Thank God tomorrow was Saturday and she wouldn’t have to see Sam again until Monday. Her gut churned with humiliation at the thought. If he openly laughed at her, she swore to herself, she’d punch his lights out. No job was worth this level of humiliation.
But she had to keep the job, she reminded herself uneasily. As long as her family stayed in Blue Moon Junction, she needed to be able to show that she was gainfully employed, and she really, really needed the money.
Chapter Five
Clover found herself checking for Bonnie Rhoads’ station wagon when she pulled in. That woman had given her such a scare that she was constantly looking around for her car. She was relieved to see that the dragon lady was sparing them, at least for today.
Imogen greeted her at the door and Clover forced a smile as she trudged up the steps, lugging her laptop. “Sam McCoy was here a little while ago. Said he’d been trying to text you. He asked you to call.”
“Thank you!” she said politely. Yes, I’d love to be taken out on another picnic and then ditched and splattered with dirt, she thought. So Sam still wanted to hook up with her; big deal. She’d keep what was left of her self-respect intact, thank you very much.
She walked into the living room and yelled out “Monsters, I’m back!”
Then she glanced over at Imogen. “So I assume nobody committed any felonies today?” she said, as her siblings came out of the kitchen to greet her.
“They were perfect angels,” Imogen assured her. “I’m going to go check on the roast.”
“We didn’t have time to plan any heists today. We just baked bread with Miss Imogen and picked oranges,” Lennon said, strolling in with his hands in his pockets. “We’re on felony vacation. We’ll resume next week.”
“Ha ha ha, no you won’t.” She gave him a severe look. “You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.”
“Who says I like you now?” he said cheekily, then high-fived Twilight.
“Yes! That was a superior burn!” Twilight crowed as Moonlight gave him the thumbs up.
Clover shook her head and tried not to laugh. “You are all terrible. You’re lucky you’re related to me or I’d deposit every last one of you on the doorstep of the nearest home for criminally inclined children. If there is such a thing.”
She could have sworn she heard Twilight mutter to Moonlight, “Criminally inclined? I think we’re past that point.”
Autumn came downstairs carrying a package. She looked her usual sullen self as she handed it to Clover.
There was no return address, which meant it was from her parents. Nobody else would mail them a package like that. How did they even know that she was in Blue Moon Junction? Well, it was a small town; word travelled quickly.
Frustration welled up inside her. She didn’t even have a phone number, had no way to reach them if there was an emergency. They called from time to time, to check in, but she couldn’t call them back. Her parents had insisted that it was better that way – that way, if the police ever questioned her, she could tell them in all honesty that she had no idea how to find them.
They’d assured her that they would be able to track her down and get word to her once they were safely able to resurface.
Clover quickly tore the package open. Wrapped in tissue were four pairs of very pretty earrings, twists of wire with beads on them. She recognized her parents’ handiwork.
“Hope all is well. Our jewelry is selling really well. Make sure to give a pair to Autumn and the twins! We’ll call you soon.” her parents had scrawled on a folded piece of notepaper.
“Mom and Dad made these earrings. They wanted me to give them to you,” she said to Autumn, holding up a pair.
Autumn didn’t even bother to look at the earrings. “Nope,” she said, then pressed her lips together.
“Look, I’m sorry that things are the way that they are right now,” Clover said. “Our parents just made a mistake taking in Uncle Ralph, but their intentions were good. They really need to hide out until they save up enough money for a lawyer. The police tend to jump to conclusions when it comes to our family. You understand that, don’t you?”
“Yep. Trust me, I understand completely.” Autumn’s tone was cold.
Clover knew that Autumn felt abandoned by their parents. She could only hope that when her parents came back for good, things could go back to normal and they could settle down in one place. She’d stay with them from now on, no matter where they went; it was very clear that the children needed a good influence in their life.
“Well, I’ll just put them on top of my bureau. If you change your mind…”
“I won’t.” Autumn turned and walked out of the room without looking back.
*
It was dark outside, but Sam was still in his office. On any other Friday night, odds were he’d be at a bar in town, deciding which of the willing, eager women he wanted to take home, but tonight his thoughts were focused firmly on Clover.