Through the Glass Read Online Free PDF Page A

really should get on.” Jim paused and then threw his arms around his father-in-law—soon to be ex. Edgar reciprocated the strong embrace and patted Jim’s back.
    “Keep in touch, eh? Maybe not straight away, I know you’ll be busy getting set up. But drop us a line every so often and let us know how you’re getting on, eh? You’re still family as far as I’m concerned.” Edgar fought the tears that were threatening as he placed a firm hand on his son-in-law’s shoulder.
    Jim headed for his Land Rover and opened the door. He called to his black Labrador, who also seemed reluctant to tear himself away. “C’mon Jasper! C’mon boy!” The dog somewhat hesitantly jumped into the vehicle and James slammed the door. He looked back to Edgar who was now wiping tears from his haggard face with the back of his hand. In his chest, Jim’s heart squeezed as he watched the old man he had known for many years and had been very fond of trying to deal with the fact that his daughter’s marriage had collapsed and he’d been helpless to stop it.
    “You know, Ed, I just want her to be happy. I hoped that I could be the one to do that for her, but perhaps she’s just from a higher plane than me?” He smiled, doing his best to make it easier for the old man.
    “Gah! Pish tosh!” Edgar was having none of it. “She is so hell bent on succeeding in that damned career of hers she can’t seem to realise that she could have had both!” The man was clearly angry about his daughter’s most recent life choices.
    “You take care, Ed. I’ll write when I get sorted. I’ll send some photos. Perhaps you could come and visit?” He knew there was little chance of Edgar making the journey hundreds of miles from his country pile in East Boldre, Hampshire, to the Scottish Highlands, but he at least wanted to make the gesture.
    “Yes, yes, dear boy. That would be marvellous.” Edgar nodded but Jim was unclear as to which part he was agreeing to and didn’t want to ask.
    “Say goodbye to Penny for me. I’m sorry I missed her.” He wasn’t sorry in the slightest. His mother-in-law—soon to be ex—thankfully—was not his biggest fan and he wasn’t allowed to call her Penny. She preferred Penelope and made a point of saying so whenever Jim tried to be a little more familiar. He had no doubt where Felicity got it from.
    “I will, Son. I will. You drive carefully. Make sure you have plenty of breaks. And don’t drive if you feel tired!” Bless him . Such concern. A kindred spirit. Unlike Penelope . Jim had simply never been good enough, rich enough, or posh enough for her liking. “And get writing, Son. You’ve plenty of books in you just waiting to spring forth. Make this fresh start the new beginning of your new career as an author.” Jim had always loved that they had writing in common. Edgar had always told Jim that he believed Jim was a potential best-selling author and that Jim just needed the right setting and the right encouragement. He now hoped that Scotland would give him that.
    Jim climbed into the driver’s seat and gave a final wave before setting off down the long driveway. When he was nearing the gates, he saw a little convertible coming toward him. He slowed when he realised it had pulled over. He, too, then stopped. The driver of the car climbed out, long lean legs first, followed by slender body and pretty face complete with stern, serious expression. Felicity made her way to the driver’s side of Jim’s car.
    “I didn’t expect to see you here… You’re going then?” Jim took the question as rhetorical. He mused at how, in that moment, she looked harder and more severe than he had ever imagined possible. Her blonde, blunt cut hair resting at chin level, unlike when they had first met. Her designer sunglasses were perched atop her head and she squinted in the sunlight of the cold winter morning. She had an air of superiority about her now that belied her true self. They both knew it.
    “Aye, I’m