Page 102 of The Women of Oak Ridge

He offered a sympathetic nod. “I meant what I said. Mae is a brave woman.”

“How long do you think the investigation will take?”

“I don’t really know, but with the Gladding case in the news, they may jump on this fairly quickly.” Our gazes held. “What’s your plan now? Will you head back to Boston?”

“I’m not really sure. With Aunt Mae’s health situation, she shouldn’t be alone. Dad and I discussed moving her to Boston, but now with all of this...” I shrugged. “I guess we’ll have to see what happens, but I should be here for a while longer.”

I thought that might please him, but he didn’t smile. “While the investigation is underway, it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to see each other socially.”

Disappointment washed over me. “I understand.”

He opened the car door and set the metal box inside. “With the FBI handling the case, I may not know a lot, but I’ll pass along anything I hear.”

“I appreciate everything you’ve done, Jonas.” I took a step back. “Goodbye.”

I watched him drive away, a heavy feeling of loss in my heart. If Aunt Mae was convicted of espionage, it wouldn’t be wise for Jonas to be found dating the niece of a spy. His career could suffer. It seemed our relationship was coming to an end before it even had a chance to get started.

Back inside, Aunt Mae apologized again for everything she’d done and how it would affect us. “I love you all very much. I hate that my family will suffer because of what I’ve done.”

“We’ll be all right,” I said. “Remember the verse Velvet quoted?”

A look of peace settled on her face. “‘If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.’ It’s from the book of John. I’ve read those words many times through the years, but I never believed I could be free of the guilt and shame. I didn’t believe I deserved it after what I’d done. I may go to prison, which frightens me, but I’ll walk through those doors without the heavy burden of guilt that has weighed me down for far too long.”

I went to her and grasped her good hand. “I’m so proud of you, Aunt Mae.”

“I’m proud of you too, Sis.” Dad rose and put his hand on top of mine. “Mama and Pa would be as well.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “That’s more than I deserve, but it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”