Shadows on the Lane by Virginia Rose Richter Read Free Book Online Page A

her inside.
    * * *
    The next day, Sunday, was band concert day. Jessie searched through her closet and tried to decide what to wear. Maybe this was the time to actually wear a dress. She pulled out a yellow cotton sundress and her brown sandals. The phone rang. She ran to her parents’ bedroom and picked up the receiver. As soon as she heard crying babies, she knew it was Tina. “I think I might faint before he gets here.”
    “This is so exciting,” said Tina. “I’m amazed your folks are letting you go.”
    “What can happen with half the town staring at us?” said Jessie. She began to undo her braid with her free hand.
    “Really, Jessie, I’m so jealous,” said Tina. “What are you going to wear? A dress, I’ll bet.”
    “For once. It’s been awhile.” She began to brush out her hair. “Why’d you call?”
    “I was wondering if you’re going to let Bryce know about your amnesia research,” said Tina.
    “I’ll see how it goes,” Jessie said. “I guess it’s at least time I told him about seeing the car in the country, that day at the old mill.”
    “Call me with the details,” said Tina. “I can hardly wait! Bye.”
    Back in her bedroom and almost ready, Jessie parted her hair in the middle, pulled some back on each side and fastened it with a silver clip. Her hair fell to her shoulders in waves. She looked at herself in the mirror and didn’t mind what she saw. The doorbell rang. Her heart started thumping and she ran downstairs to greet Bryce.
    * * *
    She walked beside him, trying not to jerk or worse, trip. He smiled at her. “You look pretty, Jessie. I like your hair that way.”
    She began to relax and smiled back. “Thank you.” That’s what Mom always told her, “Just say thank you, Jessie. Don’t go on and on. And once you’re dressed and have looked in the mirror, don’t fuss with your hair or your clothes.”
    He looked so handsome. Blue short-sleeved shirt that made his tan glow. Hair still damp from the shower and curling a little. And those beautiful hazel eyes—such kind eyes. The kindest she’d ever seen. She felt weak.
    “What do you think about Sunny?” he asked. “Do you figure she’ll ever get her memory back?”
    Jessie gave it some thought. She didn’t know if she dared tell him her suspicions about Rita. “You know, I’ve been thinking.” She slowed down. “Dr. Adams says we might jog her memory if we repeat something that took place just before she was hit.”
    “You mean, go to the tearoom and then walk outside?” he asked. “She’ll get her cast off on Tuesday. Then she could walk up those steps.”
    “He says it’s more sounds or smells that you need to repeat,” Jessie said. “I’ve been concentrating on what happened that day before the accident.” She was quiet for a few minutes—thinking. “But there’s something else.”
    He stopped and faced her. “What do you know?”
    “You cannot tell anyone. Not anyone, Bryce. Not your dad or Miss Tyler.”
    He took her hand and they started walking again. “I promise.”
    Now she couldn’t think. She could only feel his hand holding hers. She took a deep breath. “You know Mrs. Livingston has a daughter, Rita?”
    He nodded. “My dad said he dated her when they were in high school. I guess she’s an alcoholic now.” They stopped at the curb and waited for a passing car. “What about her?”
    “It’s just a feeling. They have a car parked in their barn. Rita’s not supposed to drive because of her drinking. But one day when I was at my lesson, I know she drove that barn car because we heard it leave and Mrs. Livingston got very upset.” She looked at Bryce. “I’m wondering if she’s the one who hit Sunny. Has Sunny ever met Rita?”
    “Maybe.” He sounded excited. “Right after Sunny came, Dad and I went to Mrs. Livingston’s to arrange for my lessons. Sunny was with us. But I don’t remember seeing anyone except the teacher that day.”
    “Was Sunny with you the whole