9. Another Job Offer

Bianca

As I sat there, sobbing at the enormity of what was happening, I felt like doing what my Dad had done; run away and end my life. But …I could not.

Heather, for all her sins, was a good soul, kind-hearted and sweet but utterly clueless. And Anna and Rose, my sweet younger sisters, who were five years younger than me, deserved a better life. Nelson would not hesitate to prostitute them, I thought grimly if I was not around.

A soft hand on my shoulder made me look up. It was Heather.

She sank to her knees beside me, so that we were on eye level.

“I’m sorry Bianca,” she said and I melted.

I threw my arms around her and wept.

“I failed you, I failed my husband, your father. But…I loved him and he never told me…”

I pushed away and smiled,

“It’s ok, Heather, I’m trying to get someone to help me.”

A pair of brilliant blue eyes and a set of tawny eyes flashed into my mind’s eye and I shivered.

Heather looked at me in concern.

“No, darling,” she said and I felt Rose and Anna