Finding Elizabeth by Louise Forster Read Free Book Online Page B

persuaded him to stay home. No point both of us freezing our …” he stopped.
    “Your arses off?” Katherine asked.
    “Yeah—that and other bits. Andrew can’t afford to freeze at his age. Are your parents in town? Perhaps I could ask them a few questions. You know, where to look.”
    “Dad passed away nearly a year ago, car accident, a truck skidded … he died in hospital.” Katherine fought hard to control her emotions. It didn’t help that the anniversary of his death was only days away. “A friend took Mum to Spain for a rest in the sun, hoping it would help heal her injuries and in some part help Mum get her life back together.”
    “I’m so sorry,” Jack said in earnest. “Is your mother okay?”
    “Mum’s much better. And I’m getting better at saying Dad’s gone.” Katherine took a deep breath. “It’s strange how, when I’m by myself or with a close friend, I can enjoy talking about Dad, his jokes and his idiosyncratic ways. I can look at his photo and talk to him, but as soon as I start telling a stranger, I fall to pieces. See that glass of cold water? You have my permission to throw it at me if I start blubbering. Dad would hate all this sadness.”
    “I know what you mean. My Mum wouldn’t like it either. Any plans for the future?”
    “Of course. When I injured myself, I didn’t just lie around and stare at the walls; I studied. I’m a qualified physiotherapist and exercise planner. I’m a volunteer at Spruce Valley Lodge, and after Christmas I’ll start my own practice.” She concentrated on her pancake, piling on the cream and taking a bite. A blob of cream stuck to the tip of her nose. She was just about to reach for her napkin when …
    Jack reached toward her. “You’ve got cream …”
    “I know, thanks.” Katherine cleaned her nose with a serviette, drained her coffee and said, “I’d better get going. It’s been interesting, Mr Riley. Good luck with your search.”
    Jack jumped to his feet. “I’ve got things to do as well,” he said, and moved to the counter to settle the bill.
    “Hold on, I’m paying my share.”
    “Nuh uh.” Jack put a hundred dollars down on the counter. “Julie, don’t listen to Katherine. Keep the change.” He leaned forward. “There is change—yeah?”
    “Oh yes.” Julie nodded.
    “Julie!” Katherine protested. They both looked at her, with rounded innocent eyes. “Oh, I give up.” Katherine moved to where their coats hung. Jack followed close behind, reached for her jacket and held it out for her. She slipped it on and zipped it up, then tucked her hair into her hat. “Wouldn’t want it to snap off,” she muttered.
    Jack laughed, shrugged into his coat, pulled the colourful hat on, slung his snowshoes over his shoulder and picked up her skates.
    Outside, Katherine held out her hand. “Nice to have met you, Jack.”
    With grey-blue eyes meeting hers, and a gentle smile that made her wonder how many women he’d ever given that smile to, Jack slowly took her gloved hand in his. She tried to ease out of his grip, but he merely placed his other hand over hers, holding it firmly but gently.
    Where’s Gerard—Gerard who?
    “Listen, you may think I’m being forward,” he shrugged, “but nothing ventured … Earlier this morning, Ted mentioned there’s a Christmas get-together dance in the community hall,” Jack said huskily. “May I take you there? I promise to behave like an adult,” he said, smiling again.
    Time stood still. A car backfired and Katherine flinched. Damn noises interfering with her moment. Jack remained transfixed.
    Boy, he’s good at this seduction stuff
. Way-back-when stirrings were happening to her body. A local woman walked passed, greeting her with a cheery, “Hi, Katy.” Katherine pulled herself together.
Don’t involve yourself with him, he’s only going to leave. Put an end to it right here, right now
.
    “What did you say?” Katherine asked.
    Jack cleared his throat. “The Christmas