"Hansen, Maxine Joy - The Letter" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hansen Maxine Joy)
James Hazlett fixed her with a steady look.
"That old place has been closed up for years. Somewhere in the 50's I think."
"Yes, I know. But interestingly enough I happened to learn that Rose Culter's granddaughter lives there. The place is up for sale; however, she's there right now." Kathryn hesitated then went on. "I actually had a nice talk with her."
"Young lady, some things are better left alone."
"I know that too. But as my friends will attest, I've never really subscribed to that idea much. I'm pretty stubborn." Again she paused. "Unless you don't want me to be."
James said nothing.
"Dr. Hazlett...in the last fifteen or twenty years there have been numerous advancements made in the field of communication that make tracing people much easier. The studio I work for even produces a weekly show about locating friends and loved ones. It's a big hit. In the 1940's and even in the 1950's and early 60's it was definitely more difficult to find someone. A person could get lost in a crowd or disappear if they wanted to. Now with computers, better records, and other factors you can do wonders. Not to mention good old roll up your sleeves detective work. My boss and co-workers tell me I'm pretty good at that. I sometimes put Columbo to shame."
At this James offered a tentative smile.
"You said the key words. 'If they wanted to disappear.' Anne obviously wanted to. She never got in touch. Could be she sized me up and went running. Could be those flowery words were just meant to...ease the pain a little."
"I don't believe that and neither do you." Kathryn countered.
James took a deep breath.
"And what if I find out...she's gone. What if the 'truth' I learn is that she's not gathered round a table with a family that really cares about her, maybe sharing some in-joke and laughing, or sitting in some glorified old folks home like me...What if she isn't sharing the same moon that we used to look at each night, or the sun that rose in the morning and meant we were going to see each other. I'm not sure I want that 'truth' Kathryn. I'm not sure of that at all."
Kathryn could not answer him. She was incapable of speaking for the moment. Her throat had locked up and the jumble of emotions she was experiencing precluded words.
"Let me ask you a question. What if the tables were turned? What if that young man in there went out of your life in the same way? Not that he'd be fool enough to do that of course. But what if? Would you want to know?"
"Colt...Colt is just an acquaintance. I've only known him for a few days."
"Young woman I may be old but I'm not blind." James Hazlett certainly did not mince words.
A tremor of fear shot through Kathryn's body and she kept her hands tightly folded in her lap so James could not see that they were shaking. He knew! He knew what she had desperately tried to ignore, push away, and deny. She was in love with Colt Riverton; a man she had just met, a man who was miles away and a world away from her neat, orderly, full life in Los Angeles. Kathryn shuddered every so slightly and hoped James didn't notice as he waited for her to respond. Mingled with the concept she could no longer fight or turn from, was the overwhelming sense of what James Hazlett had just proposed. A life without Colt in it. A life filled with friends, family, stability, and yet a life that was as barren as an empty desert that stretched to infinity and beyond. Her mouth dry she turned to see James watching her intently.
"I would have to know," she whispered. "I would have to know."
"Then you have a lot more courage than I do," he stated simply. "Well, let's see if I can ride on the coattails of it." James once again met her straight on. "Alright, Kathryn Cartwright. Let's go for it, as you young people are so fond of saying. Find her. Find Anne for me."
"Dr. Hazlett..."
He silenced her with a finger to her lips.
"Ah, don't let me change my mind, Kathryn. We're both in this together now...for worse...or better!!"
Colt kissed his daughter goodnight and padded downstairs to the living room. He found Kathryn curled on the couch staring at the cold empty fireplace, a portrait of intense study. It worried him to find this usually bubbly, full of life woman so quiet. Dr. Hazlett, too, had been somewhat subdued when Colt and Jesse returned to the room after doing the dishes. The four of them had enjoyed a terrific evening, dinner was perfect, and Colt was especially pleased when he saw James Hazlett's reaction to the rose bushes out back. It had been well worth the hard work, sweat, and occasional scratches from the thorns. Colt had been satisfied and very, very happy. Until he found Kathryn avoiding his eyes and carefully keeping her distance from him.
"Kathryn," he walked over to her, "did I do something that upset you tonight?"
"No, don't be silly. It was a perfect evening."
"I thought so too. But now I'm wondering."
"I'm just a little tired. It was a big day. I think I'll go to bed."
Kathryn started to walk away, but Colt gently blocked her.
"Please. Don't. Not like this. Please tell me what it is. I know you worked really hard today. I'm sorry if it was too much." His quiet plea was met with silence.
Colt reached up with his forefinger and thumb in a soft caress of her delicate chin. He raised her face so she would have to look at him. It was his undoing. Her features reflected a number of emotions, most of which he could put a name to - except for one. The one he knew was reflected in his own eyes as well. It was too late to turn away. Much too late. His lips slowly came down on hers, gentle at first, then with a demanding pressure. He swore to himself he would stop if she moved away, if she asked him to. She did neither one. Her body pressed closer to his, fitting ever so perfectly to his own taut frame. Threading his fingers through her hair, he rained kisses over her face and neck. Then, lifting her easily into his arms he held her close to his heart and carried her to his room and to his bed. ["#TOC"]
Chapter Seven
"It's for you, Kathryn. It's a Mrs. McKenna about a letter."
Colt, Jesse, and Kathryn were seated around the kitchen table when the phone rang. Jesse, bursting with energy, ran to the counter to pick it up. Kathryn remained snug in her chair sipping orange juice and wondering why this particular glassful was the best, bar none, she had ever tasted. Her heart did a small dance when she heard Jesse's words. She hurried to pick up the receiver.
"Mrs. McKenna...Nancy, I'm so glad you called."
"Kathryn, I hope you don't mind me phoning so early, but I could hardly wait to reach you." Nancy was bubbling with enthusiasm.
"No...No...It's wonderful! You found something?"
"Well, yes. A couple of things."
Kathryn sat down on the chair Colt brought over to her. He also brought her a notepad, a pen, and her orange juice. She smiled at him and her heart turned over again. Concentrate, Kathryn, she admonished herself.
"I'm all set," she told Nancy McKenna.
"All right. Well, the first thing I did was to sit down with the letters I saved from my grandmother's papers.
Remember I said there were a number of thank you notes that I hadn't fully read at the time. There are two particular ones I want to read to you. Now, they aren't from an Anne Kaufman but, well...listen to the content. Here's the first one. It's dated September 1st, 1948."
'Dear Rose, I'm so sorry I haven't written sooner but, as I am sure you can understand, I had much to think about and many things to do. Finally, I am sitting here in relative quiet tonight, and I wanted to write these words to thank you for everything you did for me. How can I begin, for there are really no adequate words to tell you how much your support has meant to me. How much of a comfort and help you were.
Your nephew, Robert, was of great assistance both in getting me to the train station and when we arrived there. It was a long and uneventful journey, however, as you can imagine, my mind was filled with a jumble of thoughts... and much more.
My parents were upset, naturally, but nonetheless extremely supportive. Now that they have heard my story, they do not agree with the decisions I have come to. But they are resigned that I have to make my own way. I am certain I would feel the same as my parents do were I to have a child. My sister, Bethany, has been like a rock throughout this whole ordeal from calming mother and father, to defending my rights and my honor, and opening her home to me. She is glorious and wonderful - a knight in shining armor I tease her. But every word is true. I do not know where I would be without her - or without your generosity.
I have visited Richard on two occasions and we've talked as much as possible under the circumstances. It is very difficult for him and for me. It will not be easy for either one of us. But I truly believe he is willing to try and for now that is enough of a start. In the meantime, I am living with Bethany and her family, including my beautiful niece and nephew of whom I am so proud. They are adorable, maddening monsters, and help to keep me sane.
I dare not ask, and yet I must. James. How is he? He must be as angry as I am ashamed. A thousand times a day I ask myself how I could have done such a thing. A thousand times a day I wish... I have no defense except that when I looked into his eyes I saw my own heart. I know you urged me to contact him as soon as possible. I did write a note that I asked Robert to give to Tommy Lin to deliver. But I could not tell him everything then. I could barely find the strength to say goodbye. If I hurt him by leaving, think what it would do to him to find out the truth. You said he deserved to know. That it would give him peace of mind. I've tossed this back and forth. I've even started several letters only to tear them up. Soon perhaps I will be able to find the right words. Maybe he will be able to forgive me and I will forgive myself.
To be truthful, I am hoping someone will touch his world as I could never honestly touch it. Then I will become just a hazy but fond memory to him. Again, I am torn. I need more time. I need to continue to get my life in some semblance of order. I've included my sister's address FOR YOU ONLY, PLEASE. Please, if he asks, tell him I never wrote, that you never heard from me again. Please, I beg you.
Your faithful friend. I'll always remember your kindness. Rebecca.'
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