Page 33 of Believe
“Um, just to be clear we wouldn’t be in any danger would we?” she asked.
“No, ma’am,” said Miller. “If you’re concerned, we would move you and Gideon to a cottage on our property and he would go to our school.”
“Oh, wow,” she whispered. “I’ve heard it’s one of the best schools in the state.”
“Yes, ma’am. We’ve got the very best teachers for sure.”
Gideon didn’t stop chattering as they drove along River Road. When they neared the stealth bubble that diverted them to the side road, the windows went black and he oohed and ahhed at the technology.
“This is so cool!” he said.
“It is cool but I need you to do me a favor,” said Angel. “You can’t tell anyone.”
“No one would believe me anyway,” he frowned. “Besides, I keep good secrets. Mom didn’t know anything about the appliances.” Angel laughed.
“That’s true.”
When they pulled in front of the office, Miller took Tara Beauvois in to meet with the others. She knew that Gideon would be in good hands with Angel and waved at him.
“This place is awesome!” he whispered. “We’ve never lived in houses like these.”
“Well, we’re very lucky,” said Angel. “Would you like some lunch?”
“Sure!”
Inside the cafeteria, the team filled plates for the young boy watching him eat until his belly was full. When they were done, they brought out Christmas cookies and hot chocolate for the boy. Then they led him to the table with the other children to help with holiday decorations.
“He seems to fit right in,” said Miller watching the boy.
“He does. He’s pretty damn bright and resourceful. How do you think Tara will do on the interview?”
“Kari said she’s a shoe-in. She knows the firm that she works for and they’re notorious for paying their paralegals and secretaries more, when they do more, if you know what I mean.”
“I know what you mean.”
“Hiro said she makes about half what the others make and works twice the hours. What we’ll pay her will feel like the lottery to her. Do you think they’ll move into a cottage?”
“I think the boy would like that,” laughed Angel.
When Kari and the rest of the legal team walked in with Tara, smiling and laughing, they knew things had gone well.
“Hey, Mom! Look!” yelled Gideon. “We made all these decorations and these guys are my new friends. Aren’t they awesome?”
“They’re really awesome,” smiled Tara. “Hey, buddy how would you feel about moving into one of these homes?”
“Seriously? No way!” he said excitedly.
“Seriously,” smiled Kari. She held out her hand. “My name is Kari Robicheaux and that big lug over there is my husband.”
“He’s totally cool,” said the boy. “So is Mr. Angel.”
“They are pretty cool, aren’t they?” smirked Kari. “So, what do you think Tara?”
“I don’t think there’s anything to think about. You’re paying me five times what I was making at the other firm, you’re providing housing and food and my son will be attending a much better school.”
“Wonderful,” she grinned waving someone over. “Tara, this is Hawke a member of our team.”
Tara looked up at the man and immediately blushed about five shades of red. Gideon smiled at his mother then reached out a hand to Hawke.