Because of a Girl Read Free Page B

the humor of the design. Half a dozen pillows on the sofa were done with the same technique, too, he saw, each individual and interesting although he didn’t allow himself to look closely.
    â€œPlease, sit down,” Ms. Harper urged him, plunking down in the rocking chair.
    As she clearly expected him to take the sofa, he chose one end. His ass settled into a sinkhole. Getting back up might be a problem.
    â€œOh!” She bounced back to her feet. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
    â€œNot now, but thank you.”
    Expression dimming, she sank back down and waited.
    He removed a small notebook and pen from his shirt pocket. “I heard some of what you told Sergeant Todd Friday, but I’d appreciate it if you’d start from the beginning for my benefit.”
    She absorbed his words, suspicion appearing belatedly. He wondered if she had any idea how expressive that girl-next-door face was.
    â€œYes, but...he wouldn’t even take a report. And they still wouldn’t Sunday. I don’t understand why you’re here.”
    â€œMr. Rivera gave us a call this morning to express his concern.” Rivera was the high school principal, and some of the concern he’d expressed had to do with this woman.
    â€œOh, I’m glad. Well. Did he explain why Sabra is living here rather than with her own mother?”
    â€œI gathered that they clashed over her pregnancy.”
    â€œClashed?” Ms. Harper gave a funny laugh. “I suppose the pregnancy is at the root of it, but I think they’d been going at it longer than that. Mrs. Lee threw her out of the house.”
    Jack frowned. “Literally?”
    â€œI can’t tell you whether there was any physical contact. Mrs. Lee did lock Sabra out and then dumped her clothes and school bag on the front lawn. My daughter, Emily, helped her gather everything.”
    â€œHow long ago was this?”
    She seemed to count. “Six weeks? More or less.”
    â€œHave you communicated with Mrs. Lee?”
    â€œYes, repeatedly. She’s...fine with Sabra living here.”
    â€œFine?” he echoed. That was a word that covered a lot of territory.
    â€œShe didn’t understand why I’d want her, but she supposed Sabra was lucky to have found a place to roost.” Ms. Harper’s tone was understandably dry. “I...called a few times to keep her updated, but she is unwilling to consider counseling and seems to have no interest in Sabra returning home.”
    â€œDo you have any kind of written contract? Or is DSHS involved?” He assumed she did know the Department of Social and Health Services oversaw the foster care system.
    Now Ms. Harper looked wary. “No, so far it’s been informal. Honestly, I assumed at first that she’d only be with us for a week or two at the most. But since her mother hasn’t relented, I’ve let the school know the situation, and the teachers seem willing to talk to me when she has issues.”
    â€œThe administration must be in something of a bind, considering you don’t have legal custody,” he suggested.
    â€œIs that what their problem is?” Temper kindled in her hazel eyes. “It’s been so frustrating. Bureaucracy in action. We’d have had a lot better chance of finding her if they’d let me know right away that she was noted as absent in her first class. But, no, what do they do but have that annoying robo-call go to Sabra’s mother, who told me the last time that she was just going to ignore them from now on. There isn’t a soul in the front office who doesn’t know Sabra lives here.”
    â€œMr. Rivera did indicate to me that he is uneasy with this type of placement. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t call DSHS this morning.”
    Her mouth fell open. “He’s reporting me to Child Protective Services? Like I did something wrong? Is that what you’re saying?” She