Brian Freeman: In the Dark aka The Watcher

Dear Jonny,

If you’re reading this letter, it means Tish finally told you the truth, and you know why I kept you in the dark for so long. It also means I lost the battle with cancer. I’m so sorry, my love, for leaving you earlier than we had planned.

Stride took a labored breath. His eyes burned, and the words blurred on the paper as he tried to read.

Not a day went by that I didn’t long to tell you about Tish, but it was never my secret to share. It was hers. My sister’s. And it was a secret born in too much blood and pain for anyone else to reveal. I hope you can forgive me.

I’m gone now, so tell me that it didn’t take too long to let go of me. I know what kind of man you are, Jonny. When you hit a brick wall, you beat your head against it with your suffering. I hope you didn’t do that for me. Tell me you’re not alone and that you’re in love again. That would give me peace.

I don’t really know what else to say. God may not have given me all the time I wanted, but how can I complain? For the time I had, I had you.

With all my love,

Cindy

Stride folded up the note and slid it inside his pocket. He made a pyramid with his hands and buried his face inside, and he no longer felt empty or dead. He cried one last time for his wife, and then he stared up at the heavens hidden behind the charcoal sky, and he exhaled a ragged breath, and he let go. When he turned and watched the quiet boardwalk on the lakeshore below him, he saw Serena sitting on the rocks amid the long shadows, her back to him, her black hair flying. Seagulls soared and cried around her, floating on the wind with their wings spread. He knew it was time to go. She was waiting for him.

My thanks as always go to my agents and editors: Ali Gunn, Marion Donaldson, and Diana Mackay in the United Kingdom, and Deborah Schneider and Jennifer Weis in the United States. I have also been privileged to work with a large team of agents, editors, sales reps, and publicists in countries around the world who have been instrumental in my career. I’m grateful to all of them.

I have built friendships over the past several years with many readers and booksellers who are a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. Very special thanks to Jean N., Mike O., Lilamae, Lynn, Amanda, Sally, Laura P., Sara W., Bonnie, Jim H., Ed K., Eric, Paul P., Christine, Lenie, Connie (and everyone at Ezzulia.nl), Ambra, and Alfredo.

I also need to mention a few advance readers who gave me invaluable counsel on early drafts of this book, including Matt Davis, Paula Tjornhom Davis, and Gail Foster. And, of course, my wife of twenty-five years, Marcia, who relishes her role as my toughest critic (and best friend).

My parents and my family have been with me every step of the way, even when we have been far apart. Thanks for believing in me all these years. The same is true of our dear friends and neighbors Barb and Jerry.

Stride and Serena continue to live in a cottage on Park Point in Duluth, which you can explore for yourself at [http://www.cottageonthepoint.com]www.cottageonthepoint.com. Many thanks to Pat and Bill Burns for their continuing hospitality when Marcia and I come to Duluth.

As always, you can write to me at brian@bfreemanbooks.com.