Today I want to give you a snippet into the sequel of “Bound by Secrecy.” Of course, my motive is to wet your appetite. For those of you that have read “Bound by Secrecy” you know that Doc played the role of the small town doctor in the book. He has now become the protagonist in this second book – but don’t worry – Laurel, Tom, Joshua, Old Boot, and the Clayburns are back as well. With no further ado, I will let you see a tiny glimpse into chapter 3 of the next book. (Title not determined as of yet.)
Doc leaned forward in his desk chair and rested his head in his hands. The fourth note had arrived in his post office box this morning. The four notes still lay in front of him on the desk. He had hurried home after work, not bothering to grab a glass of ice tea from the refrigerator as he usually did. He had rushed into his library, taking the four notes and lining them up in a row on his desk. Going over them one by one and comparing each to the previous, he found no clues as to the writer. All four notes and envelopes were identical; down to the Elvis Presley stamps. He hadn’t ruled out that it could be Lisa sending the notes. It seemed odd though, that she would come to his office with medical concerns if she were trying to discourage a developing relationship between him and her mother. Not only that but she had not mentioned the relationship at all during the visit.
Doc was deep in thought when the ring of the phone jolted him like the first crack of thunder on a spring night. He doubted he had heard the first couple of rings. He leaned toward the phone, focusing on the caller ID. Gwen? He hadn’t talked to his sister since they had settled mother’s small estate two and a half years ago. It wasn’t all Gwen’s fault they didn’t talk often. He could have called her just as easily, but he hadn’t made the effort either. A stab of guilt pierced his conscience. Gwen could have used some support over the years – say, when she went through her divorce, or during the time that her only child was in and out of trouble. Doc wasn’t even sure how serious Michael’s trouble had been. He did know the kid had spent some time in a juvenile center. He had even lost track as to how old Michael would be now…maybe in his late twenties, early thirties. He hadn’t seen the boy since he was eight or nine. Doc blamed the disconnection between himself and Gwen to their age differences. She had been a surprise baby and was twelve years younger than he was. When he was eighteen and headed for college, she was just a kid. They had very few memories to laugh and cry over like many siblings did – they simply had never spent enough time together to form memories. He hoped this call didn’t mean bad news.
“Hello Gwen. Nice to hear from you.”
“Hi Vince. It’s been a long time.”
“Yes…yes it has. Are you doing ok?”
It was always a bit awkward talking to Gwen. Doc always felt inadequate when visiting with her – why was it so easy to talk to everyone else, but he felt cumbersome talking with his sister? He wished conversation would come easy to them, but it had never flowed smoothly; tagged with pauses and hesitations. He did remember to ask about Michael and was told his nephew was doing fine. Of course, Doc didn’t know whose standard Gwen was holding him up to. She had said he wasn’t married yet, but expressed her hope that it could happen, now that he had his life together.
Gwen got to the point of her call soon after draining themselves of small talk. “Vince, I’m thinking about taking a trip and coming out that way for a visit. “
Doc was taken aback. In forty years, she had never touched foot in Nebraska. He had invited her more than once, but she had always come up with an excuse. Because Doc’s mother had wished to be buried back in Illinois, Gwen had chosen to have a memorial service for her there, rather than attend the one at Grace Community Church in Hooper. Doc had suspected that Gwen had not been interested in experiencing small town life in any way. She was used to having all the commodities she needed or wished for at her fingertips.
“Well Gwen, this is a surprise.” Doc rubbed the top of his balding head.
“Yes, I suppose it is. Guess I’m realizing since Mother’s death that we aren’t getting any younger. I would like us to get to know each other better and spend some time together.”
“I would like that too Gwen.” Doc said the appropriate words, but he wasn’t sure how much either one of them would enjoy it. He was ambivalent about the idea. He could be excited; after all, Gwen was his sister. But he might also be relieved if she cancelled.
“Do you know when you will be coming?”
“Not yet, but now that I have made up my mind I don’t want to wait long. Do you have any plans of being away?”
“No. My job keeps me here for the most part. I do have some help coming in two days a week now, but I usually spend those days fishing the lakes close by, working in my yard, or catching up on some reading. Anytime you choose should work for me. Let me know.”
Doc hung up the phone and turned his attention back to the notes in front of him. Sooner or later, the writer would provide him a clue – he was sure of it.
Until next time – if you keep on readin’, I’ll keep on writin’.