    "Helloo!"
    "We're in here, dear," Hannah called politely.
    Maggie lifted her head and glared at her aunt. I remembered that look from earlier that morning. I was grateful I was not the recipient. Hannah rolled her eyes.
    In walked the most strikingly beautiful woman I had ever seen. She was 5'9" and all legs. She looked like Ava Gardner and had legs like Cyd Charisse. Okay, I'm a sucker for Hollywood. Her hair was jet black, short and wavy. Her eyes were green and somewhat almond shaped. She had high cheekbones, full red lips and long shapely legs that went "all the way to the floor" as my father used to say. She was wearing a plaid skirt and with those legs who wouldn't and a V-neck sweater with a blazer: very classy.
    All at once, I felt like a frumpy bumpkin in my jeans, flannel and loafers. I thought for sure she was going to take out a cigarette and wait for someone to light it. I might have, if I smoked, and if I had a lighter.
    This strange, elegant woman looked at Maggie. "God, Mags. Are you all right?"
    I'd stood when she entered the room, but she breezed right past me to sit on the edge of the couch. See if I light your cigarette.
    "I saw Doc, he told me what happened," she said and touched Maggie's forehead. "Are you all right?"
    "Allison, there was no need to come over. I'm fine. Really," Maggie said.
    My eyes widened as I realized who this woman was. I gave a questioning look to Hannah who had a mischievous smirk on her face.
    Allison glanced at Hannah. "I'm sorry, Hannah, I didn't mean to be rude and ignore you."
    "That's all right, my dear, you were only rude to our guest. This is Kate Ryan," Hannah said, pointing toward me. "Kate this is Allison Carson, a friend of the family."
    I stood and