Three Letters
The brand new dramatic novel about the power of a father’s love, a little boy’s journey,and the desperate search for a place to call home, from Number 1 best-selling author Josephine Cox.Eight-year-old Casey’s mother Ruth is a cruel woman, with a weakness for other women’s husbands.Casey’s father is gentle and hard-working and, though Tom Denton has long suspected his wife of having sordid affairs, he has chosen to turn a blind eye to keep the peace. But then, out of the blue, Tom’s world is cruelly shattered when he receives two bits of devastating news. Because of this, Tom realises that from now on their lives must change, forever.Tom is made to fight for his son, determined to keep him safe. But, when fate takes a hand, life can be unbearably cruel, and Casey is made to remember his father’s prophetic words…‘It’s done. The dice is thrown, and nobody wins.’But, unbeknown to Casey, there are three letters penned by his father, that may just change his destiny forever.
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JOSEPHINE COX
Three Letters
Published by HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 1 London Bridge Street London SE1 9GF
First published by HarperCollins 2012
Copyright © Josephine Cox 2012
Josephine Cox asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
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Source ISBN: 9780007419999
Ebook Edition © February 2012 ISBN: 9780007419975 Version: 2017-05-22
‘Readers will find it impossible to tear themselves away.’
News of the World
‘Another hit for Josephine Cox.’
Sunday Express
‘The latest emotionally charged story from this mega-selling author won’t disappoint her army of fans.’
Bella
‘Cox’s talent as a storyteller never lets you escape the spell.’
Daily Mail
‘Another masterpiece.’
Best
‘A born storyteller.’
Bedfordshire Times
To my darling Ken, as always.
Dear Reader,
It never ceases to amaze and touch me deeply, when I read your wonderful and very honest letters. I hope you can confide in me whenever you feel lonely or sad and, as ever, I will always reply as soon as I can.
For those of you going through a very difficult time, I hope things will be alright and I do understand and listen. For now, my thoughts are with you.
All my love,
Jo x
Below is part of the letter that Casey receives from his father.
For Casey
My love will always be with you, son, and if it’s possible, I will be ever by your side, watching and guiding you. When you’re worried and sad of heart, you might hear the softest rush of sound about you. It will be me, come to encourage and help you.
Be brave, my son. Follow your heart, and know always that I love you.
‘RIGHT, LADS, TIME to finish up.’ The foreman’s voice echoed through the factory. ‘We’ve all got better things to do than hang round ’ere, so come on, chop chop.’
Grateful to be at the end of another week, the men heard Bill Townsend’s instructions and the machines were quickly switched off.
Tormented by his thoughts, Tom Denton had not heard the instructions and he continued to grade the metal parts, as they travelled along the conveyor belt.
‘Wake up, lad!’ the foreman shouted. ‘It’s time to go … unless yer want to spend the weekend ’ere?’
Tom acknowledged the order with a nod of the head. He switched off the machine, quickly stacked the graded tools into a packing case, then collected his bag.
Hurrying down the gangway, he fell in with the other men; their voices creating an eerie echo as they chattered amongst themselves. Marching towards the door, their heavy boots made a comforting rhythmic sound against the concrete floor.
‘I can’t wait to get home,’ said one, ‘I’ve a meaty hot-pot waiting for me.’
One of the men chuckled. ‘A meaty hot-pot, eh? What’s that, your wife or your dinner?’ His cheeky comment created a roar of laughter amongst his workmates.
Waiting with the men’s wage packets, Bill Townsend focused his attention on Tom; a quiet young man in his early thirties. From starting work as an apprentice at the age of fourteen, he had proved himself to be a hard worker, thoroughly reliable and greatly respected by his colleagues. He was also popular, with his kindly nature, and easy smile, even though for the sake of his son, he was made to tolerate a shameful situation at home. A situation which, unbeknown to Tom, was common gossip in the local community.
He had two great loves in his life. One was his music. The other was young Casey, the son he doted on.
