A New Beginning (Second Chance #1) Read Free Page A

if it’s her.”
    “Well that would explain why Karla said she didn’t know where her mom was. Sure send it to me, but I have a feeling she’s gonna confirm this is her mama. Thanks Lieutenant.”
    “No problem, Greeves. Hope this info helps. If you need anything else just give me a holler, I’ll be here.”
    Trent hung up and his phone immediately signaled an incoming picture message. When he downloaded and looked at the picture he knew, without a doubt, that this was Karla’s mother, they looked just alike.
    When he walked back into the office Captain McGraw was still questioning Karla. “Captain I hate to interrupt, but can I talk to Karla for a minute?”
    “Yep, I’ve asked what I needed too.”
    “Karla, I talked to my partner and he sent me a picture of a lady that I think is your mama. Would you mind looking at it for me?”
    Karla’s eyes went wide as she nodded her head, unable to speak. Trent pulled the picture up on his phone and turned it around for Karla to see. She took the phone from him, looked at it for about fifteen seconds and nodded her head again, “Yes sir, that’s Diane..ummm… I mean my mom.”
    “Captain, can I talk to you outside for a second?”
    McGraw started to nod, but Karla interrupted him. “You can talk in front of me. I’ve dealt with it all before.” Karla dropped her head and continued quickly; fear lacing her words, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have interrupted you. Please don’t hit me.”
    Mrs. Jones’ eyes widened in surprise as Captain McGraw looked at Karla and reassured her, “Honey, ain’t no one here gonna hit you. I can promise you that.”
    “But..but..I was disrespectful. I have to be punished.” Karla stammered, afraid of what they may do to her.
    “Karla, no one here is gonna hurt you in any way. Want to tell why you think you need to be punished?”
    “It’s just what grow-ups do. Can I ask a question?” Karla asked, trying to change the subject. When Trent nodded she continued, “Why do you have a picture of my mom on your phone?”
    Taking the hint, Trent dropped the subject. “Captain, Karla, Diane Hall was arrested a little after midnight on drug soliciting charges. She’s in county lock-up.” He looked at Karla and continued, “That’s why she didn’t come home.”
    Karla’s mouth dropped open in shock as her world was flipped upside down.

Chapter Six
     
     
    Karla was still in shock fifteen minutes later when Captain McGraw called the Department of Children’s Services.
    “Department of Children’s Services. This is Maggie, how may I direct your call?”
    “This is Captain McGraw, Metro/Davidson County PD. I need to speak with a supervisor please.”
    “Captain, if you’ll hold please I’ll connect you with Mr. Jennings. He’ll be able to help you.”
    “Thanks Maggie. ‘Preciate it” While McGraw waited he watched Karla. She had finally calmed down and snapped out of it.
    ****
    “Detective Greeves. Can I ask you something?” Karla asked quietly.
    “Sure Karla, you can ask me anything.”
    “What’s going to happen now? Where am I going to go?”
    Trent scratched his head as he tried to figure out how much to tell Karla. “Well, Captain McGraw is on the phone with the Department of Children’s Services and they’ll send someone out to talk to you. From there you’ll be turned over to them and they’ll find you a safe place to sleep.”
    “But..but..why can’t I stay at my apartment? If Garrett comes home and I’m not there…” Karla started, but trailed off without finishing.
    “Karla, who’s Garrett?” Trent asked, figuring out that Garrett is the one Karla was truly scared of.
    “My mom’s boyfriend.”
    “What’s his last name?”
    “I have no idea. She picked him up at a rest area on the way here.”
    Trent wondered to himself why the mother of a young teenager would just pick up a strange man at a rest area. He’d never met anyone that irresponsible before.
    “Can you tell me what he looks