The Watchman Read Free Page B

library, behind an ugly modern painting.” She lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you crack safes in your spare time.”
    I shook my head and chuckled. “I can barely crack an egg.”
    “Too bad. I was getting ready to hand you my house key.”
    “No promises, but there’s a good chance I can help you get access to the passports and money when you need them.”
    She twisted the straw but didn’t drink from it. “As hard as I’ve tried, I haven’t been able to start a life for Cody away from his father. I’m a miserable failure as a mother. Cody has lived a nightmare every day of his life—thanks to me.”
    “How did you reach that conclusion?”
    “I married his father, didn’t I?”
    “You can’t change the past, Rachel. You can change what comes next. The blame for Cody’s abuse lies squarely on Harry London’s shoulders. Not yours. Just keep repeating your promise to never again be a victim.”
     
    
     
    Hand Me Down Ranch
    We reached the ranch just before midnight. The sheep farm lay in a valley surrounded by mountains and a few scattered pines. Next to a nearby barn stood a water tower and large corral, the landscape covered in snow. A low, rambling structure glowed in the distance like a beacon guiding us to a safe haven.
    Emma must have heard the car pull in. The front door opened, and a welcoming smile wreathed her face. She swung the door wide for us to enter.
    Cold wind nipped at my face and stung my eyes. With Cody in my arms, I hurried inside, making hasty introductions as we crossed the threshold.
    Emma pointed down the hallway. “Take the boy to the third bedroom on the left.”
    Rachel followed me to the designated room and tucked Cody into bed. She pulled the covers up around his neck and smoothed damp, blond curls from his brow. I left her there, dashed back to the car, and brought their luggage inside to the entryway.
    Emma gave me a hug when I entered the den. “I’ve made a bed for you. It’s too late to drive back to the city tonight.”
    I nodded and hustled close to the fire, absorbing the warmth, letting it thaw the chill that numbed my feet and hands.
    She turned to Rachel as she entered. “Your room is next to Cody. I lit the pellet stoves earlier. You should be cozy if you leave the doors open a little.”
    “We’ll be fine.” Rachel crossed the room to stand beside me in front of the crackling blaze, her hands outstretched to the heat.
    “Can I get you folks some coffee or tea?” Emma asked. “It’ll only take a minute to make.”
    Rachel looked utterly undone. The day’s events showed, her mouth drawn tight, her posture strained. “Thanks, but none for me. If you don’t mind, I’ll go to bed.” She started toward the hallway, and then turned back to Emma. “I’m not good at expressing my feelings, but I appreciate...what you’re doing...for Cody and me. I hope I can repay you, somehow.”
    Emma crossed the room and gave Rachel a long hug. “You don’t have to repay me, girl. I’m glad to help. There are blankets in the cedar chest at the foot of the bed if you get cold. Let me know if you need anything.”
    “Good night,” Rachel said and headed down the hallway.
    I soaked up the heat for a few minutes and then picked up the bags and followed her. She’d moved Cody to her bed. Trust didn’t come easy for her.
    We met just inside the room. Her eyes misted as she touched my arm. “You’re a good man, Noah. One of the very few I’ve met.”
    I console weepy women about as well as I tap dance. I squeezed her hand and withdrew it quickly. She flashed a weak smile and closed the door.
    Her brief touch revealed more than I wanted to know about the tragedy of her life—the premature death of her parents, her troubled years with Harry, the ache of disillusionment, and the defensive wall she’d built to ward off pain. The enormity of it staggered me. I leaned against the wall for support and closed my eyes. Adrenalin bubbled in my chest and the