The Broken Road Read Online Free PDF

on? Is this your new cell?” It had been a while since I had heard from my brother. The department has been working him to the bone. My mom complains that she rarely gets a call from him.I talk to his girlfriend, Sarah, more than I talk to him.
    “Nothing much, just checking in. How are things?”
    “Things are great Kyle. But really, what’s going on? You never call to see how I’m doing? What’s wrong?” My brother and I are very close. Before joining the force last year, Kyle and I had dinner once a week, then he’d stay with me and Tommy. But lately, I haven’t gotten an email, let alone a call. My big sister alert radar went up a couple of notches.
    “Nothing is wrong. I promise. I…,” he hedged, raising my concern even more. “I decided that I’m going to propose to Sarah on Valentine’s Day.”
    My concern turned into exhilaration. “OH MY GOD, Kyle!!! That’s amazing. That’s awesome. I’m thrilled! Is she coming down from Boston or are you going up there?” I inquired. In all my excitement, I could barely pay attention to the road. Sarah and I were college roommates and I was thrilled when they started dating two years ago. She is finishing up her master’s degree in Boston, and I miss having her around. Sarah and I are practically sisters and now she’s going to be part of my family.
    Kyle laughed. “I’m surprising her at her place. I’m going to show up while she’s in class and set everything up. I got the ring from the safe last week and I’m ready. I love her, Megs.”
    “I’m thrilled. I really am. Did you ask her dad? Did you tell Mom yet?” My mom is notorious for not being able to keep secrets, so I really hope that Sarah doesn’t talk to her until after he proposed.
    “Yes and no. I went up to Philly on Saturday and asked her dad. It went better than I expected. And I’m not telling Mom not until after. She sucks at keeping surprises. So please, don’t tell her. I mean, she knows that it will happen at some point. But she doesn’t know when and I don’t want her stressing Sarah out over wedding details. We’ll think about all that after she graduates in May.”
    His plan impressed me. “I cross my heart, I won’t tell Mom. I promise. You know I can keep a secret. At least from her. Can I tell Jen?”
    Kyle chuckled. “Just try and hold it in. We’ve got about a week until Valentine’s Day. Can you wait that long?”
    I let out a dramatic sigh. “Fine. I’ll wait. But if I spontaneously combust while holding this secret in, it’s on your conscience.”
    “I think I can deal with that. I love you Sis. I’ll call you when it happens okay?”
    “Bye baby brother.” I couldn’t help it. A tear escaped from my eye. My baby brother is growing up.
    I was in such a good mood when I got home, until I saw Shane’s truck still parked outside. His motorcycle sat in the carport, I assumed they took Allison’s Lexus. I didn’t want to think about what they could be doing. Annoyed, I slammed the door a little too hard and winced, , waiting for Penny to start her welcome home serenade. Nothing happened. Walking around to the mudroom with keys in hand, I was started to see the door partially opened. Shane must have forgotten to lock the door and somehow Penny got out, I thought as irritation grew. That quickly vanished when it dawned on me what  happened.
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    Chapter 4
    I froze while I quickly debated: Should I call the cops right now or get Penny? My semi-maternal instinct overcame my rational side and I pushed the door open a bit with the toe of my boot.
    “Penny! Come here Pen Pen! Come here!” I whispered fruitlessly. Penny can usually hear my car from down the street; she should be able to hear me now. Dread overtook me and I feared the worst. I pushed the door open further and ventured into the house. My stomach dropped at the sight of my kitchen. With a shaky breath, I looked for Penny amid the knocked over chairs and broken glasses. Drawers pulled