The man knew more secrets in this house than anyone else. And he’d seen everything yesterday. Was he on her side?
It appeared that way, and she would take it.
He bowed and walked away.
Martha took the envelope over to her desk under the window and opened it. Several pages were inside.
Dear Martha,
I know it has been far too long since my last correspondence. I am sorry for that.
I also heard of your father’s passing and that is what prompted this letter.
She flipped to the end of the pages and gasped. It was from Phoebe! She turned the pages back to continue reading. Wait. She read back over the opening, her browns drawn together. Phoebe had written to her? But she had never gotten her letters.... Martha felt her stomach roll. Mother. She’d bet Father’s lucky coin that Mother had keep them from her. But why? She chewed the inside of her cheek and filed the thought away. She’d worry about it later.
Forgive me for not telling you about my arrival before now, but as you will see, I had to be certain only you would see this letter. I am in Denver for a few days and would love to see you, but it must be a secret meeting.
I haven’t wanted to invade your privacy, but before Icontinue, I must confess that I hired someone to investigate you to know you weren’t involved in your mother’s business.
Now that that truth is all out on the table, I will continue.
I’m concerned for you, Martha. I don’t think you know what your mother is capable of.
All those years ago, I know it was heartbreaking for you when I left. Your tears have stuck with me. But I had to leave because my sweet mama begged me to go. Yes, she was sick and dying, but I found out much later there was more to the story.
After Mama died, I found letters from Victoria—your mother. They began with bribes for calling me away. Then they grew threatening.
Victoria didn’t like the bond you and I forged. She also didn’t like my faith and the influence I had upon you. At first, my mother didn’t back down. She was determined that you would have a good influence—me—and we prayed for you nightly. At that time, I had no idea that your mother had been working behind the scenes to get rid of me. She’d bribed my mother with hefty sums of money and threats to my well-being to keep me in Colorado Springs.
Mama told me the truth of it all as she was dying. She’d taken the money to ensure that I would have a comfortable life after she died. But oh, she felt so guilty for falling into your mother’s schemes. I’m convinced it hastened the end of her life faster than even the doctors anticipated.
Please know how much my mama regretted her actions. She loved my stories about you and how dear you were—and still are—to me. We prayed for you every night. That your brand-new faith would take hold and help you through the years.
Martha choked back a sob. Mother had threatened them? Her mother was forceful, to be sure, but why would she threaten such sweet people?
Somehow, Victoria got word that Mama passed away. She came down to Colorado Springs and told me something bad would happen to me if I ever contacted you again. I’ll spare you the details of that conversation. Suffice it to say, the threat was believable enough, not only for my own sake, but yours as well.
Now, please, my purpose in this communication isn’t to denigrate your family. But I’m concerned about you. Something isn’t right in that house. With your father gone ... I’ve had this prodding to come see you, but I knew I couldn’t do that in person without telling you what I know first. Then I read the articles in the paper about your father, and my investigator discovered your former foreman was arrested for murder. I knew I had to speak up immediately.
More than anything, I want you to know that I love you and have been praying for you every day. You are not alone, sweet Martha.
For my own safety, I cannot disclose where I am staying. But if you can meet me later—perhaps at luncheon?—tell Gerard. He will make arrangements for us.
I long to hear all about your life and catch up on all the years since I left. But please ... be careful.
With all my love,
Phoebe
Martha laid the sheets down on her desk. None of it made sense....
Or did it...?
She stood from the chair and paced the room. Mother and Father had never been close to her, but to think of them—especially Mother—threatening Phoebe and her mother? Could they have misunderstood?
The Jankowski name was respected and well-known. Martha didn’t even know all the businesses they owned, but they owned a lot. They had invested heavily in the city and, from what Martha understood, increased their family fortune.
Perhaps she’d taken her family’s wealth and reputation for granted all these years. She’d been so focused on whatshewanted to do, and her parents let her pursue whatever fancied her at the time.
