Chapter 7

© Copyright 2006 by Roy E. Proctor

Somehow, the flight back home was not quite as exciting for Rose Ann. “What was in the background of Jim Sr. that would cause stress to his son?” she thought to herself. “Is it a classic example of a Father exacerbating his son?”

“Earth to Rose Ann,” Jim inquired softly.

“Oh, I was just deep in thought, I guess. Time to get back to the cold hard facts of the case again. I so enjoyed my stay at your sister‘s.” Rose Ann was really trying to think of a way to bring Jim Sr into the picture. She had the distinct impression that there was more that Sharon wanted to say, but couldn’t.

“Rose Ann, I’ve been thinking. You know, my sister and her family seemed to be amused at our visit.”

“Oh, how is that?”

“You know, little smiles here, chuckles there. And my nephew’s teasing. Kids can pick up on the subtlest things and …”

“Okay, Jim, what exactly are you getting at?”

Jim turned directly facing Rose Ann and her heart fluttered dangerously despite her caution regarding him.

“Until you came along, I had no intention of even considering another relationship. But you … well, from the first time I saw you, I felt settled, at ease, complete. You know what I mean?”

Rose Ann’s heart wanted to splurge all over Jim, but her mind created a formidable block. She remained silent but could not help but explore his face with her eyes.

“What I’m trying to say, Rose Ann, is that I want to put the cold hard facts of this case behind me. With your approval, of course, I would like to explore … Let’s say, deeper relationship with you. You’re one impressive woman.”

Rose Ann’s thoughts froze in mid air. Sharon’s words grew heavy on her mind. “You might just have Jim’s heart anyway.” But did she really want it?

“Are you all right, Rose Ann,” Jim inquired. “No more “braining” each other? Did I do something to offend you in some way?”

“Oh, my cell phone,” Rose Ann replied suddenly. After listening intently to the message, she sat motionless in her seat.

“Rose Ann. What is it? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“That was Bob, the senior attorney at our firm. He found a tape of a phone conversation between Jimmy and a mysterious caller. Something about the truth can be damaging.”

“The truth, damaging? But we already know that Jimmy is guilty and …”

Rose Ann’s heart sank as she watched Jim Senior’s countenance change. “What am I doing,” she asked herself bitterly. She jolted the heart of the man she had come to admire and respect. It was even more difficult, as her heart was certainly inclined toward him. Their eyes searched each other’s faces again and their intense mutual attention was beginning to hurt.




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