Love Takes Hold: The Helena's Grove Series Book 3 by Ivy Alexander Read Free Book Online

and walked out of the apartment.
    Jen stood, arms crossed, feet glued to the floor. She realized in that moment, what true heartbreak felt like. She wasn’t sure how long she stood there, how long she let her mind run over and over what had just happened. It wasn’t until her knees began to ache that she moved to the window to glance out at the city around her. The sun was gone and the lights of the city were in full bloom. She walked slowly to her bedroom and sat on the bed. Removing her shoes she laid down, too shocked to cry, feeling her heart beat beneath her chest. It was her only indication that she was still alive. It wasn’t until well into the next morning, in the darkest hours of the night that she allowed the tears to come. They came slowly, silently at first, but then picked up speed as the full weight of what had happened settled and the sobs began to rack her body.
     
    SEATTLE
     
    Dylan made quick purposeful strides toward the office of his friend Carl. He checked his watch again – almost eight-thirty. He’d have to hurry if he was to make it to his own office on time. The sky was gray; the norm for Seattle and Dylan hoped the rain would wait for him to make it back to his car. His dress shoes made a steady click as he walked up the stairs and into Carl’s office. Turning the corner he bumped right into his friend. “Oh, hey you’re just the man I was coming to see,” Dylan said, grinning widely.
    Carl wasn’t as chipper. “Dylan, why are you here so early?”
    “I was hoping you’d found something on the…”
    “Oh yes, that. I’m sorry man, I forgot. We’ve been insanely busy the last few weeks.”
    “I left you a bunch of voice mails…” Dylan said.
    “Yeah, I know, I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you. I didn’t realize it was so urgent. Walk with me.” Carl gestured and the two started down the hall.
    “I don’t mean to keep pestering you about it but you know why time is of the essence here. Not to mention the fact that I’d like to get it all taken care of before the baby comes,” Dylan continued.
    Carl nodded. “That still gives you months. Courtney isn’t due till when, October?”
    “Yes, but I’d still like it to be resolved. I have to find her Carl. It’s important to me.”
    Carl sighed. “Look man, I owe you everything so I’ll do all in my power to help you but you just have to be patient. These things take time. You’re talking about documents that go back sixty years. It’s not like they’re in a computer file somewhere.”
    “I understand that.” Dylan nodded. “I appreciate anything you can do.” He reached out his hand and Carl shook it firmly.
    “She’s out there; it’s only a matter of time,” Carl said as Dylan began to walk away.
    Turning, he smiled. “Thanks for your help.” He made his way back down the stairs and out into the colorless morning where the first drops of rain were beginning to fall.
     

Chapter 7
     
    Jen stared out the window of her dad’s apartment in New York City, watching the movement on the streets below. She’d forgotten how fast pace this city was. It was the first week of August, almost three weeks since she and Zack had broken up and the pain was still as fresh as the day he left. She’d arrived at Rogers’s apartment unannounced, saying little about the reasons for the breakup, only that she didn’t want to live in Boston anymore. He’d taken her in and immediately put her in the guest bedroom without one question. Jen was grateful he didn’t press her for information. She was also grateful he didn’t say I told you so, even though she saw it in his eyes. Since that day she’d kept her head low. She didn’t feel like doing anything or seeing anyone. A couple times Roger had convinced her to go with him to the firm to help out with some of the organizing and case files. Roger’s firm, Berkley & Associates was coming out of some financial problems and was finally starting to make money again