Page 105 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“I haven’t even gotten to the good part yet!” Harriet looked at her in disappointment.
“Andrew has already explained himself,” Jennifer told her. “I know there is a lot we need to work through. But I’d rather we did it face to face than through a letter.”
“Okay, then.” Harriet started folding Andrew’s letter. “If you’re sure.”
“No. Read it!” Jennifer changed her mind.
Harriet grinned and continued.
While I can’t go into great detail, know that I didn’t leave because I no longer wanted to be with my family. I left because I wanted them to be safe. I wanted to be able to watch you grow up and spoil my grandkids.
The only way for me to ensure you got the operation you needed and Liam went to the school for gifted children so he could reach his full potential, was to walk away.
I could only ensure your and your brother’s safety if I walkedaway.
I would rather have you both angry and disappointed in me and know that you were safe even if I die a little each day inside not being with you.
You may not understand now, but one day, when all this is over, I can explain it to you. You’ll read and hear things about me that you won’t like, but sometimes you must get your hands dirty to clean house. And that is what I’m doing—cleaning a corrupt house.
I hope one day you’ll allow me to explain everything to you and be able to find it in your hearts to forgive me.
Love always.
Dad
Jennifer sipped her wine as she absorbed what Andrew had written.
“I thought you said there was a good part?” Jennifer glared at Harriet.
“There wasn’t,” Harriet admitted. “I just wanted an excuse to finish it.”
“Nice!” Jennifer shook her head.
“Are you ready to hear your mother’s letter now?” Harriet asked.
Jennifer nodded and poured herself some more wine. “Start after the part where my mother instructs me to read my father’s letter first.”
Harriet nodded and opened the letter.
I want you and Liam to know that your father didn’t leave us because he didn’t love us. Your father left because of how much he loved us. While you might think he’s abandoned us, he hasn’t. Your father had to sacrifice his family to ensure our safety and that you get all the medical care you need.
“So now it’s my fault Andrew left us?” Jennifer’s brows knit together. “Because I had a heart condition that needed an expensive operation that I’ve recently found out was done by Davina.”
“No!” Harriet shook her head. “Andrew left to protect all of you.” She sighed. “And, like Andrew told you, Davina was the best cardiothoracic surgeon of her time who did groundbreaking procedures.”
“Yeah, I’m one of those groundbreaking surgeries,” Jennifer noted.
“I thought you and Andrew were getting past all this animosity you have toward him,” Harriet commented and held up the letter. “May I continue?”
Jennifer nodded.
Your grandfather is not the greatest person, but he needs your father’s help to pull him out of a really bad situation. Your father’s not doing this for your grandfather. He’s doing it for us and his mother. In exchange for his help, your grandfather agreed to support us and put you and Liam through college. He also promised that our family would be protected from the danger that seemed to follow your grandfather around.
The only problem is that your father has to cut all ties with us to ensure our safety. To save your grandmother, who had been drawn into danger because of your grandfather, your father has to cut all ties to us. Due to the nature of the work your father has to do, this is a good thing as we don’t want to be drawn into the dark world of the rich circles the Gains family moves in.
One day, when it’s finally over, I hope you do me one small favor: give your father a fair chance to explain everything before you judge him.
Love you,
