Second Chances by Kathy Ivan Read Free Book Online Page B

uncertainty behind Mrs. Jackson’s eyes, but the waves of pain emanating from her husband—the grief tore at him.  Even after two years, the wound of loss lay open like a jagged cut, bone deep.  Terry had been right, Ryan needed to be here, to accept and move forward.  He hoped the next few days did the trick.  By helping the Jackson’s he helped himself as well, one more payment on the soul debt he owed The Fates.  In this instance, though, it was a price he willingly paid.  He’d liked Terry and his wife when they’d stayed here two years earlier, their happiness an almost palpable thing, whipping against his psyche when he realized their destiny. 
    Love was a strong emotion, probably one of the strongest there was, and he prayed theirs was strong enough to endure the events to come. 
    Opening his office door, the ever efficient Marcia sat at her desk, typing away on the computer while talking softly into the phone headset she wore.  Her salt and pepper hair belied her age.  She’d been with him and the Lodge for a very a long time, but her debt was nearly paid.  Once it was, she would be moving along, and he’d have to start all over again with the next poor unfortunate assigned into his care. 
    "Mr. Chase?" 
    He turned toward Marcia at the sound of her voice.  A slight smile turned up the corners of her mouth as if she read his thoughts.  Knowing her, she probably could, he thought.
    "Our guests have arrived."  He gestured toward the lobby.  "Please make sure chilled champagne is sent to the honeymoon suite."
    "It was delivered to the suite five minutes ago, along with chocolate-covered strawberries as well as fresh flowers."
    "Efficient as always.  My right hand.  What will I do without you?"
    She smiled, swiveling her chair around to continue typing, fingers flying across the computer keyboard.  "You’ll do just fine.  This place practically runs itself.  Your staff is extremely well trained."   She paused, really looking at him, her stare a bit disconcerting.   "Try to get some rest, Mr. Chase.  It’s Christmas Eve—it’s going to be a long night."  
    "Yes, it is."  He glanced through the open doorway at the now empty lobby.  One misstep, one wrong move, and four souls would be tormented, not just in this life but for all eternity. 
    # # #
    The woods surrounding the lodge were beautiful, the ground coated in a frosty shimmer as muted sunlight glistened atop the packed snowfall.  Frosted white clumps coalesced on the pine boughs, creating a picture perfect postcard setting, yet Ryan only took a half-hearted interest in the splendor of his surroundings.
    They’d checked into Destiny’s Desire earlier that morning, and he’d encouraged Rose to take advantage of the spa package that was part and parcel of their stay.  She headed to the sauna for the rest of the afternoon, agreeing to meet him back at their room before dinner.  A message with special dinner reservations had been in their room when they’d checked in, along with champagne and an assortment of things that would make any newlyweds blush. 
    He felt antsy, hated being in this place where his life had changed just two short years previous.  The pathway alongside the road leading up to the lodge was partially covered with the fresh fallen snow, his feet damp and cold but he ignored them, continuing to trudge along, lost in his thoughts.
    Was it a mistake to come here?  Jake meant well, I know it.  Maybe it is time to say good-bye.  
    "It happened right over there."  Ryan spun round at the deep voice behind him, his foot slipping beneath him.  He caught his balance and his gaze took in Quinton Chase standing a few feet behind him.
    "I’m sorry, what?"
    "The accident.  See the big pine right there?"  He pointed across the road toward a cluster of trees, one standing several feet higher than the rest.
    "Terry and Sharon died right over there." 
    "You knew Terry?"  Ryan took a step toward Chase before he