Page 12 of Broken Prince

Tell me, Cassandra West, are you here to stay?

Chapter Five

CASSIE

One thing was certain, by expecting the worst about that job, I was actually pleasantly surprised.

It was true that I felt immensely lonely in this big house but at least it was not the hellhole Ms. Lebowitz was convinced it was and I’d called her to tell her that. I’d also called Mrs. Broussard too to reassure her and have some human contact.

It really felt like this house was working on a different plane. I’d seen the security details from far away in the garden as they were touring the grounds. I’d also seen one of them around the house a couple of times, but it was just glimpses. All I knew was that he was tall and muscular, with dark hair and a goatee.

I’d even been happy when I saw the car of the cleaning crew pull in on Tuesday, thinking we could bond and chat, both being house staff, but that had also been a mistake.

The four women had just come in and went straight to work. If it wasn’t for the quick hellos, I would have thought I was invisible. They were efficient, moving around with military precision, having done the whole house, including my bedroom, in under four hours.

But today I was happy. I was going to see Jude, and I wouldn’t have to face people as I was allowed to take the staff car, a cute little Chevrolet Spark.

I missed my brother so dearly, and despite the little calls that Amy helped us sneak here and there, I lived for these Thursday afternoons.

I was ready to go, shouldering my handbag, but stopped by the HCS. That had been the only rule I broke. I was messaging him, the mysterious owner of this gloomy house. He had not replied since that first time and yet I kept messaging him. I wasn’t sure why. The more I did it, the less I believed he would answer, and yet I hoped. I was just so lonely that any kind of connection—even through a screen—would be welcome.

He had not yet told me to stop bothering him so part of me thought he liked getting my random messages and that made me smile, especially since I’d bothered him for a couple of hours yesterday telling him how I would love to redo his garden and that gardening had always been a passion of mine.

‘I’m going to see my brother. Do you need me to bring you anything?’

The two ticks appeared, received, and read. I waited a minute.

‘I’m going to the candy store and buy my weight in sweets and I will shamelessly eat them in my bedroom. Do you want some?’ The double tick appeared with still no reply. ‘Okay, that’s fine. I’ll pick for you. I’ll be back around six. I’ll bring some takeout too, so you don’t have to cook for yourself.’

All the thoughts of the isolated manor and the hermit owner vanished when I parked at the Home where Jude was staying.

“You look well,” Amy announced as she came to get me from reception.

I nodded. “I’ve got a job now. It pays very well. I should be able to get Jude soon.”

“Yes, I’ll help you. Your brother’s always speaking so highly of you. Every time he talks about you, it’s clear to me and the other social workers that you’ve always been a mother to him.” She smiled. “I don’t think getting him back will be a problem once you can prove financial autonomy.”

She directed me to the visitor room and gestured me to one of the plastic chairs.

I looked around the room, with its white walls, posters that belong more in an eighties’ waiting room than here, the neon orange plastic chairs I was sure were created to make you so uncomfortable so you wouldn’t extend your welcome.

“Do you think I’ll be able to take him out soon?”

She gave me a small smile. “I applied for it, but you know. As long as you’re not entirely cleared by the authorities—”

“But—” I shook my head, taking a deep breath. I couldn't take my frustration out on Amy; she’d been on our side from the start. She’d told me that her main goal was to keep our family united and keep Jude in the system for as little as possible. “They told me I was cleared; they even apologized.” Which I knew was uncommon.

She nodded. “Yes, they did. It’s obvious you didn’t do anything, but bureaucracy…” She rolled her eyes. “Once the report hits my boss’ desk, I promise I'll get it to the family judge as a priority to get you more rights.” She smiled at me. “I’ve got to admit supervising your visit though is the highlight of my days. So much love.”

My heart squeezed painfully in my chest. Jude was the person I loved the most in the world.

“We’ll be right back,” she said before disappearing behind the door.

I walked closer to the door, somehow not wanting to lose another second with Jude by sitting down at the end of the table.

As soon as he walked in, his face filled with the same glee I sure was reflecting on my face at seeing him.

He ran to me and hugged me tightly.

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