Snowbound by Janice Kay Johnson Read Free Book Online

reach this far north.
    She wasnt trying to convince him, John guessed, but rather herself.
    Her voice went quiet. Maybe I deserve to lose my job. We could have all died. I used poor judgment.
    Hed been harsh yesterday, and now felt like the worst kind of hypocrite. His own misjudgment had resulted in horror. Maybe shed been lucky, but her error had been mild in comparison.
    BesidesHed been surprised himself yesterday afternoon to walk out of the grocery store and see snow falling so soon. His own drive back to the lodge had been treacherous.
    Theyd reached the hallway above.
    I suspect there are travelers stranded all over. You may not be the only Knowledge Champs team that got in trouble. From what you said, high schools all over Oregon had sent kids.
    Her eyes widened. Oh, no! I didnt even think about that. Two groups came from Portland and one from Lincoln City over on the coast. What if? She pressed a hand to her throat.
    Nothing you can do about it. Okay, that didnt help, John saw immediately. He tried again. Eight kids is enough for you to take responsibility for.
    I cant help worrying. Oh, I wish we could get some news coverage!
    You cant do anything.
    She tried to smile. I can worry, cant I?
    Theyd been standing here in the hall too long. He was becoming uncomfortably aware of her. Of little things: the palest of freckles on the bridge of her nose, the fullness of her lower lip, the single strand of dark hair that curved down over her brow. He resisted the urge to lift his hand and smooth it back.
    The effort made his voice curt. Worrying wont help.
    Her pointy chin rose. No. It wont. Hadnt we better get started? I figure theyve already been out there five minutes. By your estimate, Amy will be coming in the door in another five minutes.
    I didnt mean
    Its okay. Youre trying to help. I know. She smiled, a benediction.
    His fingers curled into fists at his sides. She wouldnt be so forgiving if she knew about the death hed rained on the innocent.
    The road to hell was paved with good intentions.
    She took the girls bathroom, he took the boys. From long habit, he cleaned fast, and then carried a pile oftowels and washcloths to her. She was wiping the countertop, which took longer than in the other bathroom because of the amazing array of toiletries and cosmetics scattered there. All of which had presumably come out of their purses and bookbags.
    Oh, thank you, Fiona said, seeing the pile in his arms. More loads of laundry in the making.
    His laugh felt rusty. You dont look like the half-empty kind.
    She smiled impishly. In this case, the washing machine is going to be a lot more than half full.
    Still smiling, although it felt unnatural, John said, And I seem to remember you promised to load it.
    Yes, I did. Fiona began hanging towels on racks, leaving part of the stack on the counter between the pair of sinks. What you said earlier, about IraqWas it awful? I know a lot of the returning veterans are suffering from posttraumatic stress, just like after Vietnam.
    PTSDPost-Traumatic Stress Disorderwas a fancy way of saying that youd seen things you shouldnt have, in Johns opinion. It was ridiculous to talk about it as a disease, as if the right pills would cure it.
    He cocked a brow at her. Are you asking if Im one of them? Maybe. Most soldiers do have some symptoms.
    She flushed. Im so sorry if you thoughtI really wasnt asking, even obliquely. You havent given me any reasonOh, dear.
    Great. Hed been a jackass again.
    Thats all right. Ihinted.
    If you need help you can get it from the Veterans Administration, cant you?
    I dont need it. The gravel in his voice startled even him. He cleared his throat. What I need is todecompress. This is my way of doing that. Be around people in limited doses. Get over being jumpy without a barrage of noise around me all the time.
    She looked doubtful even though he could tell she was still embarrassed. Is it working?
    Some days he thought so. On others, when he awakened from a nightmare with