Secrets of the Past by Wendy Backshall Read Free Book Online Page A

and talked, him telling me of his plans. He then mentioned Isabella, must be his girl I thought.
    She worked in a shop selling hats in Strood, her father also was a police officer in the London area, and John hoped to become engaged to her very soon. He also reminded me that was a secret between us as mother and father would not approve at this time, saying they were both so young.
    I agreed it was our secret and I would not tell.
    We arrived home; John whispered , blowing his fingers
    “Remember our secret Anna . ”
    We entered and removed our coats , as we did father called out. “Is that you , John my son ” ?
    H e replied, “Yes father, I will be just in to see you, have some news ”.
    He grabbed my hand
    “Come Anna; let’s share the news with them both . ”
    They were both seated, father in his chair and mother crocheting on the sofa.
    As we went in Mother rose to greet us, then sat as John had told her to.
    John then told them about the promotion.
    Mother s eyes lit up, she almost dived off the sofa into his arms, almost teary. Father a bit slower also rose up and shook hands with his son.
    It all seemed a bit too personal; to me they were not my real family, so I should leave them now to celebrate their news.
    I felt a bit like an actor, playing a part in a film, pretending these people were my family, and they doing the same.
    I left hurriedly .
    “I just need to go to the bathroom”
    I shouted as I left the room, I glanced back, but John’s news had taken them by surprise, that they must have been waiting for it for some time.
    I was now , ignored.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SIX
     
     
     
     
    A s I got outside the door , I felt the locket in my hand and opened it quickly, returning to my time.
    I was now standing outside my door, so I entered to make sure I was alone, which thankfully I was. The room was mine again.
    I wondered how I knew that Anastasia had gone to buy fish, but brushed it aside in my mind, who knows, I said to myself. In addition, why did I call him father, he was not my dad, but it had come out so naturally.
    Also a brother, this story is coming to life a bit too fast for me now, I must never go back again, and I knew that, it was not my time.
    I decided however it was time for lunch, feeling a hunger pang in my stomach, low fat sandwich I think , been trying recently to get my figure as it was a couple of years back, trying to get rid of this extra roll that had appeared around my hip area.
    As I sat the phone rang it was Mel, she told me she would not be round for a while as she was going to stay at her sisters in Hastings, we chatted for a while, then said our goodbyes, she did not know how long she was going for, but invited me down to stay at anytime.
    I sat back relaxed and switched on the TV, it was the lunchtime local news and in front of my eyes was a picture of Zoë filling the screen, and I leaned forward, to hear. Her body was discovered, in a lane in Strood. Which is near Rochester, where I live?  
    They were looking for a man seen in the area, they then gave a description, then a photo fit picture, which resembled the man Geoff, I became very worried, and I realized I could be next, so thought I will give it to him if I see him again.
    Poor girl, I wondered if I may have helped her if I had gone to the police, I now know I should have gone with my instincts, however it was too late now.
    The rest of the day went quickly and I retired early all this knowledge had made me tired and sleepy.
    I must have fallen asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I was so tired of all this.
    Suddenly a ringing awak en ed me and banging, I looked up and it was still dark, so I switched on the bedside lamp and fumbled for my dressing gown.
    I ran along the hall and down the stairs and open ed the door without thinking, just a bout the din of the ringing. H ow my neighbo u rs would feel.
        As the door opened with such force, I fell, flying