She Waits Read Free Page B

this, Hannah. I feel very responsible," I said.
    "Nonsense, you've done nothing. Margaret should never have been on Thunder. He's got a wild streak in him. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
    "If I'd been going a little faster, or if your niece was riding a little faster, which is hard to imagine, she could have been seriously hurt. But I have to wonder why she was riding that wild horse so fast, especially on a main road." I stopped and gave Hannah an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, I ask too many questions. Comes from my father, the detective."
    She watched me for a long moment then looked out the window. "Do you know that I've lived here my whole life? Nothing stays the same, you know. Everything changes, and not always for the better." She looked directly at me. "Not always for the better."
    A shiver ran up my spine at her uneasy tone. I really should have stayed home and done the laundry.
    Hannah smiled as we sat at the kitchen table. "I can tell you're intrigued, but I hope it's not a story, or photos, for your magazine that you're after. Kate, my dear, you have an honest face, and I like you."
    I felt guilty. I had to tell them I knew more about them than I was letting on. "Hannah, before you go on, I have to tell you. I know two of Maggie's friends. They spoke with me a while ago and told me about Maggie. This morning, when this happened, I swear I had no idea who you were. Then, when it dawned on me, I--"
    "Kate, you don't need to explain. I remember talking to those nice girls as well. They told me of a friend of theirs who might help. It's you?"
    "Yes, but--"
    She put her hand on mine. "I'm going to tell you a little story. I believe I can trust you. It will feel good to tell someone. Where should I start? Six months ago, Maggie's father, my brother, Jonathan Winfield, was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Chicago."
    "Hit-and-run? Did they ever find the guy?" I asked.
    "No. The driver was never found," Hannah replied, sadly.
    "I'm sorry for interrupting."
    "That's all right, dear. Now, about two months ago, certain curious things began happening. I suppose I should let Margaret tell you about them. To be honest, I think she needs someone to talk to. Someone objective, like you. She's been so cut off from everyone of late. You're actually the first outsider to come into this house in several months. Maggie's barely gone to visit friends even." She Hannah seemed agitated, looking away from me before saying, "Well, there is Allison, but who actually wants her around anyway?"
    I was curious about this last comment especially. However, I said nothing as she continued.
    "I worry about her. She needs to join the human race again and see people other than family. Although lately family seems to be all we have. You see our family all live relatively close. My other brother, Nathan, and his wife, Sarah, live about a quarter mile west. This estate is somewhat of a compound, so to speak. I probably shouldn't bother you with our family details, but it does feel good to talk to someone detached from this," she finished with a tired smile.
    "Well, I don't want to pry or intrude, but I've been told I lend a pretty good ear. So, I don't mind if you don't," I said. I watched her suddenly weary face as she looked out the window and found myself wanting to comfort her. However, not knowing her at all, I felt like I was trespassing.
    "You can ask me anything you like Kate, anything at all."
    "Where is Maggie's mother?"
    "She died twenty years ago when Margaret was a young girl."
    "That's terrible. How did she die?" I asked. Hannah searched my face as I waited.
    "Miranda was like a sister to me. I loved her the minute Jonathan brought her home. Everybody did. Miranda was a sweet, wonderful woman who always seemed to be laughing. She was smart, attractive and loved her family. She married someone she thought she loved. She was in love, but Jonathan didn't know how to love her back. However, Miranda had a weak side where