Shadow of Deceit (Shadow #2) Read Free Page B

gray eyes seem to sparkle when he smiles.   I promise to let him down gently—if I can.”
    “So are you going to attend his church?” Miles asked.
    “I’ll try it.  It will put me closer to Caleb.  The minister is a personable man.  I liked him,” she said.  “Have you ever gone to Grace Church?”
    “I go every week, at least I have since I saw Violet Jeffries. I am trying to attract his daughter’s attention.  As yet, she hasn’t given me more than a nod though.” Miles pushed his plate away. “Not bad, Jewels, thank you.  It would have been better with biscuits, though.”
    “You haven’t called me Jewels in years,” she said as she collected the dishes. “How long have you worked at the bank?”
    “Since I was eighteen, when I first came to Abilene, they were hiring.  That was almost six years ago. In fact, my first week there, is when Mr. George Armstrong came in and deposited all that money.  He divided it between himself and his two sons.  I don’t know where he got so much money, but we were all told if we revealed this to anyone we’d be fired.  My boss, Mr. Lebold, said if word got out Armstrong would probably move that money to another bank.”
    “Interesting,” Julia said.  “Well, then we’ll go to church together.  It will be a first for me.  I’ve never been to a church service in my life.”
    “I never did either.  I went because I noticed this gorgeous woman at the bank one day, and my new friend Quinn, told me who she was.” Miles said.  “Quinn told me they all went to Grace, so I started going. The sermons are good and sometimes I think about the minister’s words all week.  But I mostly go to catch a glimpse of Violet.”
    “Violet, is it?  Well, I wish you luck.  I’d like to see you settle down and start a family,” she said.
    “I just worry that she may be too young for me.  She’s only seventeen, but Quinn said she’ll be eighteen in a few weeks.”  Miles smiled, “Then, maybe I’ll ask her to take a buggy ride or something.”
    “Well, I better get these dishes washed,” Julia said.
    “Wait!  I need to know one thing,” Miles said, “is Billy safe?”
    “For now, yes,” Julia answered.

Chapter 3
     
    Julia and Miles sat near the front of the church.  Miles had led them to a seat with the best view of Violet Jeffries, who sat in the front row with her mother and younger sister. 
    Miles sighed.  “There she is, Julia, isn’t she beautiful?”
    “Which one?” Julia asked trying to follow her brother’s eyes.
    “In the front row wearing the blue coat.” Miles sighed again.
    “She has lovely hair, I think you call that strawberry blonde.  She’s stunning—from the back.” Julia stifled a laugh.  “I’ll pass judgment until I see her from the front.”
    “Wow,” exclaimed Julia.  “The pianist looks a lot like Caleb.”
    “That’s his brother, Jonas. He’s married to Violet’s sister Ivy.  She’s sitting in the front row on the left, over by the piano. Their daughter is sitting with her.  When the sermon starts, he leaves the piano and sits with them,” Miles explained.
    “Wait, they just married and they have a child already?” Julia asked.
    “This is his second marriage.  His first wife died.  I don’t remember all the details, but the little girl is colored.  So, one of her parents must have been also,” Miles said.  “When I first moved here, there were rumors about the situation, but I was too busy learning a new job to pay much attention.  I never was one for gossip anyway.”
    “Oh, let me guess what Violet’s younger sister’s name—Iris? Pansy?  Petunia?” Julia whispered.
    “Very funny, Julia.  I don’t know her name.”
    “Jonas is very talented on the piano,” Julia said.
    “You should hear him sing.  Every so often he does a solo,” he whispered.
    “Oh,” Julia whispered.  “There’s Caleb.  Whose with him?”
    “That’s his father, George.”
    Julia started to say