Truth Be Told Read Free Page B

marriage ten years before, Amelia’s grandparents had welcomed her back to Denver with open arms and no recriminations. They had not, however, encouraged divorce, so though living apart, herparents were still man and wife. She wondered—not for the first time—how she could be so closely related to her mother’s side of the family and yet share so few of their interests.
    She pressed her lips together, holding back the words she longed to say about her mother’s social life—and Thaddeus Grayson, who had spent the past few months flitting around her mother like a bee around a flower. She wasn’t sure which sickened her more, the sight of him acting that way with a married woman, or the fact that her mother—the married woman in question—didn’t make any effort to repulse his attentions.
    With her grandparents giving tacit approval to that troubling situation, she had hoped to discuss the matter with her father and seek his counsel. But looking at his gaunt form, she couldn’t bring herself to do it now. She would have to wait until his health improved.
    Her father hitched himself a little higher up against the pillows. “What are your plans when you return to Denver? Any young men I should know about?” His attempt at a smile didn’t quite come off.
    â€œNo, there isn’t anyone.” Though not for lack of trying on Mother’s part. Amelia leaned forward and stroked his head. “But let’s not talk about me going home. I just got here, after all. And I’m not leaving until you’re much better. I’ll stay as long as you need me.”
    Homer stepped into the room, wiping his hands on an ink-stained rag. “Doc Harwood is here.”
    Amelia felt her spirits lighten for the first time since setting foot in her father’s sickroom. Finally, someone she could press for answers about his condition!
    She rose and patted his hand. “I’ll step out and give yousome privacy.” She nodded a greeting to the doctor, a tall, gray-haired man, who moved aside so she could exit before he closed the door.
    Seeing that Homer’s attention was occupied in setting type for the Gazette ’s upcoming issue, Amelia busied herself straightening loose papers and neatening some of the clutter that typically littered the printing office. From time to time, she darted a glance at her father’s door, but it remained stubbornly closed.
    She looked around, needing something productive to do. Her eyes lit on the door to her father’s office, and she hurried to his desk. Pulling out a fresh sheet of paper, she reached for pen and ink and started jotting notes about the foreclosure she overheard the two women talking about at the station.
    She had been scribbling only a few minutes when she heard the sickroom door open, and Dr. Harwood stepped out. Amelia scurried from the office to intercept him.
    â€œI have some questions for you,” she began.
    â€œWhy don’t we talk in the office.” Without waiting for a response, he strode into the room she’d just vacated and waited for her to join him. He folded his arms and measured her with a long look. “I don’t know how much your father has told you about his condition.”
    â€œHe mentioned not feeling well several times in his most recent letters, but I didn’t realize he’d gotten as sick as this.”
    The doctor nodded. “I thought that might be the case.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with him?” she demanded. “How long will it take him to recover?”
    The doctor’s somber expression made her heart constrict, and her voice rose half an octave. “He is going to get better, isn’t he?”
    Dr. Harwood reached out to lay one hand on her shoulder. “Your father has a malignant cancer. I’m afraid it’s well advanced by now. Frankly, I’m surprised he’s still with us. I think he’s been hanging on, just