Curvaceous & Captivating by Mary E Thompson

Author:Mary E Thompson [Thompson, Mary E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mary E Thompson

Chapter 16

Ethan met me at my office Monday morning for our visit to the children’s center. He drove, of course, across town to the nondescript building at the edge of town. It was close enough to the high school to be found easily but far enough out of town to be subtle. I knew that was intentional.

“What’s the name of this place?” Ethan asked as we walked up to the front door.

I shook my head. “I don’t know the legal name. We always refer to it as the children’s center, but there aren’t any signs for protection.”

“What do you mean?” he asked with a confused look.

“They take in kids who are runaways. Kids who are running from abusive homes. Or dangerous ones. Kids who need a safe place to be. Most of them end up in the foster system. Sometimes a relative will step up, but the goal here is to keep them safe from whatever dangers they faced at home until they can get to a new home.”

“That’s pretty admirable.”

I nodded. I’d learned about the place shortly after I started working for the mayor. A proposal came through to expand the residence, and I ended up going on the tour in Mayor Tucker’s place to determine if the need was valid. Afterward, Mayor Tucker put his support behind the funding and was able to push it through for approval. Ever since, I’d done what I could to support the organization.

We rang the bell and waited. When the door swung open, a middle-aged woman with gray streaks running through her light brown hair grinned up at us. Her plump figure and kind hazel eyes made me instantly feel welcome, even though we hadn’t yet met.

“Can I help you?”

“I’m Olivia Humphrey from Mayor Ramsey’s office. This is Ethan Norwood. We’re meeting with Katie this morning.”

She stuck out her hand. “I’m Katie. It’s nice to finally meet you, Ms. Humphrey. I’ve heard nothing but good things from everyone about the support you’ve given us.” She focused on Ethan, and her cheeks pinked. “And you, Mr. Norwood. Ms. Humphrey tells me you’re making a significant donation. I hope I can show you that your funds will be going to good use.”

Ethan smiled, his eyes softening. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Katie. And please call me Ethan. I’m honored to help out. You’re doing something amazing here for these kids.”

The conviction in his voice reminded me of what he’d confessed about his upbringing. I couldn’t help but wonder if he would have ended up in a place like the children’s center if it had been available where he grew up.

“Well, thank you, Ethan. We work hard to make sure these kids are safe and well cared for while they’re here. Our privacy is of utmost importance as well. Which is why I asked you to come when the kids are all in school.”

Ethan nodded. “That makes sense. It works well for me, but I can understand. If these children are in danger, you need to limit their interaction with the outside world.

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