Eternity's Mark Read Online Free Page A

raccoon population and the fact that no matter what the children happened to see on television, the animals did not make suitable pets, at least not for the average person.
    A chittering noise at the edge of the woods grabbed her attention. Without even looking, she knew who it was and called over her shoulder as she headed toward the back door of the house. “I don’t have time today. If you want to meet me up at the gravesite, then go on ahead and I’ll see you there.” Closing the screen door, she glanced across the yard to make sure the animals had heard her. “Go on. Meet me at Jake’s marker. Today’s our anniversary, remember?” Three squirrels, a doe, and a very obese raccoon turned and headed back into the woods.
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    What a quaint small town, this place called Jasper Mills. Taggart rolled his shoulders as he ambled down the narrow strip of sidewalk running alongside the tree-lined lane. Gads, the next time he traversed across several continents he’d sift into a secluded wood; he didn’t care if he risked discovery. Hours wedged into a seat inside a plane bordered on unbearable torture. He didn’t care if the airline insisted the ticket stated first class. The blasted seats didn’t fit his arse.
    â€œMacPherson Clinic,” Taggart mumbled, spotting a brilliant blue sign with white letters emblazoned on a white clapboard building. His heart sank when he noticed the blinds drawn in the wide, plate-glass window and a bright red closed sign leaned against the corner. ’Twas the middle of the day, the middle of the week, where the hell could the woman be? Shouldn’t she be at her place of business?
    Taggart spun on his heel and scanned the street. He had no idea what the woman looked like. But if she came within a few feet of him, he’d home in on her like a bee to pollen. He reached out with his senses into the surrounding area and felt absolutely nothing. Hannah MacPherson wasn’t in town.
    â€œDamn, damn, damn.” And then Taggart noticed the neat script written on the bottom portion of the closed sign. In case of emergency, go to the café and ask for Millie.
    â€œThe café and ask for Mille, eh?” Taggart turned and looked up and down the street. “I’d definitely call this an emergency.”
    â€œExcuse me, young man?” A wisp of an old lady with shining blue hair squinted up at Taggart through her thick, silver-rimmed spectacles perched on the end of her nose. The glittering blue chain attached to the earpieces dangled down around her neck, swaying with every word she spoke. “Did you say something to me?”
    Taggart adopted his most charming smile and bowed as he clasped his hands behind his back. “Would ye be so kind as to give me directions to the café? I’m from out of town and I’m afraid I’ve gotten a bit turned around.”
    A hint of a pink blush spread to the elderly woman’s crinkled cheeks as she patted a lace hanky to her brightly, painted lips. “Why certainly, young man, it’s just across the way. Just cross the lane here and go down a block to your left. You’re not very far from it at all.”
    With another gallant bow, Taggart gifted her with another blinding smile. “Ye are most kind, ma’am. I thank ye verra much.”
    The woman tittered into her hanky as Taggart headed across the street.
    He’d best keep his thoughts to himself. That kindly lady might not have been so helpful had she arrived a few moments sooner to find him cursing the air blue. Taggart smiled as he spotted the café. The first inhabitant of Jasper Mills reminded him a great deal of some of the gentle folk of Erastaed.
    The jangle of the bell above the diner door sounded as the smells from the kitchen assaulted him. His stomach roared to attention as the scent of grilled hamburgers, fried potatoes, and sautéed onions reminded him that he hadn’t eaten in quite a