Hall of Deception: A Post-WWII Romantic Suspense (The Roth Saga Book 1) by P. L. Jonas

Author:P. L. Jonas [Jonas, P. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: 2023-07-13T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

When the phone rang, I stopped packing and answered. “I was just about to call you. Orpha is sick.”

“Is it serious?”

“She won’t tell me. I need to go there. You understand, don’t you? I’m not running away. I’ll be back.”

“You better be back. I need you. Ellen needs you.”

“Good to know. I’ll miss everyone . . ..” My hesitation was clear to me. I needed the time away to figure out what was important to me, not him, not Ellen.

“How long?”

“Not sure. I’ll call once I get there.”

“Reverse the charges.”

“Okay. Oh, and Mr. Roth—”

“It’s Hugh, remember?”

“Hugh . . . tell Ellen I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye in person. I’ll make it up to her.”

“I will. She asked about you last night. I said you had a headache.”

“Thank you. Tell Sylvi . . . When I return, I’ll talk to her. I just can’t right now.”

“I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“Thanks. I’ll call soon.”

When I hung up, my stomach twisted something fierce. I hated leaving Ellen since she had just come home from the hospital. I would miss Hugh, too, but with reservations. The worry about Orpha was strong. She was all the family I had left. Despite our disagreements, I cared for her in a disconnected way.

When I checked out of the Inn, Hugh had paid my bill and left me an envelope filled with cash for my trip. Ben was waiting outside the hotel to take me to the train station in Boston. I sat up front again.

“You gonna tell me what’s going on?” Ben asked.

“I’m going home for a visit and I’ll be back. My cousin is sick.”

“Sorry, but I’m glad you’re comin’ back.” He grinned.

“How do you know Mr. Roth? You mentioned once the job was a favor.”

“Mr. Roth and me were in the war together. I was this runt kid who didn’t know nothin’ and he kinda took me under his wing. I was scared silly when he got hit.”

“You took shrapnel in your leg?”

“Yep. He told me when I was out to look him up. When I did, he gave me this job. He knew I loved cars. In the service, I worked on jeeps and stuff. He’s the best.”

“He is, isn’t he?”

“You sweet on him, aren’t ya’? I see how you look at him.”

I sent him a shocked look. “Don’t make up things that aren’t true, Ben.” I wasn’t ready to acknowledge my feelings for Hugh with anyone until I was sure. And I wasn’t sure.

Ben shrugged his shoulders and chuckled. “Yeah, sure thing.”

He left me at the train station, making me promise to notify him when my train got into Boston upon my return.

***

The train ride home seemed longer going back than when I had left. My emotions were topsy-turvy, what with everything going on at Rothmorton and my apprehension at seeing Orpha. Sleeping on the train didn’t come easy, even though Hugh had purchased a private berth for me. His generosity overflowed to ensure my return. It had a positive effect on me, I couldn’t deny.

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