Read Online Song of the Meadowlark (Intertwined Book 1) by Sherri Wilson Johnson - Free Book Online Page A

nose with her hand.
    “You’re not dumping. I’m glad you did. It’s nice to know someone else can relate to how I feel.” He chuckled and gave her a wink.
    “I’ve been expecting to hear this news for a long time. I thought I’d prepared for it and accepted it even. Not until I actually heard he was dead, though, did I realize how much it still hurt.”
    “I can imagine.”
    “I think what hurts the most is he just up and left me. He didn’t even say good-bye, or try to take me with him. He simply vanished. I thought our love was so strong. Finding out he’d kept things hidden from me was devastating.”
    “I’m sure he didn’t want you to get dragged into his mess. He probably only wanted you to be safe.”
    “I guess so. He could’ve changed his ways, though.”
    “Probably easier said than done.”
    “Yeah, I suppose.”
    “I still grieve over Patricia, after all this time.”
    “But at least you found someone else.” Cora weakly smiled.
    “No, someone else found me.” He slumped.
    “What do you mean?” Cora cocked her head.
    “I met Veronica at Wild Bill’s, and she’s wild all right. She drinks and smokes too much and uses the worst language. She’s quite different from my Patricia.”
    “How appealing…” Cora shuddered. “Why do you date her?” How could he date a woman with eyes so cold they cut right through anyone she disapproved of?
    “She takes my mind off things. She’s only out for a good time. I don’t have to worry about her trying to lasso me, if ya know what I mean.” Rex chuckled again and smirked, not seeming to notice Cora’s condescension.
    “I see.” Cora moved away from him. “Well, thanks for hearing me out. You have a good shoulder for crying.”
    “Did I say something to offend you?”
    “No, not at all. I’m frazzled right now. I think I’ll go inside and tell your folks my news.” Cora stood from the swing.
    The fact that Rex chose to be with this type of woman and that he was blind to Veronica’s obvious plan to snare him weighed on her like a backpack full of rocks on a mountain hike.
    “What will you do now?”
    “I’ll stay a little longer, if it’s okay. I really love Susie. Spending time with her now will take my mind off things.”
    “I understand. I’m glad you’re staying. I think it’s better for Susie that you’re here right now.” Rex smiled.
    Cora turned to leave. “Thanks.” She needed to get past her obsession over Rex’s lifestyle. She was his daughter's caretaker, not his keeper.
    She returned to the family room and told R.L. and Pearl about Clark. They offered to fly her to Columbia for the funeral if she needed them to.
    Soon after, she retired to her room and called Mom and Dad. “Hey, Mom.”
    “Cora.” The ice in Mom’s voice chilled her all the way through. “I wondered when you would call.”
    Cora wiped at a tear that slid down her cheek. “I’ve been busy at my new job.” She didn’t tell her about the kidnapping. “Did you hear the news about Clark?”
    “Yes, I did. Are you planning to return home?”
    “Not yet, Mom. I’m going to South Carolina for Clark’s funeral. The Buchanans will need me to be there for them.”
    “I see.”
    Cora closed her eyes. “I’ll be home soon.”
    “I understand. They are important to you.”
    Cora groaned under her breath. Here came the guilt. “You’re important to me too, but I need to get this behind me. Tell Dad I said hello.”
    “Sure.” Mom hung up.
    Cora cried herself to sleep, praying for God to bring her peace.

 
* * *
    “Ms. Bellamy, I don’t understand.” Cora propped her cell phone up one her shoulder and squeezed it tight to her ear while she packed the last of her things. This was probably the strangest phone call Cora had ever had—the Assistant District Attorney from Perkins County north of there investing Clark’s business dealings. Weird.
    “Please call me Kathryn. Cora, your husband had ties to some drug dealers in New York