Hidden in the Trees (Bellingwood Stotries #1) Read Online Free Page A

he said to Jason. "Maybe we'll see some deer."
    They ran down to the creek and Andrew laughed as his brother chased him back and forth until they got to the bank. He used to have so much fun with his brother when they played, but this last year Jason had grown more and more serious. They no longer played together as often.
    Jason slid down the bank of the creek while Andrew sat down on the edge. After sucking in a big breath, Jason plunged his head into the cold water and came up with a shout.
    "Yeeoww," he hollered. "That water is cold!"
    Andrew rolled his eyes and then laughed at his older brother.
    "If you're not careful, runt, I'll pull you in," Jason threatened.
    "No!" Andrew cried, his eyes growing big.
    "Oh, come on, it will make a man out of you."
    "I'm not ready to be a man," Andrew whimpered. He watched as Jason made his way back up the bank and dropped down beside him.
    "Can I tell you a secret, runt?" Jason asked.
    "Sure. I won't tell anyone."
    "Sometimes I don't think I'm ready to be a man either. I'm really scared that I can't do this."
    Andrew punched his brother in the arm. "Mother thinks you're a man. I heard her telling Ellis one morning that she was sad you had to quit being a child so early, but that you had courage."
    "She said that?"
    "Ellis said that you were a better man now than our father ever was."
    Jason looked down. Water was still dripping from his hair, soaking his shoulders and back. Andrew wanted to say something, but couldn't think of anything that was nice without sounding like a baby, so he stayed quiet.
    He opened his mouth to speak, but Jason quickly turned to him and said, "Shhh," then put his forefinger to his lips.
    Andrew went still, trying to hear what it was that had spooked his brother. He mouthed the word, "What?" and Jason shook his head, but pointed down the creek away from town. The creek passed by the west side of Bellingwood, cut through their land and then turned east at the far end of the fields.
    Jason quietly stood up, then motioned for Andrew to follow him. They started into the trees lining the creek. The brothers had played in these trees since they were little and knew the area like the back of their own hands. They walked for a minute or so and Jason stopped, then turned around and repeated the gesture to stay quiet.
    He motioned for Andrew to remain in place and went on ahead. In moments, Andrew heard his brother say, "Who are you and what are you doing on my land?"
    There was a response, but Andrew couldn't understand a single word that was said. He knew the person was speaking English, but the man’s speech was so different that it was impossible for him to comprehend anything.
    They spoke for a moment, then he heard Jason say, "Well, you can't stay out here with this little child. It is going to be too cold tonight. Come with me to the house."
    Andrew heard them coming toward him and when Jason broke through the brush he was followed by a young man, a young woman and a child who was several years younger than he was. Andrew's mouth dropped open when he realized that these people had the same dark colored skin as the man he had seen in Fort Dodge.
    Jason grabbed his arm and they walked back home without speaking. The young man kept looking furtively around as if he were afraid they might be seen. When they got to the front door, Jason opened it and gestured for them to enter.
    "Mother," he called. "We have guests for dinner this evening."
    Andrew was shocked and waited for his mother to scold Jason for his attitude. He knew better than that. You always asked permission before inviting someone to dinner and you never asked permission when they were standing in the same room.
    But Sylvie glanced up from the table and when she saw who was standing in the door said, "Of course! Come on in. You have to be cold. Please. Come over to the stove where it is warm."
    Andrew tried to take in the scene before him, shrugging out of his coat and hanging it on the hook beside the