met him only once before she’d left for Tahiti. He’d seemed pleasant, smart, and genuinely devoted to her mother. But he owed Eve nothing.
Then, she would tackle him first. Even though she hated imposing on Sandra, she didn’t doubt her mother would help. She just didn’t want to do anything that would mess up a relationship her mother obviously treasured. She’d ask her mother to take the kids into the kitchen and fix them something to eat, then explain the situation to Ron and appeal for his help.
'No,' Ron said flatly. 'I won’t have Sandra involved in any illegal activities. Take the kids to the police.'
'I can’t do that. I told you —' Eve stopped and drew a deep breath. 'I’m not asking you to accept Jane. That might put you both in danger. But Dom has no interest in Mike, or he would have killed him when he had the chance. I just need someone to take care of him until I can work my way through this mess.'
'He’s a runaway. There are serious repercussions for not returning him to his parents.'
'For God’s sake, according to Jane he’s been on the street for days and no one’s reported him missing. Do you think his parents care?'
'It’s against the law.'
And who should know better than a lawyer! 'I need help, Ron.”
“I can see you do, but Sandra is my concern. I’d like to help, but I can’t afford to let her—'
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'We’ll do it.' Her mother stood in the doorway. 'Stop being a protective ass, Ron.'
He turned to face her. 'How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough.' She came toward them. 'Do you think Eve would have come here if she’d had any other choice?'
'Let me take care of this, Sandra.'
She shook her head. 'That little boy is scared. We’re not going to toss him back to his parents, and I’m not going to send Eve away when she needs me. I did that too many times when she was a kid.' She paused. 'But she’s not your daughter. I can take Mike back to my own house.'
He scowled. 'The hell you will.'
'Believe it.' Her tone was quiet but firm. 'We’ve been very happy, but there’s more to my life than just you, Ron.'
'Harboring a runaway is illegal, and I won’t have you—'
'Did I ever tell you how many times Eve ran away when I was on crack?' She looked at Eve. 'He doesn’t mean to be hard. He’s just never been there.'
'I don’t want to mess up anything for you, Mom.'
'If taking a kid in from the cold can mess up what Ron and I have, then it’s not worth keeping.'
She turned back to Ron. 'Is it?'
He stared at her for a moment, and then he gave a faint smile. 'Damn you, Sandra.' He shrugged. 'Okay, you win. We tell the neighbors he’s my brother’s kid visiting from Charlotte.'
Relief surged through Eve. 'Thank you.'
Sandra shook her head. 'You’re so stubborn about standing alone and not letting anyone help you. It’s nice to be able to do something for you.'
Eve warily glanced at Ron.
'It’s okay. I don’t like it, but it’s okay.' He slipped his arm around Sandra’s waist. 'But you stay away from her until this bastard is behind bars. Do you hear me? I won’t have Sandra in danger.'
'I didn’t intend anything else. Keep your digital phone on, Mom. I’ll call periodically to make sure everything’s okay.' She stood up. 'Now I’ll go and find Jane and get out of here.'
'I’m ready.' Jane stood in the doorway. 'Mike’s having another pancake, Mrs. Duncan. You’d better stop him or he’ll have a bellyache tonight.'
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'Another? Good heavens, he’s already had six.' Sandra hurried toward the kitchen.
Jane came forward. 'We should leave now. I’ve explained things to Mike, but he may make a fuss if he starts thinking about me leaving.' She looked at Ron. 'You take good care of him. He may be scared of you at first. His father is big like you.'
'I’ll take care of him.'
She studied him. 'You don’t want to do it.' She turned to Eve. 'Maybe we shouldn’t—'
'I said I’ll take care of him,' Ron said testily. 'I don’t have to like it. I promised and I’ll do it.'
Jane was still frowning.
Christ, she had to get her out of there. 'Come on, Jane.' She pushed her toward the front door.
'They’ll be better off alone.'
