A Cry In the Night by Mary Higgins Clark Read Free Book Online Page A

not seeing Kevin again.
    â€œYou look beautiful, Jen. That blue is a great color on you.”
    She was wearing a two-piece blue silk dress. On one of his visits, Erich had insisted on outfitting her and the children at Saks. She’d protested but he’d overridden her objection. “Look at it this way. By the time the bill comes in you’ll be my wife.”
    Now her Vuitton bags were filled with designer suits and blouses and sweaters and slacks and evening skirts, Raphael boots and Magli shoes. After her first uneasiness about having Erich paying for them before they were married, she’d had a marvelous time. And what joy it had been to shop for the girls. “You’re so good to us.” It became a constant refrain.
    â€œI love you, Jenny. Every penny I spend is pleasure for me. I’ve never been happier.”
    He’d helped her select the clothes. Erich had an excellent sense of style. “The artist’s eye,” she joked.
    â€œWhere are the girls?” Kevin asked. “I’d like to say goodbye to them.”
    â€œFran took them for a walk. We’ll pick them up after the ceremony. Fran and Mr. Hartley are having lunch with us. Then we’ll go right to the airport.”
    â€œJen, I think you’ve rushed into this too fast. You’ve only known Krueger a month.”
    â€œThat’s long enough when you’re sure, when you’re very sure. And we both are.”
    â€œWell, I’m still not sure about the adoption. I don’t want to give up my kids.”
    Jenny tried not to show irritation. “Kevin, we’ve been through this. You’ve signed the papers. You don’t bother with the girls. You don’t support them. In fact whenever you’re interviewed you deny having a family.”
    â€œHow are they going to feel when they’re grown and understand that I gave them up?”
    â€œGrateful for giving them the chance to be with a father who wants them. You seem to forget I’m adopted. And I’ll always be grateful to whoever gave me up. Being raised by Nana was mighty special.”
    â€œI agree Nana was mighty special. But I don’t like Erich Krueger. There’s something about him . . .”
    â€œKevin!”
    â€œAll right. I’ll go. I’ll miss you, Jen. I still love you. You know that.” He took her hands. “And I love my kids too.”
    Act three, curtain, Jenny thought. Not a dry eye in the house. “Please, Kevin. I don’t want Erich to find you here.”
    â€œJen, there’s a chance I may be coming to Minnesota. I’ve got a good crack at getting in the repertory company at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. If I do, I’ll look you up.”
    â€œKevin, don’t look me up!”
    Firmly she opened the apartment door. The buzzer rang. “That must be Erich,” Jenny said nervously. “Darn it. I didn’t want him to see you here. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
    Erich was waiting behind the locked French-glass foyer doors. He was holding a large gift-wrapped box. Dismayed, she watched his expression change from anticipation to displeasure as he saw her coming down the hall with Kevin.
    She opened the outer door to admit him then saidquickly, “Kevin stopped over for just a minute. Good-bye, Kevin.”
    The two men stared at each other. Neither spoke. Then Kevin smiled and bent over Jenny. Kissing her on the mouth, he said, his tone intimate. “It was wonderful being with you. Thanks again, Jen. See you in Minnesota, darling.”

5

    W e are crossing over Green Bay, Wisconsin. Our altitude is thirty thousand feet. We’ll be landing at the Twin Cities Airport at five-fifty-eight P.M . The temperature in Minneapolis is eight degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a clear, beautiful afternoon. Hope you’re enjoying your flight, folks. Thanks again for flying Northwest.”
    Erich’s hand covered Jenny’s.