Lightning Strikes (Hudson 2)

Thank you for not denying me, for wanting to know me, for having the courage to acknowledge me. My mother hasn't yet, but I believe as 1 am writing this letter she is probably breaking the news to her husband and children. She has little choice now, now that Grandmother Hudson's will is going to be read.

It makes me smile to think about that. I just know Grandmother Hudson is getting her final satisfaction in doing it.

I'll write you from America first chance I get. Please give my love to Leanna and the children. I'm so sorry so much time has gone by without us ever having met.

Love, Rain

I folded the letter, addressed an envelope and went out to find Leo. He took it and promised to post it for me first thing in the morning. Mrs. Chester was in the kitchen working, despite the fact that no one was going to sit down to a formal meal. Habit was habit and she went through her motions no matter what occurred. She had no idea why I was leaving, but I wanted to say goodbye to her.

"I've come to say good-bye, Mrs. Chester. I haven't always understood everything you've said and done, but I appreciated your efforts to make things easier for me here."

She put away a bowl and wiped her hands on a dishtowel while she looked at me.

"They ain't makin' you go home account of anything I said," she told me. "Ya been a good worker and a good girl, ya have."

"No, it has nothing to do with you or this house or anyone," I said. "I have to go."

"I'm not one to snoop or tell anyone else what's ta do and what's not, but you be careful now."

"Thank you, Mrs. Chester." I gave her a hug and said, "And look in on Mary Margaret. She needs that."

Mrs. Chester nodded.

"We all do, dearie. We all do," she said and returned to her work.

I went back to my room to get my things. After I put on my jacket, I paused in the doorway and looked around the small room. Funny, how a person can get used to almost anything, I thought, even a jail cell like this. I thought about the ghost of Sir Godfrey Rogers's dead mistress.

"I never saw you or spoke to you," I said aloud, "but I feel sorry for you if you're stuck in this house:'

I lifted one of my suitcases and struggled a bit with the other when suddenly Boggs appeared.

"I'll get that," he barked. "You go on ahead. There's a phone call for you."

"Phone call?"

He grunted and went for my suitcases. I returned to the main part of the house and lifted the receiver on the hallway table where Boggs apparently had left it for me.

"Hello?"

"Rain, it's Randall. I just heard from Leslie that you had some bad news today and had to leave school. I was looking everywhere for you. What happened?"

"I have to return to America, Randall," I said. "My grandmother has passed away."

"Oh. I'm sorry. When will you be back?"

"I don't know."

"Well, can I call you somewhere?"

"I'll write you a letter," I said, "and tell you more when I know more."

"Promise?"

"I don't like to make promises, Randall. Too many have been made and broken for me so I just say what I'll do and I do it," I told him.

"I believe you. I wish I could see you before you leave."

"I'm just about ready to go. We're on a night flight."