Sealed In by Jacqueline Druga Read Free Book Online Page A

done for the day, having started before dawn.
    He adored his granddaughter. He loved Richie, but Heather always held that special spot with him.
    He watched her walk in, brush the snowflakes from her head; she wasn’t wearing a heavy coat and that irritated Stew.
    “Sorry for taking so long, Pap.”
    “Where’s your coat?” he asked. “You’re gonna get sick.”
    “I’m fine.” She waved him off. “It’s not that cold. Just snowy. Did you hear me?”
    “I don’t pay attention when you or your mother are late. That’s who I was with.”
    “She wasn’t in the hole, was she?”
    “Nope. Not … you know ... yet.”
    Stew grumbled.
    “She did say seismic activity was up for Yellowstone. It’s based in reality.”
    “I agree,” Stew said, “but not reality in her lifetime. Is she gonna watch the baby?”
    “Oh, yeah, that isn’t the problem. The problem came when I asked.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Well, I made the mistake of saying Roman’s father offered.”
    Stew exhaled. “Why would you do that? You know she hates him.”
    “I know. I still think Mom’s the reason he took the job in Hartworth.”
    “Well, she picketed the man’s home, for Christ’s sake. Even I called the cops on her.”
    Heather laughed and looked up when Bonnie approached. “Morning, Bonnie.”
    “Hey, Heather, does doc still have evening hours tonight?”
    “Late hours, till six. What’s up? You sick?” Heather asked.
    “No.” Bonnie poured her a coffee. “My knee is overdue for a shot of cortisone. Was hoping to squeeze in sometime after four.”
    “Hold on,” Heather pulled out her phone and her fingers flew as she punched in letters.
    “Couldn’t you call?” Stew asked.
    “Easier this way. Val hates when the phone rings.” Heather’s phone beeped and she looked. “Five thirty good?” she asked Bonnie.
    “Perfect, thank you. Extra order of bacon on me.” She winked and walked off.
    “I didn’t order.” Heather said to Stew.
    “It’s breakfast, you don’t need to.”
    “Ok,” she shrugged. “Hey, is that my dad in the corner booth.”
    “Yep.” Stew didn’t turn around.
    “He’s up early. Is that the Gray Grocer checkout lady from Hartworth?”
    “Yep.”
    “Hmm. He dates the strangest women.”
    “Heather,” Stew snapped. “You aren’t that naïve, are you?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Never mind.” Stew shook his head. “So you have this concert.”
    “Oh it’s gonna be so great, Pap. The Yards, Don Simmons, and Ace of Hearts.”
    Stew nearly choked. “My God, those bands are from decades ago, those people gotta be my age.”
    Heather nodded.
    “Who the hell wants to see old rockers?”
    “It’s not age, Pap, it’s music, and it’s good. And … my dad is leaving …” Her head turned as Del walked right by her. “Maybe he didn’t see me.”
    “I’m sure,” Stew said. “Now let’s talk about this concert.”
    And they did. Heather called it life changing and that the night was gonna be like no other. Little did she know how right she was.
     
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    Cody’s fingers were tiny, and Emma was amazed how she moved them and controlled them with ease. Although her little droplet of icing on the cookies for a face were a little skewed, Emma was proud.
    “Good. Good girl. Ain’t that good, Andy?” She looked up to Andy who was working on his own cookie creation.
    “G … great.”
    Emma smiled. “Andy’s jealous. Man of little words, that’s how you can tell he’s jealous,” Emma told the little one. “But it’s nice of him to come over and play today.”
    “Yes, Gam. It is,” Cody said with excitement. She tucked her growing hair behind her ears, smoothing it from her face. She took her task at hand very seriously.
    “Maybe with Gam being in charge tonight,” Emma said, “Andy can come over and play tonight?” She winked.
    Andy shook his head. “B … busy. S .. sorry.” He then laughed.
    “Asshole,” Emma said then turned to Cody.