“Of course,” Tracy laughed. “They’re such good kids. And the boys take good care of their sister.” “You mean I do a good job of taking care of them,” Alexis corrected. “If I wasn’t around they’d be in trouble twenty-four, seven.” “No we wouldn’t,” Sean argued.
“Hey Mike,” they greeted. “How’d it go?” “Nothing much. After she dropped the kids off they had a normal day at school. It’s frustrating we can’t go inside though. And it’s impossible to vet everyone who enters the building. School staff is one thing but then there are
“Can I have a refill?” a customer held up a cup. “Absolutely,” she said retrieving the carafe from its hot plate and filled the cup without missing a beat. Mike eyed the simple, two-sided menu finding many traditional fair foods and fast food options: mostly fried or grille
“Have a good night.” Gretchen called as they made their way to the door. “Be careful on the way home. If it’s too cold I can give you a ride.” It was eight-thirty and though the diner was open another three hours Lynn had reached the end of her shift. Now that the dinner rush was ove
“I’m going to take a shower.” “Okay mom.” “Yep!” Taking off her shoes Lynn headed to the bathroom. Even before the water started Sean and Theo headed to the windows peaking between the blinds. Theirs was a corner apartment which gave them a view of two street
“So you think seeing you play clued him in?” Sean asked. “Even so…why would he care? He dumped her.” “He is still single and he doesn’t have any other children…” Alexis said. “You’re kidding. You think he really cares about that?” Theo suddenly sat up. Prom
“Mister Prescott.” Silas was in a hurry but paused as one of his subordinates rushed to catch up. It had been two days since Thomas was sent to locate the maid and he was beginning to lose patience. Try as he might to keep it contained he felt his control slowly slipping. But he coul
“…I never saw her face clearly,” Natalie answered. “She was petite. Brown hair. My mother would say she had the good hair. I think…she was pretty.” “Would you be able to identify her if you saw a picture?” “…Maybe? I’m not sure. I only saw her for a moment.”
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their