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

who are doing everything in their power to get rid of anyone who might have information about them.”
    “Okay…I can guarantee you I don’t know anything about any of Clark’s dealings. He never shared anything with me about his export business, if you want to call it that.”
    “We just want you to be safe. We’re investigating everything your husband was involved in, and it’s bound to dredge up a lot of ugly business.”
    “Please call me if you have any questions, but I really don’t see how I can help. Do I need to hire someone to protect me from these people? I’ve already had a run-in with a kidnapper since I left South Carolina.”
    “Yes, I heard about that. That’s an entirely different matter though. The missing women are not tied to this drug family.”
    “You’re sure?”
    “Positive. I may call you though if I come up with any information that leads me to believe they are connected. Are you somewhere safe?”
    “Yes, ma’am. I’m staying with a family in Southern Hope at their ranch.”
    “Okay, good.”
    “Thanks for trying to put this matter with Clark to rest. I hope it gets settled soon and can stay buried with him.”
    “That’s what we’re hoping for here in Perkins County.”
     
    ***
    Cora entered the terminal of the Columbus Metropolitan Airport after exiting the airplane. Her driver should be waiting for her. She longed to be back at the ranch after being gone for two days to Columbia for Clark’s funeral. That morning Pearl had assured her someone from the ranch would pick her up. So Cora sat in a chair to wait as people rushed by on their way to undisclosed destinations.
    As she flipped through a magazine, Cora reflected on the past two days. Her heart had soared when she'd seen Ben and Judy, although it'd been under terrible circumstances. Much of their grieving had been done before Clark’s death, though, so his funeral seemed nothing more than a formality. Seeing Clark’s body had been one of the most difficult things Cora had ever done. How much he’d changed in only a year. Fifty pounds heavier, he wore his hair long to his shoulders and dyed black. He was hardly the same man.
    Ben and Judy tried to convince her to return to Lake Murray, but she declined. She’d possibly found a new life in Southern Hope.
    Was there a mission for her at the ranch? Or in the town somewhere? Was there a calling for her higher than working for the O’Reillys? She needed God to reveal to her what he wanted her to do. If this was a time of rest and renewal for her, then she needed to prepare the family for her departure when the time was right.
    Cora glanced up from her magazine to watch a couple saying their good-byes as the gentleman prepared to board a plane. She smiled slightly at them. Would they ever see each other again? There were no promises of such things. Her heart ached over not seeing Clark one last time and over the realization that the last time she’d seen him, she’d had no idea it would be the last. She didn’t get to say good-bye. It was probably for the best anyway.
    “Cora?” a deep voice called. Rex stood in front of her.
    “Rex? What are you doing here?” Cora stood, her stomach flipping. She straightened her shirt and fidgeted with her purse strap on her shoulder.
    “I came to take you home.” Rex shuffled his boots and straightened his Stetson.
    Rex’s smile warmed Cora’s heart. He said “home.” “You didn’t have to do that. I know you were probably busy.”
    One of the airport personnel rode by on a motorized cart, and Rex shifted out of the way. “I volunteered to come after you, Cora.” Rex stared directly into her eyes.
    There was something about the way he spoke her name. It rolled off his tongue like melted butter. Cora’s heart pounded in her chest. The air left her lungs. “That’s very kind of you.” She tried to control her reaction. Rex was the most handsome man she’d seen in a long time, and her loneliness threatened to push