A Breath Away by Rita Herron Read Free Book Online Page A

the pockets of his lab coat. “We can release her in a few days, but she’llneed lots of rest and physical therapy. You can follow me.”
    Violet moved on autopilot as they walked to the ICU unit. Seconds later, she hesitated in the doorway, gathering the courage she feared might fail her.
    Tubes and needles pierced various parts of her grandmother’s thin body. The bleep of a heart monitor sounded over the murmur of nurses’ voices and the clink of metal. Violet slowly inched her way to the hospital bed and lifted her grandmother’s hand in her own. Her skin felt cold and clammy. She was so frail.
    â€œHang in there, Grammy,” Violet whispered. “You can’t leave me, too.” Another tear slid down her cheek.
    Her grandmother’s eyes fluttered open. She tried to speak, but she’d lost her speech and mobility. Panicked looking, she waved a finger. Realizing she wanted something to write with, Violet dug a pen and paper from her purse.
    Her grandmother struggled, but finally managed to write, “Take me home.”
    â€œI will, Gram,” she said softly, “just as soon as the doctor releases you.”
    â€œNo.” She urged Violet closer, then scribbled, “Back to Crow’s Landing, to see Neesie. Have to see my family one more time before I meet the master.”
    Neesie was her grandmother’s sister. They hadn’t seen her since Grammy had stolen away with Violet that dark, cold night. “You’re not dying, Grammy,” Violet said in a choked voice, “you’re going to be okay.”
    â€œPlease,” she wrote, “prove your daddy didn’t kill that little girl.”
    Anguish tightened Violet’s throat at the thought of returning to Crow’s Landing. At the mere idea of seeing her father’s face again. Of burying him. She couldn’t deny her grandmother’s plea, though.
    But how could she face the town now that everyone believed she was a murderer’s daughter?

CHAPTER FIVE
    B Y THE TIME V IOLET stumbled into the cabin on Tybee Island, she was drained and dizzy with fatigue. Still shell-shocked, she flipped on the overhead light and stared at the vinyl chair where her grandmother had nearly died. The horrible trembling began all over again, stirring pain deep in her soul. She had to gain control.
    Or she would never be able to face the people back in Crow’s Landing.
    The echo of Grady Monroe’s voice over the phone line seared through her like a hot poker. Had she heard condemnation in his tone? Did he think she’d known what her father had done? Rather, what her father had confessed to doing in that note?
    No. Her grandmother didn’t believe her father was a killer, and she had never lied to Violet or led her wrong. Besides, even though her father had shut her out of his life, she sensed he wasn’t evil.
    Would she be able to prove her father’s innocence if she returned to her hometown?
    â€œPlease, Violet, you have to go…. The hospital will transport me to the facility near there. Go on to Crow’s Landing.”
    Knowing she needed sleep before she began the long drive to Tennessee, she heated a cup of Earl Grey teaand sipped it. She couldn’t remember when she’d last eaten, but the thought of food still repulsed her. After some sleep, she’d get her affairs in order and inform her employees at Strictly Southern that she’d be away for a few days.
    Shadows claimed the earth-toned walls of the cabin as she crossed the den to her bedroom. The scent of her grandmother’s gardenia lotion sweetened the air, reminding Violet of her absence. The handmade quilt Grammy had stitched, using different fabric scraps from Violet’s childhood dresses, lay draped across her antique bed. Hugging the quilt to her as if she was hugging her grandmother, Violet crawled beneath the covers, praying the tea and quilt would finally warm her.
    But as she closed her