Read Online The Watcher by Joan Hiatt Harlow - Free Book Online Page B

be the fearful shadow I had seen among the trees? Heidi and Watcher sat at his feet, their tails wagging lazily as he stroked their heads.
    Nevertheless, if it was him, why had he lurked among the foliage, watching our house—watching me? I needed to know.
    â€œI can see you’re bewildered,” Herr Strohkirch said. “As I said, I am an old friend of your father’s.”
    Barret reached out and touched his grandfather’s arm. “Are we visible from the entrance?”
    â€œ Ja. We must move farther back in the park,” Herr Strohkirch agreed. “In case Adrie—”
    â€œNo. If you have something to say, please tell me now.” I would not be led back into the shadowy paths of the parkwith this stranger, no matter how kind he seemed. “I am not going anywhere with someone who stood in the bushes spying on our house.”
    â€œI am sorry if I frightened you,” Herr Strohkirch said. “You see, I heard you were coming to Berlin, but I needed to be sure.”
    â€œHow did you know I was coming? Did Adrie notify you?”
    â€œNo, not Adrie, but I was informed. Wendy, you have several people who care for you and are concerned about you.” Barret’s grandfather leaned back and his eyes searched mine. “I know, seeing you, that you are the young woman I’ve been waiting for—for many years, my child.” He paused and smiled. “You look so much like your mother, but you have your father’s blue eyes.”
    â€œMy father had brown eyes.”
    â€œOh, your father had eyes as blue as the sky,” Herr Strohkirch said with certainty.
    His gaze went to the ruby ring on my right hand. I warily pushed it into my pocket. Was my valuable ring the reason for this encounter?
    â€œYour father gave that ring to Adrie. It is a pigeon-blood ruby. This is even more proof that you are the one for whom I’ve waited to fulfill your father’s request.”
    â€œMy father and I never knew each other.”
    â€œThat is true. However, he wanted you to know him and he wanted to protect you. I promised him before he died that I would contact you when you were older and if you came back to your home in Germany—”
    â€œOpa, knowing the truth might put Wendy in danger,” Barret cut in.
    â€œI also promised her father to keep her safe,” Herr Strohkirch replied.
    The evening shadows were deepening, and I knew Adrie would be upset if I didn’t get back soon. “Why don’t both of you come to the house with me and you can speak with my mother? I’m sure she would be pleased to meet you, especially if you are a friend of my father’s.” I glanced at Barret, who looked uncomfortable as he patted his dog.
    Herr Strohkirch frowned. “Wendy, your mother would never let me see you. She would be angry if she knew we met.”
    I felt muddled. If Adrie was so cautious that I must not meet Herr Strohkirch, perhaps I shouldn’t stay and listen to what he had to tell me. Yet, at the same time, if Adrie did not want me to meet Herr Strohkirch, she would not want me to be friends with Barret, either. And I really liked Barret.
    â€œI must go,” I said, standing up. “Adrie will be furious if I don’t get home before dark.”
    â€œYes, Adrie has a strong will,” Herr Strohkirch said. “Your father was the opposite—a kind, gentle man. He was not the man you think he was.”
    â€œNot the man I think? I don’t understand.”
    â€œ Ach, mein Kind. This is not the time or place for you to grasp all I have to tell you. We need more time to talk. I must ask a favor, Wendy. Please do not mention our . . . er . . .coincidental . . . meeting to your mother. Keep this between us for now—for your father’s sake.”
    â€œI don’t like to keep things from Adrie.”
    â€œPlease trust me. You have every right to know the things I