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Not once during the entire afternoon was she able to get Sunshine to bring up Peter’s name, but Beth kneas him It seemed that even now after all these years the subject of this man she’d once loved was too painful to discuss Beth didn’t knohat role her mother had played in what had happened between her aunt and Peter Ha had caused the rift between the to discuss

"What about the ht?"

She ignored the question "His narew suspiciously quiet

"Didto do hat happened between you two?" she asked

Her aunt’s eyes grew sad "Listen, Beth, some subjects are best left alone This is one of them"

In thatto do hatever had happened with Peter Now more than ever she was curious to find out what she could

Beth had found several Peter Ha in Chicago was the ious law firm in the heart of the city Of all the Peter Hauarantees, though The only way to be certain was to contact him and ask Facebook was no help, as his site was strictly professional

Sam cautioned her when she told hi up a hornet’s nest"

"Maybe, but I feel that at least I have to try" Sunshine had done soher beautiful, loving aunt happiness it would be wrong to let it drop

It took Beth several days to build up her resolve to o office She had to do it on her lunch break Not wanting other staff members to overhear the conversation, she sat in her car Her finger shook as she punched out the number

"Hamlin, Wilkens, and Bower," the receptionist answered

"I’d like to speak to Peter Hamlin," Beth returned in her most professional voice

"Do you have an appointht have trembled as she answered

"Would you like one?" the receptionist returned

"No, this is a personal on," she repeated, "and you say this is a personal matter?"

"Yes"

"I’m sorry, but Mr Hamlin is in court this afternoon"

"Oh … I hadn’t considered that," Beth said, thinking out loud

"Would you like to leave me your number for Mr Hamlin to return your call?"

Beth considered that and realized that wouldn’t work "I’ll be in the classrooard to?" the woed inside her "No," she decided quickly "I’m not sure this is the sarew hesitant "Perhaps I can help you My name is Sondra Reacher and I’ve been with the firm for nearly forty years Technically, I’m retired, but I can’t seem to stay away, so I come in two days a week"

Beth was teh about Peter Haht sound silly, but does he enjoy fish tacos?"

The receptionist got another call and Beth was put on hold She waited what see time, but it was only a couple minutes before the woman returned

"Where e?" she asked

"Fish tacos"

"Yes, I remember now I’ve known Peter from the time he joined the firm and his father before him, too, as well as the other partners As I recall, Mr Hamlin does like Mexican food I can’t re I think I iveto hiain, and in the meantime I’ll mention your call to Mr Hamlin"