Tears of Blood (The Blood Chronicles) Read Online Free Page A

were little, and you’ve never knocked over one before.”
    “That was before I lost my damned s…sight!”
    She detected the soft little sniffles his wife tried to stifle, and the labored breathing of her latest client. Meghan’s heart ached with the pain he felt, and wished she could make his transition easier. Everything came with an adjustment period, and her professional training taught her she needed to defuse the volatile situation.
    “Mr. Stevenson, believe me, I understand your stress …”
    “How c…can you!” He shouted. “You, of all people, don’t know how I feel!”
    “I…”
    He didn’t let her speak, interrupting her in a wobbly voice betraying frustration, anger, and barely concealed tears. “I’m a man! I’m supposed to take care of my wife, and family. I’ve always paid m…my bills on time, went to church every Sunday, and n…never used the Lord’s name in vain. I was good to my neighbors, and did my job with pride. Wh…what did I get in return? The world done gave me a sharp kick in the ass, because I can’t do shit now!”
    “You’ll have to learn have faith me, Mr. Stevenson.” She tilted her head toward his voice, her heart aching for the elderly couple.
    “How can I trust s…someone I can’t see?” He snapped sullenly.
    She managed an ironic smile. “The same way I can’t see you.”
    Meghan exhaled a breathy little sigh, thankful he remained conspicuously silent.
    “You c…can’t see me?”
    Meghan lips tightened into a rueful grimace. “No, sir, nor can I see your wife, or those irritating chotskies you’re complaining about, Mr. Stevenson.”
    “I’m s…sorry.” He mumbled awkwardly.
    “You don’t need to apologize, Mr. Stevenson.” She shrugged as she made the comment. “I lost my sight five years ago. Believe me, if anyone understands, I do.”
    “Do you?” He posed skeptically.
    “Yes, I do.” She affirmed stubbornly. “I am aware exactly how hard this is and, before you go snapping at your poor wife, you learn to have compassion.”
    He laughed outright, the sound abounding loathing. “S…so, you’re gonna to tell me how to c…cope with this…problem I have now?”
    “The firm sent me to help you.”
    “Your company ain’t too s…smart, little girl.” He grumbled. “Why idiot thinks the blind c…could teach the blind…”
    She didn’t let him finish.
    “I sympathize.” She managed tightly. “But, because of my disability, I can guide you through the problems you might have adjusting.”
    “Five years, you s…say?” He shook his head as he considered her earlier admission.
    “I lost my sight at twenty.” She disclosed hoarsely. “You, at least, had yours until recently.”
    He exhaled and she pictured the thoughtful scowl on his face. “S…so what do you suggest we do, Miss Stanley?”
    “First, we’re going to be working together.” She didn’t know if she could believe the humility she detected. “You can call me Meghan.”
    “Meghan.” There was almost the hint of a smile evident when he repeated her name. “My oldest granddaughter is named Meghan.”
    “Oh, you have grandchildren?”
    “Three.” He supplied easily, and then paused, waiting for her to speak.
    “This change isn’t just influencing you, but affects your wife, children, and grandchildren?”
    “God, don’t I know it!” He responded solemnly.
    “You’ll have to realize this is as new for them, as it is for you.”
    “Oh, I know.” He managed to grumble. “The thing is, these dupes don’t understand nothing…”
    “Your loved ones share in your pain, and your wife is hurting, too!” Meghan supplied quietly and raised her somber eyes to the ceiling.
    “How is Shirley s…suffering?” He scoffed irritably, his words nearly an indecipherable garble. “She can s…see just fine!”
    “Mrs. Stevenson lives with you, and has to adjust just as much, becoming your eyes and guide!” Meghan’s forehead puckered and, realizing she was