What You Wish For Read Online Free PDF

much as I hate maudlin men,” Isabel said, tweaking his kneecap. “We’re just a couple of old softies.”
    â€œYou’ll make it work for them, won’t you, Izzie?”
    â€œOf course, but she has to do her part. Talk to her today. She really needs to know someone cares. She trusts you, and that’s half the battle as you well know.”
    â€œDo you want me to tell her about the sanctuary or do you just want me to talk about nothing?”
    â€œOrdinary things at first, pave the way for the sanctuary. It will probably be your voice more than your words that will calm her down. She’s scared out of her wits, and she has every right to be scared. People like Daniel Ward are like those monsters we used to think hid in our closets at night when we were kids. I’m calling Artie as soon as I get things squared away. I want that man off my project. I want new passwords installed immediately. It will tip him off, but I can’t take the chance. I have to do it.”
    â€œThen do it. For whatever it’s worth, you have my blessing.”
    â€œThanks, Gerry.”
    â€œNo. Thank you, Izzie.”

3
    Helen stared down at the green nylon bag that held her meager belongings. All compliments of a woman named Billie. In her life she’d never felt this alone, this vulnerable. Tears welled in her eyes. She did her best to blink them away.
    â€œAre you having second thoughts, Helen?” the veterinarian asked.
    â€œNo, not really. I’ve always been afraid of the unknown. All I know is my past. My future is like a blank canvas. That frightens me. I’ve never been anywhere outside this state, outside this area really. I went straight from my mother’s house to a small efficiency apartment. I worked at a boutique and the pay wasn’t that great. I took night courses, graduated from college, and got a job with a graphics-design company. Daniel was the first man who showed any interest in me, and I fell for him. He was so unlike any of the men my mother brought home. He was all polished and handsome, and nine years older than I. The boys at school seemed immature and only wanted to score. My mother never cared about me, and her last man friend certainly didn’t care about me. I knew it was just a matter of time before he homed in on me. That’s why I moved out My mother had a fit because she wanted me to pay her rent. Daniel made so many promises to me. He said he would take care of me for the rest of my life. For some reason hearing all those promises was important to me at that particular time. I tried to be a good wife, Dr. Davis. I know he’s going to find me. Somehow, some way, he will: That frightens me more than anything.”
    â€œNo, he will not find you. I want you to trust Billie and all the people at the shelter. They won’t let it happen. I give you my word on that.”
    â€œHow am I ever going to repay you, Dr. Davis?”
    â€œYou aren’t. It’s that simple. Seeing Lucie walk across the clinic floor was all the thanks I needed. Sometimes, young lady, when God is good to you, you have to give back. He has been very good to me. Someday you will do the same thing for someone. Kind of a trade-off. I’m going to miss you and our nightly game of checkers,” the vet said gruffly. “Your spaghetti wasn’t bad either. You realize you can never call me, don’t you?”
    The tears she’d been unable to hold in check rolled down Helen’s cheeks. “I know.”
    â€œIn many ways it’s going to be like being in the Witness Protection Program. You and Lucie are going to be well taken care of. You’ll rebuild your life, and someday you will meet someone worthy of your affection. Daniel Ward is never going to be able to hurt you again.”
    â€œCan I ask a question? I know you said questions are discouraged, but I want to know why, after that first day, Billie never came back. Is she your