The Charity (79 page)

“Yes.”

Michael searched her face for any doubt. “I have a plan. Get what you need.”

Jessica ran into the house. She knew exactly what she would grab and what she would need. This time instead of just clothes and some money, she grabbed papers, some family mementos, the large silver framed picture of Erin—and her passport.

Jessica carried her belongings to the truck then walked over to where Michael was throwing extra feed to Snugs and her son. She rubbed their heads and smiled, knowing they would be well cared for.

Michael watched her silent good-byes and waited until she looked at him with a smile. He wrapped her in his arms and welcomed her kiss.

Phoenix was the only witness as the taillights disappeared over the mountain road.

About the Author

CONNIE JOHNSON HAMBLEY
grew up on a small dairy farm just north of New York City. Deciding to forego her law and banking background, she has written on biotech and recruiting issues for Bloomberg BusinessWeek and Nature Biotechnology. She lives outside of Boston with her husband and three children where she continues her love of the outdoors and storytelling.

About the Cover

Special note needs to be made about the cover design. In 1965, an arsonist burned down the author’s family’s barn. No people or animals were hurt, but the building was a total loss. It was a devastating blow to a farming family. The image below provides a reminder and an inspiration that sometimes stories have endings that no one could foresee.