Page 62 - Homestead By Ann Newhouse

John Tirrell had done me. He confronted John and it ended up badly for Bob. John Tirrell threatened both of us. When Liz met Josh, she was devastated to later find out John Tirrell was his father. I told her the story, but she wanted to see the man for herself, saying he was not going to ruin her life as he did mine.”
I started to put two and two together and realised that there was a connection with the documents and paper cuttings my mother wanted me to have. I was worried about finding out too much as my fear was that Sofie could be involved, by way of her father. I put the information Shelly had given me to the back of my mind when Liz joined us for a coffee and to thank me for her safe journey home. I realised that Liz was not the young innocent girl I had first thought, as she told me her reason for going to the Homestead. The same story her mother had just related to me.
“I hope you are not leading Josh up the garden path. I’m very fond of him and know he would like the opportunity to leave the Homestead. He lives in fear of his father as does Sofie. I plan on taking Sofie away as soon as she is ready.” I hoped I had not said too much, and that I was talking to people I could trust.
Liz then said, “I’m very fond of Josh and I believe he likes me too. He told me his sister wants him to leave and make a better life outside the Homestead. He would like to come to Truth, get a job and for us to become a couple. I told him I’d like that too, but I also informed him that I had reason to believe his father is against us and that there is bad history between the families. I have not yet told him the full story,”
Liz got up from the table and hugged her mother . . . “I fear of what John Tirrell would do to my parents, if he knew I’m on to him,” Liz added.
I could see real fear in Shelly eyes as she hugged her daughter. I suggested that Liz kept a low profile and be patient. I would look after Josh and get any messages from him to her. I decided to go down to Hotel Rancho where Bob was head chef and try to have a word with him. I, first, thought that I should get the approval from Shelly and Liz, to talk to him.
As it was early evening Bob was in his kitchen preparing for the late evening meal. “Bob Tully? ‘Ned O’ Neill,” I introduced myself to a rather tipsy, but placid chef.
“Nice to meet you, how can I help?” he replied as he chopped vegetables, with a rather large sharp knife.
I trod carefully as I would have been no match for a man, although of equal size, but with a sharp implement in his hand!