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"Thank you," Beth said

As soon as Beth disconnected she contacted Sam His lunch break coincided with hers and they often spoke as they had when she was hospitalized He answered on the first ring, as if he’d been anticipating her call

"So how’d it go?" he asked right off

"He wasn’t there, but the receptionist was as helpful as she could be She urgedto?" he asked

"I suppose I will I think this lawyer is the one"

Sa more than offer his advice "Think carefully before you do," he urged

"I have been giving it a lot of thought I want to do this for Sunshine It o nowhere, but the least I can do is ht about it, she knew Sa worht well bleed into her entire family The hostility between Beth’sto it was sure to cause even more probleether, and when they were, the tension was often unbearable Beth loved her aunt, andshe wanted do what she could to help Sunshine to find the happiness she deserved

Beth tried again on Tuesday afternoon A different receptionist answered and blew her off like she was a fly on her pizza plate Wednesday it was the saet out of the woman was the time for an appointed her to take it, as Mr Hah she never expected to actually make the appointment, she booked it anyway

On Friday Sondra Reacher, the older receptionist, was back on duty "It’s nized her voice

"Ah, yes, I remember you"

Beth was relieved "Please tell me Mr Hamlin is in his office today and not in court" She didn’t mention that she’d called four times that week already

"He’s in," the worowing

"Let ive me your name this time"

"It’s Beth Beth Prudho, and then lowered her voice to say, "I’ll do my best No promises"

"Thank you"

Beth was put on hold and her heart raced the entire time she waited

"This is Peter Hamlin" His voice was sharp and i "I understand this is a personaldry

"In regards to what?" he de if you’re the same Peter Hamlin who once knew my aunt Her name is Louise, but her friends call her--"

"Sunshine," Peter finished for her, his voice instantly softening

"Yes So it is you?" Happiness and relief bubbled up inside her "I was uess and--"

"What does she want?" He returned to the clipped gruff voice he’d used earlier

Then, before she could answer, he asked another question

"Is she okay?" He made the questions sound like she was on the witness stand for the opposing side and any response was to be treated with suspicion

"She’s in good health … now, if you’d give " The hostility made her stiffen

"No, not at all My aunt doesn’t want anything She doesn’t even know that I’ve contacted you I haven’t told her … she mentioned you and I could tell that you’d been important to her at one time and decided to try to find you"