Letters in Time, Reiss Susan [read me a book TXT] 📗

It’s about people maligning women because they’re different. That’s what we’re talking about here, isn’t it?”  She took a much-needed breath and waited for my answer to her question.

“Ah, I suppose so,” I answered, not sure how to respond to this burst of enthusiasm.  “I’m interested in the people who lived around the Cottage. I don’t care if they were witches.”

“Well, it should be part of your consideration. After all, as professional women today, we owe a debt of gratitude to them for standing up for themselves and their beliefs,” then she added, “and having the courage to live on their own.” She stood as if to honor the idea and took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Under control again, she continued. “I’m afraid I don’t have anything about Katie Cobin in the materials. I can take a quick look in the files, but didn’t you say you had to leave soon?”

I swung my eyes around to the clock dial. “You’re right. TJ is waiting for me.” I gestured at my leg. “I can’t drive yet,” I said with a weak smile.

“Oh, he should have come in.” She gathered up the copies she’d made for me. “I’ll carry these out for you. As we walked outside, she said. “Maybe I could do some research for you during my shift this afternoon. I won’t be busy today since the weather is so beautiful.”

"That would be very kind of you. I'm not sure when I'll be back. Could you write down the references so I could look them up the next time I come?"

“I have a better idea.” She gave me another bright smile. “I don’t live far from you. I could make copies of anything I find and bring them by the Cottage for you.”

“You know where I live?” I was uncomfortable.

“Of course, everyone knows where Jack’s Cottage is.” Her voice became softer. “I didn’t know him, I mean, as a friend, but I know he was very nice. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Her sincerity touched me. “Thank you. That’s kind.”

“What do you say?” Her blue eyes danced. “Shall I do the research and bring you what I find?”

“Well, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“That’s what we do here on the Shore.”

TJ saw us emerge from the building. He rushed over, took the materials from Stephani, and, without pausing, sprinted back to the truck.

I was a little surprised by his behavior and tried to cover for him. “Thank you so much for your help today and well, everything.”

“I didn’t do much. I’m interested in her, in them, the witches, too.” She paused and straightened her back in a more formal stance. “It’s my pleasure. I’ll see you soon.”

Chapter Fourteen

“We have heard this morning that Thomas Lloyd’s wellhouse was burned by lightning during the storm last night.” August 3, 1864

—The Willis Family Journals 1847-1951

Edited and Annotated by James Dawson

Settled in the truck, TJ asked, “Are you still okay about making a detour on our way home?” He asked. “Or are you hurting?”

Even though I felt the effects of the therapy session, I wasn't going to give in to the pain. I checked the time. I still had more than an hour to wait until I could take the next painkiller. A distraction would be good.

“I had a good session in the reference room again. Stephani found some good references and filled in a few details. Local knowledge is always valuable.”

TJ stared through the windshield, suddenly intent on the road ahead.

I was curious why he seemed to shut down. “How do you know her?”

“It’s a small place. People know people.” And that was supposed to close the discussion.

I shifted my gaze through the windshield to look down the road like he did. She seemed a little young to be his girlfriend, but these days, one never knew. “Who is she?” I asked.

He didn’t say anything.

“An old flame?” I suggested. “Or maybe your current girlfriend?”

Still no response. I turned toward TJ. His finely chiseled face in profile didn't have the raw ruggedness of a life dedicated to working the land. There was more here than I first imagined.

 A man with layers. How unusual.  I was intrigued.

What would I find if I peeled them back? But who am I kidding? This man won’t let just anyone into the private areas of his life. He had to live with the whims of nature on the farms. He’d try to control what he could.

I dropped my hands in my lap, declaring the end of my guessing game. “Whoever she is, Stephani was very nice to me today. I appreciated her help and the research she’s doing for me. That’s all I care about.”

TJ seemed ready to move on as well. “At least your timing was good.” He pointed off to the northwest. “It looks like we dodged a storm. See the line of dark clouds? They’re heavy with rain. We could use some, but I think the harvest will be okay, might even be a little late this year.”

I powered my window down and took a deep breath through my nose. “Oh yes, I can smell the rain.”

“Not bad, for a city girl,” he said with a touch of admiration in his voice. “Hear the rumble?”

I listened hard and heard a roll of thunder in the distance. “Are you sure it’s not coming this way?”

He pointed at the tall pines. “Look at the tops of the trees. They show the wind is blowing away from us. Still, we have to be careful with a thunderstorm. The Weather Service is always warning that lightning can strike the ground from