Read Online The Forever Stone by Gloria Repp - Free Book Online Page A

writing project. “Good night, Dr. Parnell.”
    Timothy gazed at her. “I don’t mean to find fault, but may I point out that the doctor has a first name?”
    His earnest expression made her want to laugh. “Really! And here I thought he sprang into the world with a tag attached to his big toe, saying—in all capitals—DOCTOR PARNELL.”
    “That’s the morgue,” the doctor said. A corner of his mouth quirked up.
    “You’re right, as almost always, doctor. My apologies.” She turned to Timothy. “With a tag attached to his pink little thumb.”
    Timothy shook his head. “This is all my fault, I see it now. You two haven’t been properly introduced.”
    His voice rose a notch as if he were laughing inside. “Madeleine, this is Nathan. And vice versa.”
    “Smoothly done,” she said. “What next?”
    “You’re supposed to shake hands.”
    She wanted to put her hands behind her back, but the doctor seemed amused, giving her a look that said, ‘Let’s humor my friend.’ He didn’t move, allowing her to take the lead.
    “Far be it from me to break the rules.” She extended a hand, saying, “I am honored, Nathan, to make your acquaintance.”
    He took her hand, barely touching it, as if aware that she’d forced herself do this. “On the contrary, Madeleine, the pleasure is mine.” He gave Timothy a mischievous glance. “Is this where I get to kiss the lady’s hand?”
    She pulled it away. “Certainly not! Think of the germs. No wonder all those people died in the Middle Ages.”
    No more kisses. She’d make sure of that.
    But she smiled up at him—she wouldn’t be rude, not again—and he smiled back.
    The dog bumped against Timothy’s knee, as if to mention that he’d been waiting through all this talk, and Timothy said, “We didn’t forget you, old boy. Just had to transact some important business.”
    She followed as Timothy limped into the store and turned toward the front, his big sneakers making an irregular thum-thud on the old floorboards.
    She glanced at the dog beside them. “What’s his name? I don’t think I have any dog food.”
    Timothy pulled the door open. “His name is Hey-You. And he likes tuna sandwiches: no mayo, hold the pickles.” He gazed at her. “I think you’re going to sleep well, little lady. I saw you smile tonight for the first time. The Lord will use my companion to protect you.”

CHAPTER 6
     
Can’t wait to get started on my course.
It’s going to open a door to my new life.
Independence!
~ Journal
     
    She stepped out onto the quiet sidewalk, and the dog followed. “Come, gallant protector,” she said, “Let’s go home.”
    The house stood dark, its bulk almost lost in the shadows, and she parked close to the porch. “I’m glad for your company, Sir Hey-You.” She picked her way up the steps by the dim glow of the porch light, fumbling in her purse for the key.
    As soon as they were inside, the dog disappeared on a tour of inspection. Her cell phone rang, startling her, but it was only Aunt Lin, saying she’d be coming back tomorrow afternoon.
    By the time the dog returned, she’d made herself a peanut butter sandwich. “Tuna for you, sir?” She picked up a can of tuna, and his eyes widened. She forked half of the tuna onto a piece of bread, folded it, and set it on the floor.
    Hey-You bent over the sandwich, and it vanished. He looked up at her—was that a grin?—and licked his chops with a long pink tongue.
    She held out another sandwich. “More?” He took it daintily in his teeth and wolfed it down.
    “Good work.” She carried her snack into her bedroom, and Hey-You nosed the corners while she chose a cookbook to read. He dropped onto the rug, rested his head on his paws, and watched her, looking satisfied.
    Under normal circumstances she would have been able to lose herself in a discussion of strudel pastry, but her thoughts insisted on darting back to the events of the evening. Besides, her feet were cold. Socks.
    As soon as