Page 21 of Cold Vengeance

River smiled at her. “Yes, ma’am,” she said as she slipped into her chair. River really didn’t like eating a large breakfast. Sometimes it made her sleepy. But the food looked and smelled delicious. She was surprised to find that she really was hungry. She noticed something sitting on the table and picked it up. A newspaper.

“Is this yours?” she asked Mrs. Weyland.

“I just transferred my subscription here. I love readin’ the newspaper, and I think it might be good for your mother too. Readin’ is a good way for her to exercise her brain. She asked a question about somethin’ the other day that made me think she might be willing to read it if it was in the house.” She smiled. “I know most people read the news online, but I like havin’ a real paper in my hands. One of these days, they might not be around anymore.”

“That’s a wonderful idea,” River said. “Please let me reimburse you.”

Mrs. Weyland waved her hand toward River. “Not necessary, honey, but I appreciate it. Like I said, it’s my subscription.”

“Okay, but if my mother does read it, how about we split the subscription price?”

Mrs. Weyland chuckled. “All right, but let’s not worry about it now. Let me pour you a cup of coffee.”

River prayed silently over her meal and looked up to see Mrs. Weyland carrying two cups over to the table. She put one in front of River and then sat down with the other one.

“Where’s your breakfast?” River asked.

“I’ll eat with your mother. She’s not too bad off yet, but my husband actually forgot how to chew and swallow at one point. I found that eatin’ with him helped. He just copied what I did.”

“So even though my mother isn’t at that point, you’re preparing her for it?”

Mrs. Weyland nodded. “I’m usin’ everything I learned so I can help your dear mama.” She paused for a moment while River ate. Why was it that some people could make a dish you’d eaten many times before, but the way they prepared it tasted so much better? This breakfast was a great example.

“I’m really sorry for everything you went through,” River said. “Did you have any help? Was there a Mrs. Weyland in your life?”

The question made the older lady smile again. “No, unfortunately, we had no children, and his family lived out of state. Henry had a sister, but she didn’t want to help. She was married to a wealthy man, and they had a very activesocial life.”

River didn’t miss the emphasis. “So, what you’re not saying is that she’s a big jerk?”

Mrs. Weyland chuckled softly. “I won’t say anything against her, ’specially since she’s passed on. But you won’t hear me arguin’ with what you just said.”

“I’m really grateful you’re here with us,” River said. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

“Oh, honey. I feel the same way. After Henry died, I had no idea what I was gonna to do with my life. You’ve given me a home and a reason to live. I feel useful again. You’ve done more for me than you could ever know.”

Mrs. Weyland tried to blink away the sudden tears that filled her eyes.

River reached over and put her hand on the older woman’s arm. “Boy, who knew breakfast could be this emotional?”

They both laughed at the same time.

“You have a busy day today?” Mrs. Weyland asked.

“Actually, we do. We have to drop some things off at a new client’s place, and then we need to start looking into his case.”

“You have a job? That’s wonderful!”

Although she and Tony hadn’t talked about whether or not they were going to take Nathan’s case, River was certain Tony was on board. Especially after the picture showed up. If that hadn’t been enough, she still would have wanted to keep going because of all the notes April had kept. As River peeled back layer after layer, April’s disappearance was becoming more and more fascinating. April was smart and intuitive. So how could she just suddenly go missing? Why didn’t there seem to be any trace of her? It just didn’t sit right with River.

She finished eating and quickly got dressed. She hadn’t allowed extra time for breakfast, so she wasn’t ready when Tony pulled up outside. Thankfully, he only had to wait a few minutes.

“Sorry about that,” she said when she opened the car door.

“You usually gripe at me for running behind,” he said, grinning, as she slid into the car and closed the door.

“Not my fault. I was tempted above what I was able to withstand.”

“I think God promised He’d provide a way of escape if we were ever tempted that much.”

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