35|Start Of Something Deliciously Dysfunctional

Marybeth sat there awhile, thinking up a plan. The social workers were taking too damn long, and the notes she'd left Adeline's mom had done nothing but anger the woman and put the child in harm's way.

Maybe if she dropped by Sea Point Flats this afternoon and tried to reason with Mrs Scheepers by showing her how gifted Adeline was, she'd come around and agree that her home wasn't the right place for the little girl.

"Or maybe she'll call the cops on you for harassment," Marybeth muttered. But she'd risk the cops. As a caregiver, she couldn't sit by and watch a child slip through the cracks. She'd never forgive herself if she didn't do everything in her power to help Adeline.

Her phone buzzed in her hand, postponing her dilemma.

It was Austin. And he was the last person she wanted to speak to. But she couldn't ignore his call, not when it might concern Orlando.

"Žena," he said when she finally brought herself to hit the answer button. "I miss you."

Marybeth closed her eyes, breathing