Bobbi Smith by Heaven

whisper. He loved his brother’s son as if he were his own. They’d grown very close since Winn had been orphaned and forced, at eighteen, to confront the finality of death and assume the responsibilities of an adult. Edward knew it had been hard for him, and though he hadn’t approved of Winn’s reckless rebellion with his fast living during the last few years, he’d understood it.
    “You think so?” He was surprised by his words.
    “A little wild, but good.” Edward fought for a breath as he turned his still powerful gaze on his nephew. He searched Winn’s strong, handsome features for some sign of weakness, but found none, and that pleased him. Undisciplined though he might be, he knew Winn would be all right once he came to realize what was really important in life.
    While Winn returned his regard with outward calm, inwardly he was unnerved. When he was younger and his uncle had looked at him this way, Winn had always believed he was looking into the very depths of his soul. Winn knew the darkness that lurked there, and he wondered what his uncle was seeing.
    “I’m proud of you, Winston.” Edward’s words were strong and heartfelt.
    Winn was caught off-guard by the praise, and his surprise sounded in his voice. “You are?”
    “I am.” Edward nodded slightly. A sudden wracking fit of coughing tortured him, and he fought to catch his breath. When the agony finally passed, he was much weaker, but even so, he tightened his grip on Winn’s hand. “You know, I’ve counseled you many times in the past.” Edward smiled faintly, thinking of all the discussions they’d had over the last few years.
    “Yes, sir.” In spite of his sorrow, Winn returned his smile. There was no forgetting how his uncle had often advised him to change his life and how he’d always managed to find some way to ignore him.
    “Well, this time I want you to listen to me and remember every word. What I’m about to tell you is more important than anything I’ve ever said in the past.”
    Winn saw the fervent glow in his eyes. “I will.”
    “Good.” He paused to draw a strangled breath. “Winston, when you finally realize that all your worldly ways aren’t making you happy, then know there’s one thing left that will.”
    “What?”
    “Love, Winston. Love is the answer. Selfless, giving love. Reach for it. Embrace it with your heart and soul. Love will be your strength. It will sustain you when all else in the world fails you. If you remember nothing else, remember that . . .”
    Edward went limp as he finished speaking, the power and urgency of his message having drained him of energy. He closed his eyes.
    Winn stared down at him, seeing the grayness of his coloring and the pain-ravaged grimness of his features.
    “I’ll remember. I promise,” he pledged.
     
     
    Henry knocked on the door to the palatial home of Lord Winston Bradford. His trip to the address on the book for Father Bradford had been a wasted effort, for he’d discovered upon arriving that the priest had taken ill and had gone to stay with his nephew. He’d met Father Bradford many times at the Anthony home and hoped his condition wasn’t serious.
    “Yes?” A uniformed servant opened the door.
    “Is Father Bradford here?”
    “Yes, he is.”
    “May I speak with him, please?”
    “I’m sorry, but he is indisposed at the moment. Is there something I can do for you?”
    “This package is for him. Would you see that he gets it, please?” He held out the book to the servant.
    “Of course. Would you care to leave any message?”
    “Tell him Lawrence Anthony passed away this morning, and that the package is a gift from him.”
    “I shall deliver the message, sir.”
    “Thank you.”
    Henry sighed in relief as he left the house. One safely delivered, and now only two to go. He took out the next book. This one was addressed to Professor Parker at his home in Boston, but Henry knew the professor was in London, for Mr. Anthony had dined with him the