Mountain Ice (David Dean Mysteries)

I have a diamond ring adorning my finger, just as a bride might wear! My Joshua gave it to me last night, when he came a-visiting! It belonged to one of the girls who took her life and died in his arms. She gave it to my darling out of gratitude for his compassion at her passing and he wanted me to have it as a token of his feelings for me. I wear it always when we're together as it gives comfort to him about our situation which I know troubles him greatly. I wear it too, when I'm alone, and pretend that we are one forever.

Sometimes I fear my mind may be going as I often pretend my circumstances are far different than they truly are. I perform the duties of the house as if it is our home and I am awaiting the tread of my darling's foot upon the stair as he returns from his ministrations to the arms of his dutiful wife. There is a spring in my step and a note on my lips, until I realize the awful truth of my situation and am forced to hold back my tears.

Cynthia sat up in bed as she read the brief passage, an uncommon glass of amber liquid in her hand "Donnie deciphered it. Don't you think it's sad?"

Dean had brief thoughts of the errant preacher robbing a dead hooker but kept them to himself. Instead, he gave a more neutral response. "She certainly is taken with the guy. But I wonder what he's thinking. He can't expect to keep sneaking up to visit her indefinitely and hope to get away with it." He stripped of his clothes, donned his pajama bottoms, and sat on the edge of the bed. Cynthia lifted her glass and drained it. Liquor was something Cynthia used infrequently and not very well.

"You have to stop plying me with booze or I'll think you have evil intentions. My head is starting to whirl." "At least that stuff seems to have improved your blue mood."

"Thanks to you. That was sweet to cook supper. I do feel better but I'll still be glad when things get back to normal and I'm comfortable my mother is her old self again."

"Would it make you feel better to give her another call?" he asked.

"No. It's two hours later in Indiana. I'd just wake her. I'm fine. I just need a good night's sleep. And thanks," she said sweetly as she bent over and kissed him. "I'd make you come over here and cuddle me but I'm afraid I'd get dizzy and be sick." She fluffed up her pillow and turned away as he turned out the light.