Read Online Into the Ether by Vanessa Barger - Free Book Online

Judging by the crisp creases in his trousers, he’d never worn the suit before.
    â€œI hope you don’t mind a little company.” His smile was a little green around the edges. I almost thought he’d have been ecstatic if we’d said we did.
    â€œI’m sorry I haven’t been by to see you sooner.” I tore off a piece of bread and chewed, watching his reaction.
    He looked at Colonel Worthington, the fireplace, the floor, everywhere but at me. My heart fluttered.
    â€œIt’s all right. I’m sure Colonel Worthington here has been keeping you busy. And with the new modifications, I’ve been— ” a thump sounded under the table, and I glanced at Colonel Worthington , who tried to keep a calm façade. Phillip ran a thick finger under the edge of his collar. I doubt it had much to do with the starch in his collar.
    â€œAnyway, I just thought tonight would be a good night to pay a visit.”
    It sounded hollow, even to my ears. I pushed away the bowl, though I had only eaten a few bites. “What ’ s going on?”
    Colonel Worthington blinked and wore an expression worthy of a baroque cherub. “Why would you think something is amiss?”
    I snorted. I couldn’t help it. “Give me a little credit, please. I love seeing Phillip, but I don’t think he came for a social call . ” I turned to him and balanced my chin on my hand. “Did you?”
    He swallowed the soup that was in his mouth like it was made of clay. A fine sheen of moisture glinted off his face in the flickering light. “Of course I didn’t. Seeing you was a side bonus. I had something important to tell Colonel Worthington . I went to a meeting today, and I have to give him the news.”
    If my jaw hadn’t been propped in my hand, it would have been on the table. “Well. Then. I guess it ’ s lovely to see you as well.”
    I focused on my stew, my face burning. How self- centered I had become. I believed he’d dressed up to deliver some sort of horrible message to me. Relief warred with continued suspicion in my chest. I tried to ignore the latter.
    Ever since Terry dropped by, I’d been plagued with horrible nightmares. They were beginning to affect my waking life. I popped a spoonful of beef into my mouth. Well, I would just have to start working harder then. If I was tired enough, I wouldn’t have to worry about dreams.
    I didn’t pay much attention to the mumbled conversation Colonel Worthington and Phillip were having. Something about deadlines and getting paperwork and items together. Mundane things Colonel Worthington was always discussing with someone.
    I made small talk when their conversation lull ed , asking about Phillip’s brother and how things were going. He jumped on the chance and told us elaborate stories about Grant and his latest escapades. While we chatted, after everyone had finished, I cleaned up the dishes. I’d just pulled the linen towel out to dry pots and pans when Phillip loomed behind me and took the fabric from my hand.
    â€œI’ll do it, ” h e said.
    He cleared his throat as I smiled and sat down. The atmosphere tensed again, and I twisted my fingers in my skirts.
    Phillip threw the towel over one shoulder. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a folded piece of paper. There was sadness and something too much like pity on his face.
    My mouth was suddenly a desert, and my hand trembled when I reached out to accept the note. Somehow I didn’t think it was from Spiros this time.
    I tried to slip the paper from Phillip’s fingers, but he held fast.
    â€œI’m truly sorry, Gennie.”
    He released the paper and the familiar scrawl on the front made my heart stop.
    It was Terry’s handwriting.

Chapter Ten
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    I held my breath and unfolded the letter. The writing danced across the page at an odd angle. He’d been in a hurry when he wrote it . I couldn’t help the