Read The Judgment for Free Online Page B

and Dad—and my brother here—urged me to drive up and spend a few days.”
    “Oh?”
    Terry stopped talking for a time, busying herself at the kitchen counter. Wiggles wandered off toward Mattie Sue’s room, down the hall.
    “They must think I’ve abandoned him. . . .” Hen’s legs felt weak again as she lowered herself onto Brandon’s chair at the table.
    “Well, didn’t you?” Terry stared at her, putting dirty hands under the faucet.
    “Our problems are personal . . . between Brandon and me,” Hen said softly. But she knew that wasn’t true. What you did affected everyone around you. Dad had said so many times—Dad and everyone else who knew anything about relationships.
    “Where’s the little cutie tonight?” asked Terry, changing the subject.
    “Mattie Sue’s with her grandparents.”
    “Well, in case you have any misconceived notions, Hen—we’re going to win this fight. Just so you know.”
    We?
    The word rang through her mind. But Hen fought the dread that threatened to overtake her, clinging to the memory of a verse in the book of Exodus— The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
    Not responding—and wishing Brandon would arrive—she noticed the newspaper with the article about ADD that Brandon had asked her to read, lying on the table. Reaching over, she picked it up, surprised he’d kept it around this long. Her hands shook, and she found it hard to breathe as she absorbed the description and behaviors associated with attention deficit disorder. Had Brandon solicited his family to help him build a false case against her?
    Trying her best to push aside worrisome thoughts, she reread the first few paragraphs. Brandon had not only circled but underlined sections, complete with exclamation points.
    He must think I’m afflicted with this disorder.
    The paragraphs most marked up were about the impulsive behavior common in affected persons. Did her husband actually believe her present behavior was due to her having ADD?
    Goodness, he’s just not listening to me!
    Looking up, she saw Terry frying the dumplings she’d been rolling out, humming all the while. It shocked her that the woman could seem so cheerful, particularly after what she’d just said. Exactly why was Terry in town?
    Refolding the paper, Hen took stock of her own perhaps hasty actions weeks ago, in this very house. She sighed and glanced toward the hall and the bedroom where Brandon had once threatened her with a custody battle. It had been a mistake to come here, especially considering the helpless way Hen felt now. Besides, by the looks of things, Brandon was well cared for.
    “We’re going to win. . . .” Terry’s words echoed in her mind.
    Apparently, Brandon’s entire family was backing him, determined to help him retrieve Mattie Sue. He has more support than I do. She thought of her large Amish family, knowing full well her parents—and the bishop and Barbara, his wife—were opposed to a permanent separation.
    “Have you changed your mind about staying for supper?” Terry wiped her hands on the apron she wore—Hen’s own.
    She rose from the chair. “Denki—uh, sorry . . . I mean no thanks.”
    Terry rustled her cooking apron about, like she was shooing flies. “Okay, so . . . I’ll tell Brandon you dropped by,” she said, sending an unmistakable message that Hen should not linger.
    She nodded meekly and walked out to go to the front door.
    Standing there, her hand on the knob, she looked down at her diamond engagement ring and wedding band. She’d felt so peculiar wearing them around the farm while dressing Plain. None of the married Amishwomen wore rings—not even a simple gold wedding band. Too much like the English . . .
    Suddenly, Hen remembered an item she’d forgotten to pack. Something she felt she needed, especially considering the worldliness of wearing such a dazzling ring set. Let alone any rings at all.
    “Uh, excuse me . . . just a moment.” She