The Contract Read online

  “This is Jason. I will be at the library for… a couple of hours. Maybe more. No, I will get something later.”

  There was a long pause. “Mrs. MacDougal… Get a room… Two rooms… ready for guests. Female.”

  Jason did not wait for a reply. He folded the telephone and returned it to his pocket. He half expected it to ring. When it did not after a few minutes, Jason rode up to the rack located near the stairs up to the library. After locking his bicycle to the rack, Jason entered the library.

  A regular patron, Jason exchanged a few quick words with the librarian on duty, then found a spot he could study and still occasionally look up to see Sara at one of the tables across the room.

  Sara began to glance at the clock behind the librarian. As it neared six o’clock Jason could see Sara begin to glance toward the library entrance.

  “Waiting on her mother…” Jason whispered to himself.

  Jason put his books back into his book bag when Sara gathered up hers and went to the library door.

  Sara suddenly cried out, dropped her books and ran out of the library.

  Jason paused long enough to pick up Sara’s things as he hurried behind her. When he saw Sara trying to wrench open the door of the Pontiac, which was resting with the front bumper on the steps of the library, Jason pulled out his telephone and made a quick call.

  Sara was still trying to get the driver’s door of the car open when the first of three police cars came screeching to a halt in the street.

  One officer moved Sara away from the car as two others first checked Sara’s mother, then managed to get the door open.

  Sara quickly went to her mother when the officers helped her out of the car. Neither Sara nor Jason was surprised when one of the officers then began to read Sara’s mother her Miranda rights.

  “Please,” Sara said, hating the begging tone her voice took as she continued, “I will make sure my mother…”

  “I am sorry, Miss,” the officer said, making sure Sara moved away from her mother. “I am afraid your mother is in serious trouble. There is significant evidence she has been drinking.”

  Everyone’s eyes went to the bottle lying in the open door of the car, alcohol still dripping from the neck.

  “We will call someone to come pick you up to take you home. But I am afraid your mother will be spending at least tonight in jail. Whom should we call…”

  Sara could only stammer a few nonsensical words.

  “Officer,” Jason said, stepping forward. “I called. Someone will be here in a few minutes to pick Sara up. Could I get a card or something? So we know where to go tomorrow to do what needs to be done.”

  Sara just stared at Jason as the officer that had been talking to her took out one of his cards, wrote something on the back and handed it to Jason.

  “But…” Sara managed to say. She was distracted when her mother wailed. Sara took a step toward the police car as her mother was led toward it, struggling as much as her condition would allow.

  “Please,” the second officer told Sara gently, stepping between her and her mother. “I know it is difficult, but you will only make things worse if you try to interfere.”

  Tears streaming down her cheeks, Sara nodded and stood watching, arms hanging limply down her sides.

  It was only when the police car pulled away, with her mother inside that she turned and saw Jason standing nearby. Beside him stood a liveried chauffeur. Her tears had almost stopped. Sara frowned when Jason stepped forward.

  Jason cut his eyes toward the other two officers. They were still taking measurements and talking to witnesses. A wrecker pulled up.

  Jason stepped closer to Sara and very quietly said, “Sara, I know you and your mother were staying in the car. I am offering you a safe place to stay tonight. And, if you want, my lawyer will help you tomorrow with your mother.

  “I do not think the officers will let you get anything from the car. Candy will stop on the way to the house and pick up anything you need for tonight and tomorrow morning.”

  “I will not go with…” Sara started to say, but her voice broke. She saw one of the officers looked over at her questioningly.

  The chauffeur stepped forward, removing her cap. “Miss, you can trust Jason. He is a good bo… young gentleman. We will take very good care of you. Everything will be all right.”

  “I do not need anyone to take care of me!” Sara hissed, glancing sideways at the two officers, her head down. She quickly looked away from them when both frowned.

  “I do not have any money. I cannot pay for…”

  Candy cut her off, even before Jason could do so. Firmly she said, “Miss, please do not insult me by offering to pay for anything. You do need help at this moment. I, and the other staff at the house, will gladly help you, simply because it is the right thing to do.

  “Before I let you stay somewhere out in the streets tonight, I will turn you in to the officers as homeless, and now without a guardian, with your mother in jail. So, get in the limo, sit back, cry some more, and I will get you somewhere you can get a good meal, a hot bath, and some sleep. We will not need to stop for anything. We have whatever you might need or want at the house.

  “In the morning you will have fresh clothes in which to go to school. And while you are there, Master Jason’s attorney will see about getting your mother back to you. Do you understand me?”

  Jason was impressed. Candy was only twenty-eight, but she was acting like Sara’s stern maiden aunt. Or something. And it seemed to be working, for Sara was taking tentative steps toward the Cadillac limousine parked nearby.

  “My stuff!” she suddenly said, starting to turn.

  Jason handed Sara her things.

  “And you, young man,” Candy said to Jason, “will get on your bicycle and be at the house within five minutes of the time I get Miss Sara there. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes, Candy.”

  Jason winked at her. Candy winked back.

  Candy ushered the subdued Sara into the limo.

  Jason got his bicycle ready as the tow truck took away the wrecked Pontiac and the two officers finished the accident report. Before he mounted the bike, Jason looked up to the sky and softly said, “Thanks, Pop, for hiring such good people.”

  The entire staff was gathered in the living room when Jason arrived at the house. “How is she?” Jason asked as he dropped his book bag onto a table.

  “She’s bathing,” Juliet replied. “She is holding it in, whatever it is.”

  Jason smiled at the annoyed look Juliet, the maid, gave Candy.

  “Jason, you realize I do have to call Mrs. McKindrick’s attorney and let him know.”

  “I know, Mrs. MacDougal. I do not expect anyone to risk anything because of my actions.”

  Before he could continue the housekeeper added, “But it can wait at least for a little while.”

  Watching Jason carefully she asked, “Perhaps I should know a little more about the situation before I call… I am sure that… Mr. Lawrence will want some details.”

  Jason smiled. Mrs. MacDougal did not like his stepmother’s attorney.

  “Yes, Ma’am. I know he will. The details…”

  All eyes watched Jason as his gaze became distant. Suddenly his attention snapped back to those in the room watching him. “Sara’s… Miss Lee’s mother is in a spot of trouble. I plan to allow Miss Lee to stay here, and her mother, as long as they wish.”

  Jason’s eyes cut to the ceiling. Softly he added, “The only other thing of which I am sure, is that I am going to marry Sara one day.”

  Not a one of the staff replied to Jason’s statement. They merely exchanged looks. None even seemed to doubt Jason’s assertion.

  Focusing on the group again Jason said, “She is a strong willed woman. Please do what you can to make her comfortable and welcome. If she seems to be upset with me… Please disregard it in your dealings with her. I think I will go up now. Sent a tray up with my supper, if you please.”

  When
he started to turn away Mrs. MacDougal cut a quick grin at the other staff, then told Jason, “No sir. You will eat in the dining room with Miss Sara.”

  “But…”

  At Mrs. MacDougal’s stern look Jason merely said, “Yes, Ma’am. I will go wash up and get ready for dinner.”

  “Very good,” Mrs. MacDougal said.

  The staff stood silently, waiting for Jason to head up the stairs. Then they all looked at Mrs. MacDougal.

  “Candy?” Mrs. MacDougal asked.

  “He is serious. I saw the way he looked at her… I only knew Mr. McKindrick two years, but… Jason is very much like him.”

  “The mother?”

  “I am afraid there will be problems,” Candy said.

  “Cannot possibly be any worse than Mrs. McKindrick,” snorted Juliet.

  “That is enough, young lady,” Mrs. MacDougal said sharply, bringing an apologetic look to Juliet’s face.

  Thoughtfully, she added, “But you are probably right. If Jason wants this, then we shall all do our part to make it so.”

  Suddenly she smiled brightly. “And it will be very interesting to watch our young Master Jason deal with a head strong young lady, wouldn’t you say?”

  The others smiled.

  “Juliet, see to Miss Sara’s needs. Candy, be prepared to fetch anything from any store Juliet asks. Duchess, modify tonight’s menu to suit an upset, lonely young woman. Henrietta, do a few more flowers than usual. And I shall get out the first aid kit in anticipation of Miss Sara having a chance to speak to Jason shortly. Now go along with all of you.”

  Mrs. MacDougal clapped her hands. The others quickly went about their as-signed tasks. Mrs. MacDougal did not actually go get the household first aid kit, but she did seriously think about it when Sara came downstairs somewhat later, accompanied by Juliet.

  “Lordy,” she said softly, seeing the fire in Sara’s eyes. “The McKindrick men do certainly know how to pick their women.” The long red hair against the brilliantly white robe Sara wore simply added to the effect.

  Smiling, she allowed Sara to approach, Juliet trailing behind her. “And what may I do for you, Miss Sara? Is Juliet accommodating your needs adequately?”

  Sara’s step slowed. Mrs. MacDougal’s kindly visage and offered help cooled the fire slightly.

  “I really appreciate everyone trying to help. Honestly. But I just want to get my clothes and leave. Please.” The last word was not quite a beg, but definitely approaching it.

  Linking her arm in Sara’s Mrs. MacDougal patted her hand gently and turned her back toward the stairs. “All in good time, my dear. Master Jason has indicated your mother is in a spot of trouble. You run up and get dressed for dinner. We can discuss your plans a little later this evening.”

  “But…”

  They were stopped at the foot of the stairs, Juliet a few steps behind.

  “Jason’s wishes aside, I will not allow an underage young lady be out on the streets at night, even nice as this city is in general. You will find me a very hard woman in this, Miss Sara. If you were to leave tonight, I would see that you had safe accommodations, even if that meant spending time in juvenile hall.

  “I understand your anguish. Your worry about your mother. And most importantly, your unwillingness to accept something from strangers. I would not respect you, the way I feel myself doing, if you did not show some reluctance to accept our hospitality.”

  Sara felt tears forming in her eyes. She was not entirely sure of the cause. Her situation, her mother’s, or how nicely she was being treated, even against her wishes.

  “I have to try to pay this back in some way… I hate accepting…”

  “I know, my dear. If you wish to lend a hand, at some point, I will not object. But tonight is not the time. For a variety of reasons.”

  Mrs. MacDougal dropped Sara’s arm from hers, stepped back slightly and straightened, saying, “Master Jason should be down shortly. I must say I had to be rather stern with him, as well. Of all things. Expecting to have his supper in his room when we have a guest.”

  Sara stared at Mrs. MacDougal as the housekeeper turned and walked away. Eyes narrowing slightly, Sara turned toward the stairs. “So he didn’t want to eat down here. With me. He has some brains, at least,” Sara muttered.

  Juliet grinned as she followed Sara back up the stairs.

  Sara slowed, letting Juliet come even with her. “Would she have turned me in if I’d insisted on leaving?”

  “Yes. Any of us would, Miss Sara. This world is no place for a girl to be on her own, if there is no real need. I suspect you could manage… But there simply is no need. You really are welcome here.”

  “I just really hate being obligated,” Sara replied.

  “You are obligated, in this instance anyway, only to the point you make your-self. We have taken in people before during storms and disasters and such.”

  “Oh… Still…” Sara did not pursue the subject any further.

  Her next words were, “I hate to be so ungrateful. Really. But don’t you have a pair of jeans or something I could wear?”

  “Mrs. MacDougal insists on proper attire at dinner. It is casual this evening, of course. Not even she would have asked you to wear a dinner dress.”

  Sara looked down at herself, taking in the sight of the simple print dress. The hem came just below her knees.

  “I cannot really remember the last time I wore a dress,” Sara said, looking at Juliet’s reflection in the mirror.

  “You look very nice, Miss Sara. I am glad that we had something to fit you. I know you would have been uncomfortable if Candy had gone to get something new.”

  “Oh, yes,” Sara said. Juliet set down a pair of flats that complimented the dress and Sara stepped into them.

  “Can’t you call me just Sara?”

  “It wouldn’t be proper, Miss Sara.”

  Sara sighed. These people were exceedingly polite. But also exceedingly firm about some things. “I guess I am ready.”

  Juliet agreed. She smiled when she wondered to herself if Jason was ready for Sara.

  “Uh… I do not know too much about the proper fork to use…” Sara said tentatively as they went down the stairs again.

  “Don’t worry about that, Miss Sara. I doubt that will come up. If it does watch Master Jason, or simply ask Duchess.”

  “Duchess? There is royalty here?” Sara was about to panic.

  Juliet chuckled. “Duchess is the cook’s name. Informal like this, she also serves.”

  “Oh,” Sara replied, somewhat embarrassed at her near panic.

  When they approached the dining room, Juliet stopped and said, “I have other duties right now, Miss Sara, but if you need anything after dinner, I will be available.”

  “Oh. I guess you all don’t eat with…”

  Juliet shook her head.

  Sara turned resolutely toward the door of the dining room.

  Juliet did have tasks to do, but she stepped forward so she could see Jason’s expression when Sara entered. She was not in the least disappointed. Jason was mature for his age. Very poised under most circumstances.

  Most of the staff had come up with a reason to be in the dining room when Sara entered, including Mrs. MacDougal. None were disappointed. Jason’s mouth dropped open, at least for a moment. He stared. Again for only a moment. He tripped slightly as he hurried to pull a chair out for Sara.

  Hiding smiles all around, the staff suddenly disappeared from the dining room.

  Jason resumed his seat, then finally lifted his eyes to meet Sara’s.

  Sara was still nervous. But when she lifted her eyes and met Jason’s, she felt the anger coming back. Fast and furious.

  “I want to talk to…!”

  Mrs. MacDougal, standing near the serving door quickly entered the dining room. “Miss Sara, normally we do not discuss business at the table but I thought you would like to know this. I have called Sally Richardson, Jason’s attorney, as he asked me to. She has already determ
ined a few details of your mother’s case and will take care of things as soon as possible tomorrow. I told Miss Richardson that I thought you would probably like to speak with her this evening. I will call her for you after your dinner, if you wish.

  “Jason,” she added, turning to him. “Miss Richardson would like a few words with you after dinner as well. As would your stepmother’s attorney, Mr. Lawrence.”

  Sara almost smiled at the slight sniff of disdain Mrs. MacDougal gave when she spoke of Mr. Lawrence.

  “I expected he would,” Jason said dryly.

  “Enough of these matters for the moment. There will time enough after dinner and before time to retire to deal with these matters. You two enjoy your meal. And Miss Sara, feel free to request what you would of Duchess. She is quite capable and will gladly prepare something else for you if our menu tonight is not to your liking.”

  “I… Uh…”

  Mrs. MacDougal frowned slightly at Sara’s words.

  At Sara’s hurried, “Yes, Ma’am, I shall,” Mrs. MacDougal smiled.

  When Jason grinned, Mrs. MacDougal cut him a sharp glance and said, “Mind your manners at the dinner table, Master Jason!”

  Jason lost his grin, and like Sara, hurriedly said, “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “Very good,” Mrs. MacDougal said, then strode regally from the room.

  Before Jason or Sara could say anything Duchess entered the dining room pushing a serving cart.

  Neither Jason nor Sara paid much attention to the meal, eating what was set before them. It was only when she lay in the comfortable bed later that Sara realized that the meal had seemed soothing, as well as filling.

  Several times during the meal Sara started to lambaste Jason, but each time the words came to her she looked over at the dining room serving door, expecting Mrs. MacDougal to come through. She decided not to speak each time.

  After the light dessert, when Jason courteously thanked Duchess, Sara did the same. Jason stood and moved behind Sara’s chair, pulling it back to allow Sara to rise.

  Sara had seen enough movies to realize that Jason had seated her earlier and was holding her chair for her now as an ingrained habit. He had obviously been brought up to do things in the manner she had sometimes thought was only a movie fantasy.