Another Deception by Pamela Carron Read Free Book Online Page A

were full of activities going on and he wandered around to the livestock competition. The 4H club was in process of the judging of the year’s projects. He was enjoying the kids’ enthusiasm as they anticipated receiving ribbons of winning colors, so he slipped into a bleacher seat to wait for the results. Almost immediately, another man sat next to him with only a nod for a greeting and Jacks gave him a friendly nod back. He did not notice the man left until a younger person asked about the seat next to him.
    “There was someone, but I think he must have left.”
    “Thanks. Is this yours?”
         Jacks frowned as he looked at a small box the kid picked up in order to sit down. He started to say no, when his eyes fell to a marking on the package. He reached and took it, as his face paled for it was one he recognized. One that someone knew he would know and he was sure where it had come from. Sitting for a few minutes before getting up, he realized the previous man had left it for him. Glancing around to see if there was anyone watching he got up and left .
         His insides were shaking as he maneuvered his way back to the cabin through the throngs of people, all the while searching to see if he could spot the man who had left the package. It was useless, for he was most likely long gone.
        Returning to the cabin, he found it filled with people and lots of laughing and joking going on, so it was easy to disappear to the bedroom he and Honey were occupying. With the door closed and securely locked, he sat on the edge of the bed with the box, both anxious and hesitant to open it. Do I really want to do this? He asked himself . If I do, am I ready for what it may be? What if this is just another trick to lure me back to him?  If I do not open it and it is true about my mother, then I will be responsible for whatever happens to her… Jacks, you have to do this. Remember, you are not alone, you belong to a great family, and God is your Father. He still could not bring himself to open it and it dawned on him that Honey should be with him when he did. He shoved the package underneath the pillow and decisively went to the door. What if it is a danger to her? I should protect her!   He turned and started back to retrieve the thing but just as he was about to pull it out, his voice of reason within him warned. She is your wife, your partner in all things and to keep this from her could cause a separation of your oneness. You have to wait for her. Again, he went to the door and this time with purpose, he opened it and went in search of Honey.
         It was Friday and there were more people in and out than before. By bedtime, he still had not had a moment alone with Honey. When they were both finally in the room for the night, he retrieved the package from under the pillow and turning a grave face to her, said bluntly,
    “This is what we have been waiting for. A stranger gave it to me today or at least he left it for me to find. I have not opened it.”
         Honey stared at the small brown paper wrapped package with interest tinged with dread before taking it from his hands. There was nothing on it except for a red mark she recognized as the same marking as his birthmark. She sat down beside him on the bed where he sat and handed it back to him.
    “You should open it.”
    “I wanted to be with you when I did.”
    “I am glad you waited. You should not be alone when you see what is in it.”
    “What if I wished I hadn’t?”
    “What if you don’t and wished you had? Jacks, I know how important it is for you to finally know the truth. We know what Asa is capable of so we will not fall for his tricks this time. Open it!”
        Jacks tore the paper off the box and slowly lifted the lid. There was a piece of paper and Honey reached to take it out. Honey gasped in horror but quickly calmed seeing that Jacks face was stark white. There was a portion of someone’s pinky finger still moist with