Bobbi Smith by Heaven Read Free Book Online Page B

the butler demanded, horrified. “What happened to Mr. Anthony?”
    “He’s dead, Martin.” Henry’s gaze was filled with sorrow as he looked up at the other servant. “I’m not sure how it happened. I’ve already sent Penny for the doctor.”
    “Dear Lord . . .” Martin was stricken.
    “Is either Mr. Philip or Mr. Robert here?”
    “I haven’t seen either of them this morning, and their beds were not slept in.”
    Henry nodded. “Someone must go find them.”
    “I’ll see to it, though there’s no telling where they might be. When the physician arrives, I’ll bring him right up.”
    Henry remained by his employer’s side until the doctor came. After telling him everything he knew, the valet took one last look at the man he’d served for so long, then left the room. He made it a point to speak to no one as he hurried to the study and locked himself in. This was one time when he could not risk being interrupted.
    With Philip and Robert still not back, Henry had time and opportunity to carry out Mr. Anthony’s last wish. Opening the drawer with the secret compartment, he removed the hidden back to find the books and an envelope addressed to him. He opened the envelope and was surprised to find that it contained a substantial amount of money and a letter.

    My Dear Henry,
    If you are reading this letter, then you know I am dead and you have the books in your possession. If at all possible, it is important that the books be delivered personally. Enclosed find enough money to pay for your passage to America. Any money you have left over is yours to keep. Beware of Philip and Robert. They are not to be trusted in any way. I wish you Godspeed on your journey, and I thank you for your years of dedicated service.

    With greatest affection and appreciation,
Lawrence Anthony

    Henry again sensed the urgency of the request and knew he had to act immediately. Taking the books, he replaced the false back to the drawer so that the compartment would remain a secret. Without telling anyone, Henry slipped from the house and rushed off to deliver the book marked for Father Edward Bradford.
     
     
    Winn spoke quietly to Arthur, his butler. at the bedroom door, then returned to his vigil at his Uncle Edward’s bedside. He sat beside the bed, gazing at his uncle who slept now in fitful agony and wondering how his own life could have changed so completely in such a short time. Just after he’d returned from Merryfield a week ago, he’d received an urgent message that Edward had taken seriously ill. Winn had gone to the seminary and brought him to his London home where they would be closer to the best doctors, and he would be able to personally care for him. For all their differences, Winn adored him. It had been pure hell for him to learn from the physicians that his uncle’s illness had no cure; he was dying.
    Edward Bradford had once been robust, healthy and tireless, and he’d gone about doing God’s work with great energy and joy. Now, Winn realized as he kept watch over him, he’d become a wasted shell of a man. The vicious disease had progressed rapidly during the last few days and had robbed him of all but his dignity and his faith.
    Winn was not one for prayer, but he bowed his head now in supplication and fervently pleaded with God to spare his uncle’s life. He hadn’t realized that he’d spoken out loud until his uncle called to him.
    “Winston . . .” Edward managed weakly, having come awake to hear the dear boy trying to convince God to let him live longer. Had he more strength, he would have chuckled at Winn’s daring. He’d tried the same tack himself early on, but he’d learned through the years that God did not make deals.
    “Yes, Uncle Edward?” Winn leaned forward and took the older man’s hand. It felt cold and frail in his, and again the undeniable realization that his uncle truly was dying struck Winn’s heart a savage blow.
    “You’re a good boy . . .” Edward’s voice was a