She Waits Read Online Free PDF Page B

a distinct possibility, I can't sell any photos or stories. I came up here because you have two friends who care a great deal about you who were worried sick. They honestly think something is wrong. Probably because of something you told them.
    "I'm sure they could have easily told me, but because they respect your privacy, they did not say a word--only that you were a friend and in trouble. And since I am their friend and care about them, I thought maybe, just maybe, I might be able to help. However, I can see now that you don't want any help." My heart was pounding. Christ she got me angry. "I think I'd better go." I stood. "I'm sorry I disrupted your lives today. Really, it was never my intention and I apologize for losing my temper."
    "Nonsense, we have a great deal to discuss and you aren't going anywhere," Hannah said. "What we need is food. We need lunch! I'll be right back, and you," she said to me, "Stay put. I mean it!"
    I stared in disbelief as she left the room.
    Without looking at me, Maggie started. "I might have been a little out of line a moment ago. I don't know you and I thought the worst. I apologize. Jan and Barb are good friends and I know they care. When they told me about you, initially I thought of meeting with you, but I didn't want anyone involved in this. I'd like you to stay. I haven't talked to anyone about this. Maybe you can help. I don't know. There is so much going on and I don't quite know what to do." She stopped and looked at me.
    "I don't think your aunt will let me leave, anyway."
    "You may be right. Thank you," she said gratefully. "So, what else did Aunt Hannah tell you?"
    I proceeded to tell her the whole conversation from beginning to end.
    She sat quietly and listened. She interrupted only once when I related what Hannah had said about our lifestyles. She actually blushed. "You'll have to forgive Aunt Hannah, she means well. She's a very direct person."
    "Yes, she is. She cares very much."
    "So, do you still want to help, or do you want to eat and run? I wouldn't blame you if you did."
    "Well, I can't leave without my dog, and since I have no idea where she is, I guess I'll have to stay for a while."
    Hannah came back in the room, pushing another tray. This time it was filled with sandwiches and potato salad. All at once, I was famished.
    "No more discussions until you've both eaten," Hannah ordered.
    We sat in silence for a few minutes eating our lunch. I didn't say anything. I couldn't. I was stuffing my face with a wonderful roast beef sandwich. It appeared we all had ravenous appetites.
    As I ate my lunch, I thought of my car. Don't ask me why. "When we're finished perhaps Bedford can take me back to the scene of the crime, and I can get my car."
    Hannah looked down and said nothing.
    "Hannah?" I asked, slowly.
    "Your car's not there," she mumbled into her plate.
    "Beg pardon? It sounded very much like you said my car's not there."
    She looked up at both of us. "Well, it's been damaged and I thought Stan could fix it," she said. I heard the innocence in her voice and then realized there was nothing innocent about Hannah.
    I gave her a confused look. "Who's Stan?"
    "Our mechanic! He's very good and I'm sure--"
    "You called a tow truck to come and take away my car? Hannah, I need my car! How else am I going to get home?"
    "Aunt Hannah, Kate and I discussed it. She said she would stay."
    "Oh," Hannah said. She looked down at her plate.
    "No!" I said in disbelief as it dawned on me. "Tell me you didn't have that guy tow my car just to keep me here all day. Tell me you didn't do that, Hannah."
    Maggie hid her face behind both hands; her shoulders were shaking as she laughed.
    I looked at Hannah. "Hannah?"
    "Well, you were going to leave and I didn't know what to do! So, I called Stan and had him tow your car." She looked at me with a sheepish grin. "So you might as well finish your lunch. I told Stan to call us later."
    I stood dumbfounded. I had no idea what to say. I finally shook my