Page 40 of Prospecting

“She stays where she is,” Tappn said firmly as the little girl chortled and ate.

“You’ll spoil her,” Hazel said. “Mia, she needs discipline.”

“She’s fine,” Mia said leaning on Tappn.

“If you think that’s the correct way to parent,” Hazel said even as her tone implied otherwise.

Mia looked to Tappn who nodded. “I’m moving in with Tappn,” she said as her parents sat down.

“This is a mistake,” Hazel said. “You barely know him.”

“Hazel, leave them be,” Louis said putting food on her plate. “Look at how happy they are.”

“His quarters aren’t on this ship,” Hazel said. “We always watch Frannie in the afternoons.”

“You won’t need to,” Tappn said. “Mia is taking the position Calli offered. She will have Frannie in the morning. Frannie will go to the crèche in the afternoon while she works. In the evenings, we will care for her together.”

“You can’t take over my daughter’s life,” Hazel objected.

Mia cringed away from her mother. “We’re taking today to move our things,” she said. She started to move away from Tappn, but he cleared his throat. She put her hand on his thigh, looked up at him. “It’s what I want. He makes me happy.”

“This is like before,” Hazel said her tone edging towards hysterical.

“No, it isn’t,” Louis said. “We’ll visit when we have time off. Tappn’s been patient with her. You will not interfere. Now eat your breakfast.”

“Can’t you see, he’s just like,” Hazel stopped short seeing the anger on Tappn’s face.

“Hand me the munchkin,” Louis said. “Hazel, eat your food and stop being ridiculous. Tappn is more protective of her than you are.”

Tappn handed Frannie to Louis. “We would enjoy an occasional visit,” Tappn said. He saw the negative influence Hazel had on Mia, saw the weakness in the woman. “Mia will have her own money which I will help her invest for her children’s future.”

“I see,” Hazel said. “If you think it’s appropriate, Louis.”

“I do,” Louis said as he handed Frannie a small berry.

***

“Mom, I don’t understand,” Sheridan said panic started to grip her stomach. “What do you mean Mia’s gone?”

Hazel Pitroski rung her hands together as she tried to explain. “Frannie’s here with us.”

“I can hear Frannie,” Sheridan said annoyance edging her voice. Cade slept while she made this call to her parents. They were shifting locations again. Over the last year, they covered a third of the sites the corporation wanted. She took care of the messages because Cade hated doing it. When she checked the messages, one was from her mother marked urgent. Cade rolled over hearing Sheridan’s distress. Sliding on pants before he got out of bed, he moved to stand behind her. Taking her hand, he listened.

“Mia has gotten married,” Hazel said. “At least I think that’s what they meant.”

“Did Tappn take her,” Cade asked.

“Yes,” Hazel said. “He said they would be back in a couple weeks. He knows Mia needs to be here for Frannie.”

“When did they become lovers,” Cade asked.

Hazel said, “I don’t like to interfere.”

“When,” Cade asked.

“A week ago,” Hazel said.

“Why would she go with him,” Sheridan asked.

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