Page 14 of Complicated Past

Linc’s head jerked slightly, and the muscles in his back tightened. He turned and set the plates on the table. “We’re worth it,” he said tightly.

“I didn’t mean?—”

“It’s okay,” he cut her off.

Clearly, it wasn’t. Dammit. He projected such confidence that she hadn’t anticipated his self-worth issues. But it was an issue common to former foster youth.

“What was the best thing you did at school today?” Linc waited until Jalen had taken a few bites to ask.

His little face scrunched up as he thought. “I did the obsacle course four times!” He held up four fingers.

Kendra smiled at the way he pronounced obstacle.

“Way to go, J-man. Did you pay attention during story time?”

Jalen gave an impish grin as his answer.

“Jalen,” Linc warned.

“It was a loonng story.” The kid drew the word out in a whine.

“Do you remember what the book was about?”

His mouth scrunched up, and he shook his head.

“You owe me a fry then.” Linc reached for Jalen’s French fries.

Jalen quickly pulled his plate close and covered it with his arms. “You have fries.” He scowled.

“Yeah, but yours taste better.” Linc held out one of his fries to Jalen, who dunked it in ketchup. “See?”

Jalen thoughtfully selected one fry and held it out. When Linc took a bite, Jalen laughed.

The way Linc engaged Jalen had Kendra’s mind going places that would only end in disappointment—or worse. The realization that she was confined to this house with no real means of transportation made her chest tighten. She didn’t have a choice. Even Clara agreed this was the safest option. She intentionally slowed her breathing. Linc wouldn’t try anything, not with Jalen here.

In less than twenty-four hours, she’d gone from doing her usual thing as a social worker to being targeted by people associated with drug smugglers. That was insignificant compared to Jalen, who didn’t know about either his mother or his grandmother. They’d taken him out of his familiar place and routine. Linc was here now, but what would happen with Jalen if something happened to Bri?

While she understood Linc wanted to help Bri, she needed to talk him out of his crazy ass plan to go to Mexico on his own. Even if Clara was right and he was in Delta—which was impressive—he needed to leave this to the proper authorities. Once Jalen was in bed, she could launch her battle plan.

Before she could clear their plates after they ate, Linc collected them and carried them to the sink.

“I’ll do the dishes,” Kendra offered.

“I got it. I said we’d use them. Besides, you’re being inconvenienced already.”

Jalen came to Linc’s side with the hand towel as he rinsed the plates. “I help.”

Despite turning her down, Linc handed him one.

“I can help around the house,” Jalen sang.

“Good job, J-man.”

“If I help Mommy, I get to watch a show. Can I watchBluey?”

“We’ll see if we can find it on the T.V. After we build the fort.”

“Yay.” Jalen nearly dropped the second plate.

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