Just Above a Whisper by Lori Wick Read Free Book Online

Will Jenness expect his house cleaned and try to take advantage of her physically—the same way Zantow tried?”
    A shudder ran over Alison’s frame. Douglas noticed it but didn’t say anything. He was asking God for a rescue in this situation. He didn’t want to go and argue with the bank manager. He didn’t want to challenge his authority in the matter. But neither did he trust him to have Reese’s best interest in mind.
    “She can live here,” Douglas finally said. “If she does that, maybe we’ll be able to keep an eye on her. She can tell us how long a job should take, and if she’s not back, we can check on her.”
    “That’s perfect,” Alison said, so desperate to help this younger woman. “Do you think she’ll agree, Doc?”
    “I don’t know. She’s weary of taking people’s time with her problems. She won’t want to be a burden.”
    A squeal and laughter floated in from the other room, and Douglas spoke.
    “If she only knew what a wonderful addition she would be.”
    The doctor and pastor’s wife both nodded. All three were ready to head to the kitchen and tell her she had a home, but before they could do that, there was a knock on the front door.

     
    Reese Thackery could be formidable when she chose to be. She was much too thin, but her height—inches that totaled six feet—was hard to ignore. Doc MacKay was an inch taller, but she looked Douglas directly in the eye. She towered over Alison and Mrs. Greenlowe, the woman who had come to the door.
    “How did you learn about the bank and my papers?” Reese asked of Mrs. Greenlowe, looking none too happy.
    “This is Tucker Mills, Reese! What did you expect?”
    “I didn’t expect word to be out this fast,” she told her.
    “Well, it is, and my offer is an honest one.”
    Reese’s eyes narrowed. “I can’t even pay you a normal room and board. How is your offer an honest one?”
    “I know you, Reese. Even if I told you to sit around and do nothing, you would still work around my house.”
    “I don’t even know how much I’ll be home, Mrs. Greenlowe. For all I know, Mr. Jenness plans to work my fingers to the bone.”
    “Don’t you mention that man’s name to me!” Mrs. Greenlowe was instantly upset. “What could he be thinking? And Zantow! Owing money like that.”
    Reese had to smile. Mrs. Greenlowe could be so feisty. Seeing the smile, that lady calmed almost immediately and smiled back at Reese. The younger woman shook her head, glancing at the three other occupants of the room.
    “I don’t know why we’re having this discussion in your parlor, Alison. You have better things to do.”
    “Nothing that I can think of. And besides, I wouldn’t want to miss this.”
    Reese sighed quietly, more shaken by all of this than she wanted the others to know.
    “I have until Monday to be out of Mr. Zantow’s house. I think I’ll take the weekend to decide what I should do.”
    Doc MacKay wanted it settled immediately, but Douglas spoke first.
    “That’s fine, Reese. Remember that you have at least two options, and if you want to bounce ideas off of us, you know you can.”
    Reese nodded and said she had best get home and back to work. Alison gave her a hug, and Mrs. Greenlowe reiterated her offer before leaving. Douglas saw Reese and the doctor out the door soon after.
    “Are you all right?” Doc MacKay checked on the walk back.
    “I think so. It’s all such a surprise. With so little warning, my world has been turned on its head.”
    The doctor agreed, still wishing he could do more for Reese, and Reese herself wishing she wasn’t so helpless in the situation.
    Had they but known it, Douglas was in the same boat. He returned to his office, his heart in turmoil, and then decided some air might help. After telling Alison he was headed out, he took a walk toward the woods, thinking and praying.
    He wanted to trust God for this, but it was testing him. He feared for Reese’s safety if the bank manager sent her all over town