Page 29 of The Soul Never Forgets

“Aloud?”

“If you don’t mind. Your voice is soothing to me. I loved listening to you during our sessions.”

Frank always loved hearing Augustina read to him.

“I think I can pick up with their story at the point where Frank has rescued Augustina after she’s fought off her father. I’ve already told you the story of how they came to be together.” I don’t think there’s any need to hear that again.

“It sounds like their secret courtship was short-lived before they wed in secret. There’s not a lot to miss there.”

“Do you mind if I play some soft music in the background while I read to you? Just instrumentals that I like to listen to while I journal. Nothing distracting with lyrics.”

“Yes, that would be nice.”

The first song playing from my instrumental playlist is “For the Love of a Princess.” It’s my favorite while I write about Frank and Augustina’s lives. Sometimes I would put it on repeat and listen to it for hours.

I kick out of my shoes and twist on the sofa, stretching out my legs. I place my back against the armrest and slide downward until I’m in a comfortable position. My socked feet bump the side of Dawsey’s thigh, but I don’t apologize. I’m not sorry I touched him.

“My house is lived in. I’m not one of those people who babies her furniture. I make myself comfortable. You can stretch out if you like. Put your feet on the coffee table or the couch. I don’t mind at all.”

Dawsey kicks out of his shoes and settles into the corner of the couch, one of his legs propped on the couch. “You’re my kind of girl.”

“I hope so since it looks like you’re stuck with me.”

I open the journal to page one and clear my throat. “IbecameGussy when I slipped into the coma. I was no longer a bystander watching what was happening.”

“I have to tell you that as a psychotherapist, I’m fascinated by what you’re about to read to me. I can’t begin to wrap my head around what this must have been like for you to experience.”

“It was an amazing adventure. I hope that I was able to translate into words how amazing it was.”

“I’m sure you’ve done an outstanding job.”

“Close your eyes and relax while I read to you. Try to picture it in your mind.” I hold up the journal. “The date was June 28, 1939.”

Chapter7

Frank Harrison

Pascagoula,Mississippi

June 28, 1939

The old LeBlanc Watercraft pickup roars down the highway as I push it to speed faster than I ever have before. I stare ahead at the road, one of my hands tightly gripping the steering wheel. My other arm is wrapped around my wife’s shoulder, holding her close to me. Leaning over, I kiss the side of her head.

I can’t believe Gussy’s father just tried to kill her. I knew the Lebeaus were unloving parents who cherished their place in society, but I never dreamed they’d go as far as murder to maintain appearances.

“It won’t be safe to stay at the boat shop tonight. Or probably ever again. Your father is going to come for us. Even worse, he’ll likely send the law to fetch you and bring you back to him.”

Mr. Lebeau had a crazed look in his eyes just now. He did not look like a man who was going to back down without a fight. There’s no way he’s going to simply let me have his only daughter.

“Frank, he’ll have you thrown in jail for kidnapping. I’m sure of it.”

Kidnapping charges are the least of my worries right now. “I threatened him with a gun, Gussy. Plus, I took something that he considers his property. I bested him. He isn’t going to let that go.”

“He said that he’ll have our marriage annulled.”

“It’s too late for an annulment. Our marriage has been consummated.”

“It’s not too late. He has connections to people who know how to bend the law. If he wants it done, he can make it happen.”

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