Breaking the Chain Read Online Free Page B

long to go through the records."
              Jack nodded. He'd do just about anything to keep from spending any more time with Mary's aunt. Elizavon was a mean, spiteful old maid whose sole purpose in life was to make trouble for everyone she came in contact with. If it hadn't been for Mary, he'd have told that old witch off in a heartbeat, but he'd promised to be civil. Every hour he spent with Elizavon made that vow more difficult to keep.
              "Sounds good to me. I'll see you in a little while." A smile formed on his lips as he watched his wife make her way down the block, stopping now and then to exchange greetings with local vendors. One thing he'd learned about Mary early on was that once she made up her mind to do something, there was no stopping her. She was like a steam locomotive, rolling over any and all obstacles in her path. That was one of the things he loved about her. Still smiling, he pushed open the courthouse door and stepped inside.
              The courthouse database was easy to navigate and he soon became engrossed in his task. When someone tapped on his shoulder, he almost swallowed the pencil clamped between his teeth.
              Mary stood behind him, a large grin pasted across her face.
              "I wish you'd stop doing that."
              "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," she apologized. "How you doing?"
              "I hope you had more luck. I've checked the database for Houma and every surrounding parish for the past six years. No one with Justine's last name is listed as a property owner. How'd you do?"
              "Terrible. They didn't have an account and the bank manager refused to talk to me about either one of them. Evidently they just came in every month to cash their Social Security checks." She sighed. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all."
              "We'll find them sooner or later, Mary. It's just a matter of time. Besides, if all else fails, we can always put an ad in the local papers asking for one of them to call you collect."
              "Jack, that's a wonderful idea. You're terrific! No wonder I love you so much," she said, giving him a kiss.
              He hugged her neck, then released her. "Now, how about that lunch? I'm starving."

5
 
     
                  "Sadie, you can't be serious," Justine said. "You've never been able to see the details of anybody's death before. Why now? Surely you've made a mistake."
              Sadie's eyes stood out like two round, black orbs floating in a sea of pale brown wrinkles. "I know what I seen, but it don't make sense."
              "Maybe that's a good sign. If what you saw doesn't make sense, maybe that means there's something you or I can do to change the outcome. After all, the future isn't written in stone; there's always a chance that something we can do or say will make a difference."
              "Nothing's gonna change what I seen," Sadie argued. "We got to find Mary. We just got to."
              "Well, there's nothing we can do tonight. It's too late. Why don't I run a bath to help you relax? I'll order dinner while you're soaking in the tub. We'll eat in the room and have an early night." She stifled a yawn. "I don't know about you, but I'm tired."
              "Ain't nothing gonna make me feel better. I seen what I seen and nothing's gonna change that," Sadie grumbled as she rummaged through her tattered suitcase for a nightgown. "We gotta find Mary."
              "We'll start looking for her tomorrow," Justine promised from the bathroom doorway. "Your tub's ready; you better hurry up before the water gets cold."
              "If you get out of my way, I will."
              As her friend hobbled past