Rich Promise by Ashe Barker

Author:Ashe Barker [Barker, Ashe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Erotic Romance Fiction
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
Published: 2014-11-18T16:00:00+00:00

* * * *

I’m beginning to revise that view half an hour later when I’m still sitting alone in that small room, wondering if Ms Mason has forgotten me. I do eventually avail myself of the vending facilities, trying the tea this time. It’s no better, but I drink it any way.

Nearly forty minutes have passed before the door opens again, this time to admit a familiar figure. I don’t know her name. I don’t recall that she introduced herself back there at Freya’s apartment when she came to assess my suitability to take care of Lucy and Maisie while my mother was in Benidorm. If she did, I never registered it. But I recognize her instantly, and she appears to remember me.

“Miss Jones, Summer. How are you?” She enters the room, her hand outstretched.

I take it and shake. “I’m fine, very well.” Better for seeing her. She thought I was suitable back then, surely she’ll not have changed her mind. If anything, I’m even more suitable now, gainfully employed and a home of my own.

“We’ve met before. I’m not sure if you remember me, Sally MacDonald? I dealt with your case a few months back.”

My case? Am I a case too? I shelve that, return to the immediate matter in hand. “Yes, I remember, of course. Nice to see you again. I didn’t realize you were still involved.”

“I’m looking after Maisie and Lucy. Annabel tells me you’ve been away. I knew you were no longer resident at Ms Stone’s address in Kendal, as I checked there. I gather Ms Stone no longer lives there either.”

“No, she lives in Cartmel now. I’ve moved to Yorkshire.”

“Ah, some distance away then.”

“Yes, but it’s a good place. I have a job, a good job. And a flat. There’s plenty of room. I want Maisie and Lucy with me.” I can hear the desperate tone creeping into my voice, but she has to understand, has to believe me that I can do this.

“I’m sure. I tried to make contact with you when your mother was arrested to find out if you were in a position to take temporary custody of the younger girls, but when I was unable to locate you, I had no alternative but to place them with foster parents. They are being well cared for.”

“Yes, I’m sure.” In fact, I never doubted that, but they need to be cared for by me. “But I’m here now. Can I collect them and take them home?”

“I’m sorry, Summer, but it’s not that simple.”

My heart sinks. I start to argue. I can’t give up, I can’t let this happen. “They’re my family. I’m earning a decent wage. I can offer them a home. A good home, with a bedroom each. They know me, and I love them. They’ll be happier with me than with strangers.”

Sally MacDonald holds up a hand to stem the flow of protest. “I’m sure. I’m sure all that’s true. And believe me, Summer, I won’t stand in your way if what you’re telling me checks out.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.