Fated Memories by Judith Ann McDowell Read Free Book Online Page B

filled the room. “A person can’t sleep with no air.” Back in bed, she continued to toss and turn. “I guess I’ve run outta excuses,” she whispered, turning her face into the pillow and giving in to her fear, pain and aching need.
    “ I wish you knew how much I need you right now, Eathen.” She tried to gain control of her emotions. “I don’t know if I can make this decision about Tia alone.” She rummaged on the nightstand for her handkerchief and, finding it, blew her nose. “Why can’t you accept the last part of Jessie still here for us? If I thought you wouldn’t send me right back with her, I’d bring Tia home with me.” She shook her head. “But you’d have no part of her.” Charlotte pushed herself upright in the big bed. “You’d take one look at her, and all your memories of Two Spirits would come rushin’ back.”
    At the thought of the man responsible for her pain, she threw back the covers and pulled on her robe. “John and Martha are just gonna have to understand if they’re still up, but I gotta have something to help me get through this night.”
    With that, she made her way out of the room and down the stairs. As she walked past the room where Jessie lay in death, she stopped. Then, shaking her head, she continued on her way to the parlor.
    Taking down a tall glass, she filled it part way with ice, and then poured a liberal amount of John’s best whiskey from the decanter. “Here’s to you, Eathen,” she lifted the glass to her lips, “and all your help.” She drained the glass then set it down on the small table. “If nothin’ else, at least you’ve made it easier for me to make a decision.”
    John had just walked out of the den when he heard someone talking. Thinking it could be Martha, he walked into the parlor. At the sight of Charlotte standing by the portable bar with a glass of whiskey held high in her hand, he walked the rest of the way into the room. “I’m sorry, Charlotte, I thought you had already retired for the evening.”
    “ I had, but I needed something to help me sleep.” She reached once more for the decanter. “I hope you don’t mind my helpin’ myself to your liquor.”
    “ Of course not.” John walked over to stand beside her. “That’s what it’s for.” He noticed how her hand shook as she poured the whiskey. “Matter of fact, I think I’ll join you.”
    “ Thank you, John.” She pulled down another glass. “You know what they say about people who drink alone.”
    With a light chuckle, he took the drink she held out to him. “Whoever they are.”
    “ Just so you know,” she looked him straight in the eye, “I don’t make a habit of this.”
    “ I know that, Charlotte.” John walked over to the hearth and, after kicking a small log back into place on the fire, he sat down on the large ottoman. “Come on and join me,” he patted the chair next to him.
    “ John, you don’t have to stay up with me.” She walked over and sat down in the chair. “I just wanted a little something to calm my nerves.”
    “ Who’s to say I don’t have the same need?” He stretched his long legs towards the fire. “It’s nice to have someone to share a drink with in front of a relaxing fire.”
    “ Meanin,’ Martha never joins you.” Charlotte watched him.
    “ Martha doesn’t drink.” He ran a lazy hand through his thick hair. “She thinks it shows weakness.”
    “ Too bad you couldn’t spike her tea some night and let her see how relaxin’ a little weakness can be,” she laughed, feeling some of the tension lift from her shoulders.
    “ Yeah,” John found himself joining her in her humor.
    “ Stay close to me tomorrow, John.”
    “ I have every intention of helping you get through tomorrow, Charlotte.” The smile left his face to be replaced with one of concern.
    “ If I can get through layin’ her to rest, I think I’ll be all right.” She lifted the glass to her lips, taking a long swallow.
    “ I could call our