Read JACK KNIFED for Free Online

can have a room and a bed. And now you’ve done this. She’s very touched.”
    “She’s very touched all right, mentally,” Jack muttered as he looked around.
    Barbara frowned and lowered her gaze.
    “Sorry,” Jack apologized. He looked away and noticed a display of shoes. “Do you think she needs shoes to go with that dress?”
    The elderly woman’s eyes filled with tears, and she suddenly hugged Jack.
    “You’re the most thoughtful man.”
    They’re all crazy.
    Jack awkwardly kept his hand out as Barbara hugged him. She turned, grabbed two different pairs of tan shoes, and disappeared into the dressing room. He crept forward and tried to listen. After a few seconds, Replacement started to cry again, and Jack’s shoulders slumped.
    “Why is she so moody?”
    Jack turned to look at the old man who’d spoken.
    “What?” Jack asked.
    “Is she pregnant?” the old man continued.
    “Who?”
    “Your wife?”
    “No. She’s not my wife.” Jack shook his head.
    “Girlfriend?”
    “Yeah. No. She’s a girl…and my friend but…she’s not my girlfriend.”
    “That explains it.” The man nodded wisely, as if he had solved a great riddle, and just walked away.
    Jack rolled his eyes as he looked toward the exit and hoped this shopping trip would end soon.
    And women wonder why men don’t like shopping.
    Barbara came out and stood next to him. After a few seconds, she cleared her throat and the dressing room door opened. Jack’s jaw dropped. She was so beautiful it took his breath away. Replacement stood before him and just beamed. Her eyes were wet with tears, but the smile on her face was contagious. Jack knew he grinned like a moron, but he couldn’t stop himself. Barbara nudged him from behind. He stepped forward.
    “You look beautiful. Please, please don’t cry anymore.”
    “You like it? Are you sure?” She looked down at the dress.
    “Yeah…it looks great on you.”
    Barbara stepped over. “I’ll have them ring it all up in electronics so you can get right out.” She winked.
    “Thanks for your help.”
    She nodded.
    After they had checked out, he followed behind Replacement as she headed for the car. She varied between walking and skipping through the parking lot. She looked back at Jack and stopped. When he caught up to her, she gave him a quick hug and a gigantic grin.
    “Thank you.” Her voice cracked.
    “It’s nothing, kid.”
    “It is to me.”

Hope Falls
    The Hope Falls Inn was a large, old estate home that had been converted into a bed and breakfast. The new paint and manicured lawn showed someone cared very much for it. Jack grabbed the duffle bag, and they started down the walkway.
    Three wide steps led up to a wooden front porch with a white swing suspended on an ivory chain. Jack walked through the door and watched as Replacement turned around and took everything in. It was as if they were back in the 1800s. Not as if he was in a museum where nothing could be touched; rather, Jack looked back at the door to make sure he hadn’t stumbled through some time portal.
    A middle-aged woman with her brown hair done up in a bun came to the front desk. Adorned in a period-style dress with a high collar, she glided behind the counter. Her eyes widened slightly when they shifted from Replacement to Jack, and he heard her inhale sharply. She only paused for a moment before she tilted her head and gave a slight curtsy.
    “Good evening.” Her voice was very polished and smooth. “I’m Ms. Foster, and I welcome you to the Hope Falls Inn.”
    Jack smiled. There was something about the way she looked at him that caused him to stand up a little straighter. “Hello. We have a reservation. Stratton.”
    Replacement clasped her hands together and rocked up on her toes. Her whole body seemed to vibrate as she grinned.
    “Of course, Mr. Stratton. Room 102. It’s at the top of the stairs and to the right.” She smiled and pointed up the stairs.
    She runs the place. This inn is hers. She’s