Page 26

Haley

Haley woke in a strange bed, in a stranger’s house. She

knew exactly where she was the moment she flexed her toes

and wriggled her fingers, coming fully awake all at once. It

was Sunday morning. She had class Monday to Friday for a

few hours every morning, and she generally spent part of the

afternoon doing research, reading, studying, and working on

the papers she had due.

Claire hadn’t come to dinner the night before. Six had rolled

around and Haley was starving after helping Jean in the

kitchen. The smell of fresh baked bread had brought on her

appetite, and no matter her circumstances, she’d dug into the

meal she helped Jean lay out, despite his protests that it was

his job, with gusto.

So what if she’d eaten alone? Claire was pouting. She’d said

that Haley wasn’t a prisoner, but it was clear she’d do

everything in her power to make the next six months miserable

ones. Or maybe she was just naturally disagreeable and mean.

Maybe that’s why, all those years ago, her dad hadn’t been

able to tolerate her. Working with her would have been hell.

Claire was probably always barking orders. Demeaning her

staff. Making the place a living hell. No wonder her dad

wanted to fix things. He’d done what he’d had to do to secure

peace. That was just Haley’s best guess, but something about it

rang true.

She wondered where Claire was at this moment.

More so because Haley was hungry and wanted breakfast.

Could she just stop in at the kitchen and grab a banana or

something, or did she have to ask permission for that too?

God, the way Claire stormed in the night before and looked at