Page 45 of Seal of Approval

“Enough. Not everyone shares my passion for sea lions. One student review said I drone on and on about them.”

I grinned. “Well, you sorta do.”

Ethan shook his head. “I think it’s best you go back to your own desk now. I’ve got sea lion work to do.”

“Only if you promise to do it quietly.” I giggled and vacated his chair.

Who would have thought I’d be laughing after another visit from Max? Max’s appearance may have ignited fear in me, but Ethan’s words had dispelled it enough to make me laugh. He said I was strong, and with him by my side, I felt that way.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Ethan

Dealing with Max had taken all the energy out of me. It was like dealing with my father. He didn’t understand the word no. He’d tried to visit us when we went to live with our grandparents. Gran and Gramps had refused. I remember listening to the conversation from the other side of the door. It sounded like he was never going to give up. But Gramps outlasted him.

Lily and Jack were sitting on the porch, watching me as I approached. I dropped into a chair next to them. Jasmine had gone to check on the kids.

“Looks like you’ve had one of those days,” Jack said.

“Yeah. Max turned up.”

Jack and Lily glanced at each other.

“Is Jasmine OK?” Lily asked.

“Yeah. Frustrated, but OK.”

“I didn’t even see him,” Jack said. “Not much of a lookout, am I?”

“What did he want?” Lily asked.

“To see the kids. Jasmine said no. She told him to contact her solicitor.”

Jack nodded. “Good girl.”

“He’s not going to give up.”

“Has Jasmine contacted the police yet?”

“The sergeant said there’s nothing he can do. We just need to keep him up to date. If Max becomes violent in any way, he’ll come right out.”

“That’s no help,” Lily said, clenching her hands together.

“What about his parole officer? Have the police contacted him?”

“The sergeant said the parole officer would have a word to Max. Let him know his actions aren’t wise.”

Jack grunted. I knew how he felt. It was like something had to happen before anyone would act. What good would that do?

“Is Jasmine going to tell the kids?”

“She’s torn. She doesn’t want them to be scared. But they need to be aware.”

It was such a hard choice. Kids were resilient, but constantly being on alert was unhealthy for them. That was all my young life had been.

I stood. “Anyway, I thought I’d keep you up to date.”

“Let us know if you need anything,” Jack said.

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