The Ruth Valley Missing by Amber West Read Free Book Online Page A

he
reached for my shoulder, turning me away from the door.  
    Just a draft, I
thought.
    “Does that hallway
lead somewhere?”
    He nodded. “Come with
me. I’ll show you.”
    He started back up the
stairs, with me following. He led me through a side entrance, to the outside,
and along a path leading behind the church. The grounds were well kept, and
although it was fall, you could see where the various trees and bushes would
flower and fill the garden in the spring. We walked a bit further and Father
Mike pointed to a long stone building, some yards ahead.
    “The church was built
with an underground hall leading from the convent to the cathedral. If you
followed that hallway, you’d end up in the Sisters’ living quarters.”
    “Oh. Then why didn’t
you just walk me through the hallway?”
    “The Sisters’ are very
private about their living space. They reflect in silence and don’t like to be
disturbed. I didn’t want you inadvertently upsetting them.”
    “Thanks for that. They
probably already think I’m awful for the whole cell phone thing.”
    Father Mike stifled a
smile. “Yes, well, I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t come up.”
    “Well, maybe this will
put me in their good graces.” I took the folded envelope out of the back pocket
of my jeans and handed it to him. “My volunteer application.”
    “Ah, yes. This will
help. You said you volunteered at the hospital in the city before moving here?”
    “Yes. I did a lot of
different things. Mostly counseling with trauma patients, things like that.”
    “Really? Well, I don’t
know that you’ll find our town very stimulating then.”
    “I’m okay with that. I
moved here to get away from all the stimulation.”
    Father Mike nodded
with a smile. “I understand. Sometimes it’s nice to get away.”
    I smiled back, tipping
my head to one side. “You aren’t from here, are you?”
    “What makes you say
that?”
    “Your accent. It’s a
bit...off.”
    “Observant.” He looked
around at the quickly disappearing sun, not offering any explanation, and
nodded to the church. “We should head in. Once the sun drops this time of year,
it gets surprisingly cold.”
    He wasn’t wrong. I was
already resisting the urge to dance around in one spot to keep warm. We quickly
made our way inside.
    “I should probably
head home, then.”
    “Of course. I’m sure
you’ll get along fine here. Just give the town a little time to get to know you
and they’ll warm up quickly enough.”
    “Thanks for looking
out for me Father...I mean, Mike. Sorry, it’s the collar. Throws me off.”
    He smiled. “I know. I
appreciate the effort, though.”
    “I’ll take you up on
that tour sometime soon, if the offer still stands.”
    “Of course. Will you
be at the barbecue and rummage sale tomorrow?”
    “Yes, I will.”
    “Good, that will help
your reputation with the sisters as well.”
    “Thanks, I need all
the help I can get I guess.”
    I headed for the door
and down the steps, grateful that the heavy camera equipment convinced me to
drive and not walk.
    “Hey, Jameson!”
    Father Mike stood at
the top of the steps as I was about to get in my car.
    “Yeah?”
    “Maybe leave the phone
home tomorrow, yeah?”
    He smiled before
walking back inside the church, the big wooden door slowly closing behind him.

Chapter 13
    I was enjoying the brisk weather,
walking to the town barbecue in my boots and favorite scarf. I told Jack that I
wanted to take some photos on the stroll up, but would gladly accept his offer
for a ride at the end of the festivities. While it was true that I wanted to
take photos, I also wanted to avoid showing up to my first town event with the
beloved Sheriff. I wasn’t looking to give the town anything else to talk about.
    I didn’t have too much further to go
when a truck passed and hit its brakes. The passenger door flew open and I
heard Emma squeal my name.
    “James!”
    She waved her ride on and hopped
over next to me, linking her arm