Catherine's Cross by Millie West Page A

inside and change?” she asked.
    â€œNo, I’ll change at the station.”
    He walked her to the front door and hugged her. That familiar jolt of energy coursed through her limbs. As he embraced her, she put her head against his chest. “I like your hugs,” she quietly said.
    He leaned her back and kissed her on the forehead.
    â€œNo kiss on the lips?”
    â€œSomeone might be watching,” he laughed and hugged her once more.
    â€œSo what,” she laughed softly.
    â€œThat’s a wonderful sound.”
    â€œWhat sound?”
    â€œYour laughter. I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said as he walked down the path to his car.
    â€œSeth—Thank you for today.”
    He smiled and waved as he sat down in his car. She watched him pull away from Gigi’s home and then she opened the door to the house and went inside. Closing the door behind her, she leaned her back against it and took a deep breath. She had thoroughly enjoyed her day.
    Just as she started to walk into the living room, there was a knock at the door and Jenks immediately opened it, thinking Seth had returned. Standing in the doorway was the powerful frame of Frank Hiller.
    He smiled at her, and in his hand was a large shopping bag.
    â€œHello, Jenks. I know that you were very upset with me at Gigi’s funeral, but I hope you no longer are. I have some of Gigi’s things, and I wanted to bring them to you.”
    She felt nervous and stammered for a few seconds. “Frank—Thank you for stopping by.” She stepped out onto the front porch, closing the door behind her. Fear surged through her body.
    â€œI’ve been worried about what you said to me at Gigi’s funeral. I don’t think that I’ve conveyed to you how badly I feel about what happened.”
    â€œPlease have a seat.” She motioned for him to sit down on one of Gigi’s front porch rocking chairs. Jenks sat down opposite him.
    â€œI saw a For Sale sign on your workout center.”
    â€œYes. I’ve decided to move to San Diego. There are several old friends of mine who live there. I’m planning to open another workout facility. Plus, it’s not nearly as humid in San Diego as it is here.”
    He turned his attention to the brown shopping bag and said, “I’m sorry— This is why I came over. These clothing items belonged to Gigi. They were at my house. I apologize for not getting them to you sooner.”
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œI was wondering if you’d like to go out to eat dinner one evening. I know just the place—Wrens.”
    She didn’t have to think long about a response. “I’m not up to it, but thank you for asking.”
    He smiled slightly and then handed her the bag.
    â€œI appreciate you bringing this over.”
    â€œYou’re welcome . . . I hope you don’t think badly of me. I cared very deeply for your sister.” He gazed into her eyes. “Well—I should be leaving. If you change your mind, please let me know.”
    Jenks stood up when he did, and Frank put his arms around her, hugging her in his powerful embrace. Jenks tried not to let her head rest against his chest. When he released her, he walked down the front path. She watched him go down the lane to where his car was parked at the street. Opening the front door, she stepped back inside. As she shut the door, Jenks felt cold chills run down her spine. She rubbed her hands together and realized her palms were sweating.

CHAPTER 4

Death on the River
    J enks woke early the next morning and after putting on a bathrobe, she walked to the newspaper box at the street. David Bernstein was outside working in his flower beds and he called out to her.
    â€œJenkins, I hope you’re well this morning.”
    â€œYes, David, and you and Leah?”
    â€œReal good,” he responded. “If you don’t do this early, it can be too hot to work in the yard in the