Page 39 of The Perfect Mistake

Maybe that sort of environment works for some. Maybe it worked for Alec. But maybe it doesn’t work for his kids.

Katja has prepared a snack for them when we arrive home. I stand next to her, looking at the two kids devouring their perfectly made PB&Js.

“They’re ravenous,” she says.

“You can say that again,” I reply and lower my voice to a whisper. “Is there anything new going on with Willa?”

Katja dries her hands and leans against the counter. “Not that I know of. But, sometimes, she doesn’t tell anyone until she’s ready. You know how kids can be.”

I nod. “They were fighting in the car. Not listening to me, either. Mac had to step in.”

Her eyebrows rise. “He did?”

“Yes. They listened to him.” I give her a half smile. “Not that it isn’t surprising. He does not come across as someone you want to mess with.”

The burly, tattooed, bearded driver is a testament to the strong and silent type. I often have thoughts that he is part driver and part bodyguard. Maybe Alec hired him because he needed a driver and someone to protect his kids.

Katja smiles. “No. Well, Mac looks like that. But he would never harm anyone.”

“Of course, you two know one another pretty well, right?”

Her eyes flit from the kids to me. “A bit. We’ve both worked for Mr. Connovan for years. So, well enough, I suppose.”

I think about what Connie has told me. About her brother… and her sister-in-law. Alec’s wife passed away just a few months after I got to know Connie. It shocked her to the core. I can only imagine what it did to the rest of the family. “Did you both work here while Mrs. Connovan was alive?”

Katja nods and looks back at the kids. Sam has already finished his sandwich and is drinking juice from a cup, both of his hands securely fastened around the plastic.

“Yes,” she says quietly. “Victoria interviewed me six months before Willa was born.”

“Oh, wow. You’ve been with the family for a long time.”

“I have. There’s been a lot of changes since then. Mrs. Connovan, of course... and this apartment.”

Now it’s my turn to be surprised. “This isn’t where they all lived … before?”

“No. They bought this place just a month before she passed. Mr. Connovan moved in with an infant and a three-year-old, and a cloud of grief.” Katja looks over at me, and there’s thoughtfulness in her gaze. “Maybe that was a good decision, though. Mac and I both thought so. A new place, and a new beginning.”

The insight slots into my understanding of Alec, adding a puzzle piece to a picture that’s still only partially complete. He might be the least open person I’ve ever met. But it’s not just him. The entire family seems to carry a weight that’s not entirely their own. It’s like they’re all trying to shake off something that’s dragging them down.

“Thanks for telling me that,” I say to Katja. “It’s good to understand them all better.”

Her smile warms. “For what it’s worth… I think you’re the first nanny in a while who seems to really care. Anytime you have questions, I’m here.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” We exchange a final smile before I push off the counter and turn to the kids. “So,” I say loudly. “Willa, do you want to practice the piano right away or after a little break?”

Her piercing eyes land on me. “Why do I need to do piano today?”

“Your dad wants you to, since tennis was canceled.”

She slides off the chair and marches over to the grand piano. There’s irritation in every line of her body. “Stupid instrument,” she mutters. She sits down in front of it and ostentatiously opens the book of notes.

Maybe this is something that’s worth mentioning to Alec. Willa could have hobbies she enjoys. But because her mood has been off since I got her from school, I’m not sure if the piano is simply collateral damage right now.

Sam grabs my hand with a sticky one of his own. “Come,” he says, pulling me toward the playroom. His auburn hair is messy atop his head, and I notice that his glasses need to be cleaned again.

“What are we doing?” I ask him.

“I have an idea.”

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