Read Online The Runaway Pastor's Wife by Diane Moody, Hannah Schmitt - Free Book Online Page A

for, right?”
    Silence.
    “Michael? You still there?”
    “Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking—how ironic
life can be sometimes.”
    “What do you mean?”
    Another pause. “When you mentioned your family
just now, and how happy you are, I realized I was feeling a little jealous.
That’s all. Kinda funny, isn’t it?”
    Grady let that sink in for a moment. “So why
don’t you come up sometime and see us? Let me rub your nose in it while I can.”
    “How does tonight sound?”
    Grady leaned forward in his chair. “Are you in
town? Where are you?” The sounds of laughter and clinking glasses drifted through
the phone line.
    “I’m calling from a hangout here in Houston . But
if you’ve got some time available, I can be up there in a few hours. I,uh . . .
Grady, I really need to talk to you.”
    “What’s up, Michael? You okay?”
    “Nothing I can get into over the phone. I can
catch a flight out of here in about an hour and a half and be there about 8:00 . Can
you pick me up at the airport?”
    “No problem. What airline?”
    “American. Just meet me curbside, okay? Maybe we
can go grab a bite to eat.”
    “Sounds great. You sure you’re all right?”
    Another hesitation on the other end. “Just give
me a few hours of your time,” Michael answered, his voice hushed. “That’s all I
need. Thanks, buddy.”
    “No problem. See you at eight.”
    Grady hung up the phone and leaned back in his
leather chair. He swung around to face the credenza behind him. Among the
cluster of framed photographs was a five by seven autographed picture of
Michael in uniform at the World Series. He stared blankly at the picture for
some time, his memories drifting to another place and time. Then, releasing a
heavy sigh, he stood up, reached for his briefcase, and left his office.
     

     
    Michael returned the receiver to the wall phone
near the restroom. His eyes darted around the crowded bar as his heart beat
against his chest. He had sought out a public place to make this call from a
pay phone. He knew any of his personal lines or even his cell phone would
surely be bugged. He couldn’t risk Elliot knowing about this sudden side trip.
    The concern in Grady’s voice had caught him off
guard. Michael visualized the wide grin of his old buddy and was strangely
comforted by the warm feelings of camaraderie that swept over him. He wanted to
believe it was like old times. And tonight he urgently needed a friend he could
trust.
    In the urgency of this hour, Grady Brewster was
the only person Michael had even considered calling. There was no one else.
     

     
    American Airlines Flight 1021
    The
flight from Houston to Tulsa would
take only two hours. As soon as Michael took his seat in First Class, he got to
work with a keen sense of urgency. He knew it was imperative to record the
information that had remained locked in his memory for so many years, and this
was his only chance. He still didn’t know how he would approach Grady with this
volatile story once they met face to face. Or if he even could.
    But as long as I have it in writing, at least I
know the truth will come out. Especially if something should happen to
me . . . He buried the thought, despite the chill
running down his spine.
    Lowering the tray table in front of him, he slid
his laptop onto it. Taking a quick look around, he was grateful for his
privacy. While the coach section was bustling with passengers, there were only
five others riding with him in First Class, and no one in the seat directly
beside him.
    Where do I start?
    He stared out the window at the sparkling city
lights now tilting into view as the plane arced its path across the night sky,
leaving Houston in its
wake. With a shrug of his shoulders, his fingers began pecking the keyboard,
telling the strange story.
     
    Grady,
    I’m
writing this letter to you in the event that something unfortunate happens to
me. I realize I am in a great deal of danger. I also realize it is crucial that
the