In the Shadows

“It’s very easy,” Charles said, waving a hand wearily. His arm

felt as though it weighed a million pounds. “Just realize that, no

matter what you do, things are out of your control. Voilà! Peace!”

She took his hand and leaned close, then kissed his cheek. Her

lips were cold against his skin. “Alas, dear one, I think I prefer

turmoil and trauma and long life. See you soon.”

He watched as she walked away, and then he closed his eyes to

rest for the walk back to the boardinghouse. He had a feeling he

didn’t have much time left, and there were several very important

things to do.

Late May, 1949

fifteen

M

innie sat alone in the kitchen for some time

after her mother , Thomas, and Charles had

LEFT. When Charles returned, she had her elbows on

the table, resting her chin on her fists.

“Arthur’s family history is the most dramatic story I’ve ever

heard,” she said, “and it doesn’t delight me one bit. It makes my

stomach hurt.”

Charles nodded in sympathy. “Has Thom found him?”

Minnie shrugged, dropping her hands and slumping in her

chair. She was having a hard time focusing enough to answer

Charles’s questions. Her mind was spinning. “I doubt it. Not if

Arthur doesn’t want to be found. And even if Thomas does cor-

ner him, Arthur won’t say anything.”

Arthur. Who is not my brother.

Minnie couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry now about the

feelings she’d harbored since the day she’d first met him. She’d

flirted with everyone, kissed any boy who’d wanted to kiss her, but