Page 41 of Harry

With that in mind, he strode towards the dresser and started pulling out drawers.

*****

“These are delicious.” Janelle exclaimed as she bit into the wafer-thin biscuits. “They taste like honey.”

Rosie beamed at the compliment as she handed her a glass of milk.

“Oh, Rosie! I could not drink anything else. I am full.”

“I’m afraid Rosie is determined to mother you.” Madelyn told her with a smile as she sipped her own tea. “She did the same for me when I was carrying Harry.” The subtle inclination of herhead had Rosie leaving the room and closing the doors behind her.

“He’s told you everything.”

Getting right to the meat of it, Janelle realized as she put the cup down and settled back against the soft cushions. The room was lovely with its view of the garden and lush green lawns despite the icy cold of the season.

A stone arbor had flowers and vines climbing all over it and was very appealing to the eyes. Harry told her how much he hated coming here – back to the scene of the crime as he called it.

“Most of it. I have a feeling he left some things out.” She clasped her hands in her lap and tried to tamp down the anger. “You didn’t do anything to stop it.”

The delicate cup shook slightly in her unsteady hands, and she had to put it down…,

“Does he hate me?”

Janelle was surprised at the pitiful sound in the woman’s voice. Madelyn McGibbon always struck her as strong and indomitable. But being a parent or even loving someone makes one vulnerable.

“No. he does not.”

The woman firmed her lips and stared off at a painting with violent streaks of red and blue an splashes of orange. It was a Jackson Colby original and for some reason, it always managed to calm her spirit.

“I felt guilty, and I was afraid. I loved his uncle Harry, you see, continued to love him even after he died and for years later when I married Richard. My husband knew it. There have always been the shadow of his death hanging around us. We both loved him to distraction and thought we could find a bond with each other.”

She sighed and picked up her tea in hands not quite steady. “It was a mistake, and Richard took out his anger and grief on an innocent boy. His own son. He threatened to take Harry away from me.”

“It was his idea to name him after his brother.”

Madelyn nodded, grief stark in her eyes. “And it was a constant reminder of what he had lost.” She firmed her lips. “You make him happy, my dear and for that I am so grateful. You steady him, temper some of the anger that lives inside him.”

“I wonder if that’s enough.” Janelle smiled wistfully. “I know he loves me, and I can’t do anything but love him. But I wonder if it will ever be enough.”

“It has to be.”

They both jolted at the sound of the deep voice just inside the doorway. They had been so intent on the conversation, the sound of the doors opening had escaped their attention.

“Bobby…!“ She started to rise, when he strode across the room to sit on the arm of the sofa, his hand pressing her back down.

“I’m fine.”

Tilting her head, she studied his face closely and saw the strain. “I think I’m ready to retire for the night.” Taking his hand, she looked over at Madelyn. “Thanks for the refreshment.”

Chapter 10

“Hey! Calm down.” Harry stepped behind her automatically to stop the dog from pushing her to the floor in his enthusiasm and obvious pleasure to see her again.

“He is fine. Hi Shep.” She doubled his delight by going for his weak spot, rubbing behind the floppy ears, sending him into a fit of pleasure that had him planting his front paws squarely onto her chest. “I missed you too.”

“Cut that out!” Harry ordered as Shep reared up to slobber all over her face. The dog dropped down immediately, reacting to the authoritative voice. “Go lie down somewhere.”

They watched the dog slinked away, a mournful look on his face.

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