The Face of Death (Smoky Barrett Book 2) by McFadyen Cody

Author:McFadyen, Cody [McFadyen, Cody]
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2007-05-28T16:00:00+00:00

“There you are,” Rebecca said as Sarah showed up in the kitchen. “Did you get all your stuff packed away?”

“Yes.”

“Come have a seat at the table. I made you a bologna sandwich, and I got you some milk—you do like milk, right? You’re not lactose intolerant or anything?”

“I like milk.” Sarah sat down in the chair and picked up the sandwich. She was hungry. “Thank you,” she said to Rebecca.

“No problem, sweetie.”

Rebecca sat down at the other end of the table and lit up a cigarette. She smoked and watched Sarah as the little girl ate.

Sad and pale and small. That’s too bad. But everybody learns the same thing sooner or later: It’s a tough old world.

“I’m going to explain some of the rules of the house to you, Sarah. Things you need to know while you’re living here with us, okay?”

“Okay.”

“First of all, we’re not here to entertain you, understand? We’re here to give you a roof over your head, to feed and clothe you, make sure you get to school and all of that—but you’re going to have to keep yourself occupied. Dennis and I have our own lives, and our own things to do. We don’t have time to be your playmates. Understand?”

Sarah nodded.

“Okay. Next thing, you’ll have chores around the house. Get them done and you won’t get in trouble. Don’t get them done and you will. Bedtime is at ten. No exceptions. That means lights out and under the covers. The last rule is simple, but it’s important: Don’t talk back. Do what we say. We’re the grown-ups, and we know what’s best. We’re giving you a place to live and we expect to be treated with respect. Understand?”

Another nod.

“Good. Do you have any questions for me?”

Sarah looked down at her plate. “Why am I living here? Why can’t I go back home?”

Rebecca frowned, puzzled.

“Because your mom and dad are dead, honey, and there’s no one else that wants you. That’s what Dennis and I do. We take in kids that don’t have anywhere else to go. Didn’t Karen explain that to you?”

Sarah shook her head, still staring at her plate. She looked numb.

“Thank you very much for the sandwich,” she said, her voice small. “Can I go to my room now?”

“Go ahead, honey,” Rebecca said, stubbing out her cigarette and lighting another. “You new ones usually cry for the first few days, and that’s okay. But you’ll need to learn to toughen up fast. Life goes on, you know?”

Sarah stared at Rebecca for a moment, taking this in. The little girl’s face crumpled and she fled the table.

Rebecca watched her go. The blonde took a long drag on her cigarette.

Pretty girl. It’s a shame what happened to her.

Rebecca waved her hand in dismissal, though she was alone. Her eyes were angry and miserable and surrounded by too much mascara.

Well, that’s too bad. It’s a tough old world.

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