Read Online The Missing Will by Wanda E. Brunstetter - Free Book Online

her through the breakup with Joel. She hadn’t forgotten about him, of course—that would take a while. But her emotions were more stable, and she didn’t think about him all the time, the way she had at first.
I did the right thing,
she reminded herself once more.
Joel isn’t the right man for me.
    Up ahead, Kristi spotted one of her friends from church. “Hey, Sandy,” she called. “Wait for me!”
    Sandy slowed to a walk until Kristi caught up; then they ran side-by-side. “Looks like I wasn’t the only one needing some fresh air and exercise today.” She pulled on her hairband and tightened her ponytail.
    “Jogging won’t be nearly as much fun once the colder winter months set in.” Kristi shivered, thinking about it. “I’ll probably get most of my exercise at the fitness center.”
    “Not to change the subject or anything,” Sandy said, “but I haven’t seen Joel in church with you the last few weeks. Has he been sick?”
    Kristi cringed. “Guess you haven’t heard…” She drew in a sharp breath before continuing to speak. “Joel and I aren’t seeing each other anymore.”
    “Sorry to hear that.” Sandy kept her eyes on the trail in front of her. “Any chance you might get back together?”
    “No, our relationship is over.” Kristi was glad her friend didn’t pursue the topic. Talking about Joel made her feel worse.
    Slowing her pace, Sandy glanced at her watch. “Well, it’s almost four o’clock. Guess I’d better head home before Ed comes looking for me. He was watching a game on TV when I left, but he’s probably getting hungry by now.”
    “Okay. I’ll see you at church next week, if not before.”
    Sandy turned and headed in the direction of the parking lot, while Kristi continued down the trail. It would be getting dark soon, and she’d have to head back to her car. But for now, it felt good to run.
    She’d only gone a short ways, when she came face-to-face with Joel, who’d been running in the opposite direction. “Wh–what are you doing here?” she stammered, trying to push her way past him.
    Joel grasped Kristi’s arm, halting her footsteps. “Please don’t go. We need to talk.”
    As he stood beside her, she saw the longing in his eyes.
That might have worked at one time, but not anymore.
Kristi wasn’t sure if her body felt hot from running or because of unexpectedly seeing Joel.
Probably both.
Shaking her arm free, she looked up at him through squinted eyes. “Did you follow me here?” Her tone was sharp, and she stepped away from him.
    He shook his head vigorously. “Course not. I came here for some exercise and to wind down. How was I to know you’d be here?”
    “You’ve been calling me nonstop, and you even went to see my dad, so I wouldn’t put anything past you.” Kristi’s voice trembled. It was hard to look at Joel and not be reminded of what they’d once had.
So much for keeping my emotions stable.
    “I didn’t follow you here. I’ve been in Charm most of the weekend and had no idea where you were right now.” Joel slid his fingers through his scraggly beard. “Spent last night at my dad’s place, in fact.”
    Her gaze flicked up. “Don’t tell me. I’ll bet you went there to look for his will. Or has it already been found?”
    “No, it hasn’t. That’s why I decided to take charge and search for it myself.” He paused. “My sisters don’t understand how important it is for me to find the will. My situation is far more complicated than theirs, and they don’t get how much stress I’m under right now.”
    “If you need money so bad, then sell your fancy Corvette.”
    “I can’t do that. I’ve waited a long time to have the car of my dreams.” A muscle on the side of Joel’s neck quivered as he folded his arms. “I deserve my share of that inheritance.”
    Kristi didn’t comment. What would be the point? Joel’s focus was still on money. It seemed to be what drove him to do things that hurt other people. As much as it