Methinks we're going to see some more fireworks when Myles reaches the school. But whatever happens, I have a feeling there's going to be a lesson in it for more than just Myles... you're leading us on an incredible journey, Kav. Wonderful!!!

Something tells me that the school had better have renovations in mind, cause I think Myles is going to blow the roof off!

Ditto (again) to Janet!! (Would ya quit stealing my thoughts! )

Bravo Kav! Yet another amazing post. Your writing just lives me awestruck. I absolutely love the interchange between Myles and Sue. Such heartfelt, heartwrenching emotions. And I can hardly imagine what will happen when Myles arrives at the school. And I do hope that Carolyn is alright...after all, Myles isn't the one going to check on her...

Kav, I don't know how you do it!! I saw that whole scene acted out right in front of me!! I could hear them both and see their facial expressions!! I could feel Myles' pain with trying to do what's right and trying to deal with these new emotions!!!

Do we want to be around when Myles finds out that they are living in a car???

Okay, Sue, I think you should go with Jack!!! Reason? Alone time, for sure!! And, what if Carolyn is really sick now???

Joy

Well yesterday I said I wasn't going to pressure but today I changed my mind! Carolyn is sick and there is no one helping her - tell them to use the siren and hurrying up.

Hope you're okay!

OY!!! Did you all realize it was Easter weekend?! Why didn'tyou tell me. I have a deadline...oh wait a minute, it just says the stories have to be finished by midnight April 16 -- no year. So looks like i have until next April at least! I guess I' have to stay up late and , but not tonight -- too tird after my crazy week. Tomorrow will come soon enough!

Myles placed his flashing light on top of the dashboard and broke several traffic laws as, with tires squealing, he drove out of the Hoover Building parking lot. His mind raced with possible scenarios as adrenaline pumped through his system making him feel more trepidation than when he was heading to a raid. Was this what it was like to parcel out a bit of your heart?

His jaw tightened as flashes of his behaviour over the last hour entered his mind. He'd worked himself into a royal snit without a second thought. Why? What made him over react to emotional situations? He screeched to a halt at a red light, cautiously watching for the rest of the traffic to give him the lead. There was something breathtakingly exhilerating about flying through a crowded intersection, commanding every other vehicile's attention. He would never tire of the thrill and nearly didn't have the presence of mind to turn the siren off when he drew closer to the school. He double parked at the entrance and was half way out of his car when he got himself in hand. Where's the fire, Leland? The school isn't burning down and there isn't any danger. Get a grip. He dropped back into the driver's seat and cruised forward half a block to an available parking spot. About to leap out of his car again, he paused as an unusual idea struck him. He looked cautiously around, making sure that no one was watching and then he self-consciously ducked his head.

"You might have noticed that I'm not a very patient man." He felt a guilty prickle. "All right I'm not patient at all. I learned that from my father. He's always saying 'It's an acquired trait...one that I don't have any intention of acquiring.' All right, I know you are my Father as well and you have infinite patience. I'm talking to you before I go in there, aren't I?" He was suddenly anxious. He didn't know the first thing about children or school systems and he was sure to bungle it up. He didn't want to make it any worse for Carolyn. He cursed his earthly parents as the reason he didn't know these simple social procedures and then realized that wasn't going to endear him to his Heavenly father. "Help me not to botch this up....please."

He loped up the stairs and followed the signs that led to the school office, anxious to see Cassie, but nothing could have prepared him for the pathetic little scrap of humanity huddled on a chair in the corner. Her head was buried in her lap and she was sobbing quietly, her little back shuddering with every breath.

He didn't hear the startled exclamation from the school secretary as he strode past her desk and without hesitation scooped Cassie up into his arms. She was featherlight, hot and sticky with tears and grime but he didn't give a thought to his expensive suit or designer tie as he cuddled her in close, crooning over her head. "Shhhh, sweetheart. I'm here. It's going to okay." Her little arms crept around his neck clinging in a death grip that threatened to strangle him. He managed to ease his hand to his neck and loosen his tie and undo the top button of his shirt so he didn't asfixiate on the spot.

"Excuse me sir, you have to sign in first."

Myles arched an eyebrow at the flustered secretary. "I have my hands rather full at the moment," he snapped sarcastically before remembering his vow to be more patient. Surely God didn't mean in a situation like this one!

"The procedure is with the children's safety in mind," the secreatry pointed out stiffly.

He supposed he couldn't begrudge that arguement. Trying to shift Cassie back into the chair proved to be impossible. She stuck to him as securely as a bramble on Levi's fur. He gave up trying and simply carted her back to the desk with him, resting her bottom on the countertop as he signed his name with a flourish.

"Where's your knapsack, Cassie?" he asked, looking around the floor. The sobs that had been growing fainter since his arrival built in volume once more.

"Th-th-they t-t-took it!" she blubbered into his shirt, swiping her runny nose on his tie.

"Mr. Bennett has the evidence in his office awaiting the mother's arrival," the secretary explained, not unkindly.

"Evidence?" He didn't mean to yell, but at least it wasn't a full fledged roar -- that one was slowly building for when he set eyes on the imbecile of a principal.

The secretary eyed him warily. "Why don't I let Mr. Bennett explain?" and she hastily paged him.

"I wath thaving it all for mummy," Cassie said brokenly.

"Saving what, honey?" Myles murmured gently, stroking the downy soft head.

"F-f-f-ood." And she her weep began afresh.

Patience. The impression invaded his mind, unwelcome and uninvited I've given it up for Lent.

Myles stared at the door marked principal. He was turning the handle without so much as a single knock before the secretary realized he'd moved. He ignored her as he scanned the office swiftly, easily spotting the knapsack on a dark laminate credenza. "I'll just be taking this now," he told a startled man and woman who had been deep in conversation. As he snagged the knapsack by one of the shoulder straps he felt Cassie stir in his arms. A hand reached out and latched on to the bag, stuffing it between their bodies, as she tried to cram it quickly out of sight.

"Just who do you think you are, bursting in here like this?" Mr. Bennett stood and Myles noted that he was a tall man and a broad one. Linebacker.

"Agent Myles Leland III, FBI," he said calmly, "and last I checked stealing a child's knapsack is a felony. Who are you?" He directed his question to the woman sitting on the other side of the principal's desk.

"Millie Wringer. Social services," she said succinctly.

Social service ???? ... That's a very BAD word, Kav ... Why did you have to involve them???? ... Not that it will deter Myles ... I kind of like Myles when he is on a mission ... like right now !!!

Ok, my stomach dropped when I read that last sentence...you were certainly tugging at my heartstrings with that post---I'm so glad Myles could be there for Cassie when she needed him. But now I'm really worried for Cassie and for Carolyn...hope you're going to make this turn out okay and not have any heartwrenching scenes with Cassie being wrenched away by Social Services...you won't do that, right??? Hope you post again soon and put my fears at ease!!

ACK! ACK ACK ACK!!!! See? You made me use color! ACK! ACK ACK!!!

Not SS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ACK!!!!! Myles....set them straight.

Kav......it's hard to type with one hand. The other one is holding a puppy.
Jill

Kav, you've struck terror in all our hearts....You can't - and I mean CAN'T let Cassie be taken from her mother! (insert smiley with hands on hip, foot tapping)

I can't wait to see where you take it - and how it's all resolved, and if it takes you until April 2010 I won't mind - as long as you post regularly.

Uh...Myles....this would NOT be the woman you want to make mad, OK?

I wholeheartedly agree.

Taking a napsack is a felony? Good one Myles.

I finally am back home with my beloved laptop and i can finally post a reply! I'm so excited!

Kav, i've been following this story at work (sssshhhh! don't tell my boss! ) and i've had to stop myself several times from letting the tears trickle down my cheeks. The way you are writing Carolyn and Cassie's situation is very touching and heart-wrenching. I'm loving every bit.

And can't wait for more!!!

social services - not good,

loved the way myles is trying to pray on his feet, he's learning fast

cath

Oh no, Myles do something! Now would be good, but tactfully and with care.

Jack concentrated on driving, keeping his eye on the road as he wove in and out of traffic. The car was filled with a comfortable silence since it was difficult to converse at any length since he couldn't turn his head and Sue couldn't see his lips if he didn't. They contented themselves with exchanging snatches of conversation at red lights.

"Let me guess -- Myles is on some sort of spiritual awakening," Jack probed at the first light.

Sue stared blankly at him. "I think the expressway will be faster at this time of day, don't you?"

Jack grinned. "He's asking you for advice on religious matters."

"The light's green, Jack."

They rode in silence for a time until Jack slowed at a yellow light.

"I've never seen you drive so cautiously before," Sue teased.

"You're taking Myles to church with you, aren't you? Set him up with this Reverend Brambles. Poor man -- did you at least warn him about Myles before you dumped him on the unsuspecting minister?"

"She's a woman," Sue corrected immediatly. "And Myles is changing, Jack. Even you can see that," Sue reminded him softly.

"He started changing the day you walked through the bullpen door," he told her, reaching out and squeezing her hand. They drove four blocks like that until another next red light stopped them again. "We all changed that day -- for the better, because of you. It just took some of us, like Myles, longer than others.

“Some of us a little longer?” Sue gasped incredulously.

Jack looked at her innocently. “What do you mean?”

“Jack Hudson, you know exactly what I mean!” Sue exclaimed indignantly.

He smiled. “Maybe I do, but I’d like to hear your version.”

Sue gaped at him, stymied. She knew he knew exactly what she was thinking and he’d be right only she couldn’t just come out and say that before he said anything because though she knew, she didn’t know. Sue groaned inwardly. This is what Jack Hudson has reduced me to: sounding exactly like Tara and worse, I can follow along. What am I supposed to say? She thought she felt an impatient sigh rush through her mind and was relieved when the light turned to green again, sparing her the need to answer.

“You know, I’m the one who can hear, so you can go ahead and talk. I can listen and drive at the same time,” Jack said taking his eyes off the road for the few the precious seconds it took to toss her the tease and a wink.

Sue felt the familiar warmth enveloping her body. If just one glance felt like a caress what would it feel like when…? Sue quickly slammed the door on the unexpected erotic images that floated to the surface of her brain. Where did they come from? She turned to look at Jack, his whole demeanor playfully expectant, a smile curving his lips. What would he do if she reached out her hand and traced it with a finger? If she slipped off her seat belt and scooted over as close as the bucket seats would allow? If she laid her head on his shoulder, entwining their fingers together, nestling their hands in his lap…She blinked and sat up straighter, almost giving herself whiplash as the seatbelt efficiently snapped taut. She glanced out the window, surprised to note that it wasn’t fogged up. She was feeling decidedly steamy in here. She cracked the window a notch, relieved when a cool breeze ruffled her bangs and then jumped when she felt the pressure of his hand tapping impatiently at her knee.

Reluctantly she turned to look at him. They were sitting at a yet another red light. She had never been more aware of the inefficiency of the timing of DC's traffic lights before. Jack really should have taken the expressway. Then there would have been no lights to contend with.

She could only watch mutely as Jack’s hand slid from her knee further up her lap until he tugged at one of her clasped hands, enveloping it with his own. Her thigh burned where their entwined hands rested. Hardly daring to breathe, she raised her eyes to his face and the look in the heated depths of his brown ones sent her pulse into overdrive. She concentrated on his lips since he was saying something, but she couldn’t help noticing how finely sculpted they were. Like his body. She whimpered. Why was she suddenly feeling this way now?

“Sue – you okay?” Jack hoped her flustered state was because she was feeling exactly what he was. Well, not exactly, exactly, because then they’d be in a ditch somewhere wrapped around each other in the back seat. He groaned, glad she couldn’t read his mind as well as his lips. He had to get them back on track here. Make the first move. The erotic image of his hand sliding up her thigh flashed through his mind. Not that kind of move. He gritted his teeth, clamping down on the control that suddenly seemed to be rapidly fraying.

“No more teasing, no more joking,” he murmured huskily, “I’ll admit it, Myles isn’t the only one slow to pick up on his feelings. I could have…should have spoken up sooner only…” The impatient blaring of a car horn sounded behind him. Soon a succession of others joined in until an impatient frenzied cacaphony drowned out his words. She would never notice, but she would when the guy behind rear-ended them. He threw up his hands in surrender. “Traffic,” he explained, relieved to read disappointment in her eyes. Would their time never come?

Ah. We now hear from Jack, at least during the traffic lights. That was quite a momentous car ride.

kav - i think your computer ate he rest of this post

cath

It must be a global warming thingy, because I'm feeling the heat right here, in front of my computer screen. And it's a good thing Jack can't read Sue's mind....ditch indeed!

Alright, they've got a wonderful start! They just need the wonderful middle and finish! And, he's obviously got her attention. As long as they don't have any huge interruptions, I think this could continue rather nicely.... before they go PARK in a ditch and do their thing. haha!



I didn't say that, really.



*sigh* More please!

Bad timing...good timing....traffic lights take on a whole new perspective!

Y ep.........crack that window, Sue. Had to open one in my house just to finish reading that post!

Jill

gosh it's hot in here

Ordinarily I am of the opinion that traffic lights are evil. Yes, evil, designed to turn yellow as soon as I approach and then magically sending evil messages to their mates to let them know I am on my way. But now I see that they might actually have a non-evil purpose as well.

I'm so glad Sue didn't go with Myles or that whole post would never have happened.

Only one way to find out, girl !!!



My computer screen is getting fogged up !!!

How come I don't have that much fun in traffic???

Gee, I always thought it would be neat to get to go for a car ride with Jack but wow that was hot! Sue, count your blessings! And Jack, don't you dare try to get away with not finishing what you've started!

Social services!?!?!?!?! Now there's a scary twist. Never saw that coming.

Do something Myles!

Awesome job Kav! I'm on the edge of my seat here waiting for you to post!

More..more...more :wipe glasses: oh great one!


I'm sucking up here...is it working?

Jack, Jack, Jack-- You're just loving this aren't you?


This just tickled me.


Sue, thoughts like that are liable to give you a heat stroke, hon.


This along with the untimely one at the end of the post are proof positive that traffic lights are evil.


We're right with you there, Jack.

Great post, Kav. Who knew so much could happen while driving in a car?

Beads of perspiration dotted her brow, undoing the good of the quick shower she had stolen. That had been risky, but her bones had felt like ice and her teeth wouldn’t stop chattering and she just wanted to get warmed up. And clean. Not having adequate bathing facilities was what she hated most about being homeless. It was easier for Cassie. She could swim at the Y’s free kid’s hour twice a week. Without that benefit, Carolyn had become an expert at washing sections of her body at odd times whenever the opportunity presented itself in a gas station washroom or a client’s home.

It was rare that she felt comfortable enough, or daring enough to risk a full body shower at a housecleaning job. She’d tried to hurry, though the feel of the hot water pounding against her tense neck muscles had been heavenly and she’d dawdled longer than she should have. Afterwards, she’d carefully wiped down the shower stall, and the floor and the mirror, even getting down on her hands and knees to wipe into the corners of the baseboards. She wanted no trace remaining when Myles came home after work. But that, along with her achy slowness, had made her much later than she’d hoped. She glanced at the clock in Myles’ kitchen, worried that she wouldn’t have enough time to get across town to pick up Cassie.

But the thought of her daughter’s delight when she saw what her mother was bringing this time, eased her worry, turning it into an eager anticipation. Myles had left fridge cleaning instructions that included telling her to throw out a number of containers of food. He said they were past their shelf life, but Carolyn had carefully examined each container thoroughly. Might be too old for the likes of you Mr. High and Mighty she thought in disgust at the potential waste, but this will all be just fine for Cassie and me. She had wrapped the containers carefully in plastic bags so they wouldn’t leak on her daughter’s clean laundry and then tucked everything into her knapsack and tote bag with precise efficiency. It would be worth being a little late if it meant she could bring Cassie another feast.

* * *

Jack pulled into Myles’ driveway. He looked at the house soberly for a moment and then turned to Sue. “Hopefully Carolyn is still here.”

Sue nodded, fighting the urge to lose herself in the warmth of his gaze. They were here to help Carolyn, not to…whatever it was they were doing. Jack seemed to agree, because without a word, he got out of the car, opening the back door to allow Levi to agilely jump down. By the time he had reached the other side of the car, Sue was out as well, and they walked down the front path together. Jack rang the doorbell and waited.

* * *

Carolyn ignored the doorbell, just as she had the phone earlier. Agency rules – unless the client requested the service at an additional cost. Myles had not asked so she didn’t open the door, intent on packing every last thing strategically. When she finished, she sat back on her heels and contemplated the bulging bags. She sighed, everything she owned was crammed in there aside for some change of clothes and a few toys which she still kept in the car. How had her life streamlined down to just this? She felt as if some unseen hand was trying to squeeze the life out of her, make her disappear, vanish all together. Part of her found the idea – and the relief it would bring – appealing. The other part thankfully fought harder for space in this world. Only some days, she didn’t have enough fight left in her. Like today. Please, Father, let the rest of the day go smoothly. Don’t let me get any sicker. I…just…can’t…be…sick. She hefted the knapsack up onto her back and grabbed the tote bag’s handle. She’d have to reduce the 30 minutes hike to the bus stop by running flat out part of the way, and her arms and legs felt like lead. Her head was all woozy and her scratchy throat had turned into a painful one. Please God, don’t let Cassie get sick too. I can’t take care of her if she gets sick. She can’t get sick. She just can’t. She emphasized each word, trying to convey the desperation of the situation to her Father in Heaven.

The doorbell rang again…and again…and yet another time, long blasts in quick succession. Something sounded urgent. Frowning, she eased her burdens along the hallway to the front of the house, cautiously sneaking a peak through the spy hole in the front door.

* * *

“It looks like she might have left already,” Sue said unhappily. “We should have gotten Myles’ keys.”

Jack stood indecisively on the front step, scanning the neighbourhood hoping that if he looked hard enough Carolyn would simply materialize right there in the yard. He turned back to Sue. “We could cruise around, see if we can spot her,” he suggested.

Sue nodded. “I hate to think of how hard everything must be for her. If she’d only let someone know. Reverend Brambles would have helped her.”

“I guess asking for help is one of the hardest things to do,” Jack agreed. “I know I hate to let someone know I can’t do something on my own.”

Sue smiled, “Like read a map.”

Funny. You.

Jack gave her an assessing look. “No, I was thinking more along the lines of asking for help in another department.” He smoothed a strand of golden hair the wind had tossed over her eyes and laid his hand gently along the side of her head to prevent it from blowing free again. “Just don’t know who I should have asked. Lucy’s a bit too enthusiastic and considering the delicacy of the matter might have upset the fine balance I was striving for. And Bobby, definitely too cavalier. Tara has a plain scary track record so I wasn’t about to go there. D’s advice probably would have been sound, since he has the most experience out of all of us, but still, this…situation…would have been a whole new perspective for him. And Myles? Well, let’s just say that after I’ve witnessed his embracing of his spiritual side, it’s just as well I never approached him on the subject. The results could have been catastrophic.”

“You could have come to me,” Sue suggested softly, hope shining in her eyes.

“I realize that now, but I didn’t then. It was too important to me to botch up with bad timing.”

“So, you could ask me now. I’ll help you any way I can.”

“Any way?”

Jack’s glance scorched her skin and started the fluttering in her stomach as he eyed her from head to toe. Sue swallowed hard and nodded mutely as his hand slid down her hair to rest lightly on her shoulder.

“I was hoping you would say that, because I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I can’t do this all by myself. I need help. What would you say if I asked you to…”

Sue watched his lips eagerly, instinctively knowing that they were at an important crossroads. She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and beg him to forget the words and get down to the more important things. She wanted to feel his lips pressed against hers, see if it would be as magical as she remembered after all this time. She gave up concentrating on the words his lips formed. Soon there wouldn’t be a need to, because their mouths were drawing closer and closer together and then Jack suddenly jumped back and looked at the door. She wanted to scream, but followed his gaze to find a surprised looking Carolyn standing in the doorway.

Well this is an important interruption at least...

Okay, I'm completely

Really glad Carolyn is getting the help she needs, but would have been really nice if she'd opened the door just a couple minutes later...

Amazing writing, Kav!

Definitely making good progress on all fronts So do you have Good Friday off Kav? It sure appears to be the case...WAHOO! I will be hitting my refresh button all day.

Kav ... no pressure here, but ... there 's that deadline, you know ... and things are getting good on all front ... and I'm lying on the couch sick ... adn I need entertainment ... so I'm hoping you'll keep providing it on an hourly basis ... if it's not too much to ask ...

You're right duckfan, at least it's an important interruption this time. But still...hey, they're moving in the right direction finally so I suppose that's better than nothing!


And Kav, please do not forget about your pressing deadline. And if Marlo is sick and waiting for more posts, well it's the least you could do...

an important interruption but still an interruption,

looking forward to more very soon as i see you lurking there and i did stay up till one minute past midnight to post on one of my stories - hint hint!!

cath

Caught up! I can't understand why the school calles social services first. I mean, Myles must have gotten there in record time after the phone call, and the lady from social services was already talking to the principal when he got there.... I felt so sorry for little Carrie! She was so happy about all the food, planning a big party for her mom, and now everything has been taken from her....

The food that Myles wanted thrown out....he really didn't, did he? He planned this for Carolyn, right? Jack's right, Myles has definately changed.

And then Jack and Sue.... I hate interruptions, but this one time I don't really mind. He'll get back to it, I'm sure!!!

Marlo's sick....she needs entertainment!

And so do I....school work is too boring to do. Reading is so much more enjoyable.

You're writing is amazing Kav! Can't wait for the next bit!

An interruption, but one that was important at least. I am on top of this one, and looking forward to the next post, Kav.

Stupid computer ate my post. It was a good one too, you would have been fascinated...possibly even moved.


I don't think that's too much to ask.

Speaking of sick people, Carolyn is all tired and woozy with a scratchy throat, she has more than a few worries on her mind, she's just finished cleaning Myles' big old house, has all those things to carry and she isn't supposed to open the door- she couldn't have delayed a few more seconds? Humpf. *sulks and pouts* (cos i'm so mature)

Kav, I just caught up and I've gone from roaring anger to mush!!!

Why did the principal call Social Services?? Why didn't he talk to Cassie and find out what REALLY happened??? Thank God Myles is there with her!! Isn't he great with her??

Jack and Sue - if they could just connect their thoughts together, they would have ended up in that ditch!!!

I'm with everyone else - I can't really fault this interruption!! But, I think they are far enough along at this point to be able to pick up the conversation again, instead of forgetting it!!!

Joy

Poor Marlene, I'm sorry you're sick! And my goal is 8 posts today -- think I can make it? This is #3 -- that leaves 5 more to go...might have been a tad over-ambitious depending on whether my sister shows up to use my stove or not...but here goes....


“And why is it so important for you to bring food home to your mummy, Cassie?”

Myles recognized it as an interrogation tactic and he turned abruptly, walking out of Mr. Bennett’s office and back into the reception area. If they’d let him, he would have kept on going, carrying Cassie to his car, but they wouldn’t. He’d already tried. Since Carolyn had not signed any release papers allowing Cassandra to be picked up by anyone other than herself, the school would not permit his departure. He had warned Mrs. Wringer twice about her subterfuge. “I am certain the law requires this kind of questioning to be done in front of the parent – unless you have concrete evidence of abuse or neglect?” His pointed query, delivered in his haughtiest tone had quelled her questions… for a while. But the longer they waited, the more she continued to try to wrestle answers out of Cassie. And for her part, the six-year-old was quite cagey in her answers, giving nothing away. Myles was quite proud of her.

He settled the little girl on his lap in the waiting area and she contentedly snuggled up against his chest, the knapsack still clutched in her determined hands. Periodically her entire body would shudder with a quiet sob – aftershocks of her crying jag. But her tears had dried and the blotchiness of her face had subsided. She looked tired now and a little too pale, dark circles ringing her eyes. They subsided into a companionable silence, Cassie’s eyes drooping, heavy-lidded as her body relaxed against him. Unconsciously fighting sleep, her body jerked just before she succumbed and she sat straight back up, looking blankly around, upset all over again.

“Shh, Cassie, I’m here,” Myles whispered soothingly, “and Mummy’s on her way. I’ll take care of you until she gets here. Okay?”

“’kay.” Cassie popped her thumb into her mouth and leaned back against him.

Myles rested his chin momentarily on the feather soft tousled head, his heart sending a prayer heavenwards before he even realized what he was doing. Father help me protect this little one from any more harm. He watched the principal conferring with the social worker. If ever I needed to watch my tongue and mind my manners, it’s now. Guide what I say and help me help do what’s right for both of them.

* * *

Miss Yancy was Cassie’s first grade teacher and she had been distracted since the yard incident at lunch. She was feeling guilty because she had traded duty times with another teacher and he had been the one to call in the schoolyard infraction as a code 7 report. Violence on school the premises. He’d written up her little Cassie and let that bully, Carter Reynolds get off scot-free. She had tried to stop the ensuing procedures, but once the form, filled out in triplicate, hit the secretary’s desk there was no turning back. The school board had a zero tolerance for violence and any infraction could result in the suspension or expulsion of the student. It hadn’t helped any that the social worker had been visiting the school to do the follow up visit on the neglect of the Myer boys. Mrs. Wringer had been on hand in the office when Cassie, still fighting tooth and nail, had been brought in.

Lining her children up for assembly outside the gym, Miss Yancy saw them safely settled in their spot and then leaned over to whisper to her friend, a second grade teacher. “Watch my class for me? I have to check on a student.” Her friend nodded, and Miss Yancy ducked out the gymnasium through the back doors, hurrying towards the office. She had called down twice to check on Cassie’s situation, relieved to discover that Mr. Leland had indeed come right away. At least Cassie wasn’t alone. Turning right at the end of the hallway, she looked up in time to see Carolyn Stevenson hurrying up the steps of the school. Veering left, Miss Yancy ran ahead to cut her off.

“Oh Mrs. Stevenson, thank goodness you’re here.”

Carolyn blanched at the words, staggered backwards and if Jack hadn’t steadied her by placing his hand at her elbow she would have keeled over.

“Oh Cassie’s fine,” Miss Yancy assured the distraught mother quickly, “but I wanted to warn you. Mr. Bennett is treating Cassie’s outburst as an act of violence and she’ll probably be suspended for a couple of days.”

“Cassie?” Carolyn’s shocked gasp echoed around the empty foyer.

Miss Yancy nodded, looking sympathetically at the poor woman. She looked awful. “And a social worker happened to be on the premises at the time…”

Carolyn swayed dizzily, clutching at Sue for support.

“It’s probably nothing, just an annoying formality. Given the circumstances…”

“What circumstances?” Carolyn managed to whisper.

“Cassie was hysterical, Mrs. Stevenson. I’ve never seen anything like it before, and certainly never any sign of it in her. A boy was teasing her – he took her knapsack, where she’d collected quite a little stash of food and she completely broke down. She talked about you being hungry all the time, Mrs. Stevenson. She was saving her lunch and snacks for you…”

Carolyn’s face flooded with colour and then blanched again, even whiter than before. A look of recognition passed between the two women and Carolyn squared her shoulders proudly. “Thank you for telling me, Miss Yancy. Was the boy Carter Reynolds, by any chance?”

“Yes, I’m afraid it was,” Miss Yancy admitted.

“I’ve complained about him before. At the breakfast club too. That will count for something I hope,” she said determinedly.

Jack squeezed her arm reassuringly. “We’re right behind you,” he promised as they made their way into the office.

These two CANNOT get a break when it comes to the interruptions department!! However, I'm glad that Carolyn answered the door. I have a feeling that she is really sick and is going to need their help even more than before!

NOW...once we start with the help for Carolyn and Cassie, can we get back to the "conversation" that Jack and Sue were going to start?

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS STORY!!!!!

Your goal is 8 posts today??? That brings a smile to my face!! Wonderful post...I know that Carolyn isn't in great shape right now, but I'm so glad she has the support of Jack, Sue and Myles, not to mention, Cassie's teacher! Looking forward to the next post!

Is it possible for your heart to be warmed and ripped in two at the same time?!? Because mine kinda is... warmed at the growth and tenderness in Myles, and ripped in two (or three or four or a million pieces) by Cassie and Carolyn.

I'm going to be REALLY selfish and say I'm hoping beyond hope that you post all eight posts today!!!!!

Whew. I am glad that Myles, Jack and Sue are there to do what they can. Myles prayer for help was touching and was offered so naturally.

I think Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Wringer better steel themselves for Carolyn's wrath!! They probably won't know what hit them!!!

Joy

Love the breathless anticipation between Jack and Sue - the electricity between the two crackles!

And Carolyn - she is so close to help...I only hope she'll let them. The team ought to be able to do something about the crooked landlord that stole her deposit...and I love that Myles 'needed' his refrigerator cleaned out. I bet, until Carolyn accepts their help, it is something he'll need to have done on an almost daily basis!

Loving the updates, Kav!

No nails, no hair,
I'm looking kinda bare....
SS lady is a scare.
I'm glad Myles is there
To care.
He knows when and where,
His knowledge to share.
Carolyn will be a bear.
SS Lady better not dare,
She better stay square
Or face a flare
From the raging pair.
Myles will make it fair.
Won't have to call the mayor.
I swear!
So there.