Page 9 of Beyond Perfect

“Paperwork.”

“Lucky you.”

“Don’t stay too long in here. You’re pretty whipped.”

She arched a brow. “I don’t need your supervision over my weight routine.”

“I like to know where my people are in their fitness.”

“Whatever.”

“See you next shift,” he said on his way out. He gave a wave without looking back.

“Yep, you will.”

The woman was a mystery. From day one, she’d held her own but she needled him. He should address that with her. At his office, he sat down and wondered again why she couldn’t afford a gym.

* * *

After a lesson on the Emancipation Proclamation, the boys were heading out and Maisy touched Frankie’s shoulder. You had to be careful about touching the kids here, but she knew the boy didn’t mind. “Frankie, I need to speak to you.”

He rolled his eyes. “I knew this was gonna happen.”

“Close the door and we’ll talk right here.”

When they were seated at a table, she said, “I’ve beenaskedto talk to you. All your teachers and Mr. Phillips are worried.” She studied him. “It’s almost like you got that last demerit on purpose.”

“Does it matter anymore?”

“Does what matter?”

“I…he…” His face was so sad it made Maisy’s heart clutch.

“Frankie, please. It’s better to get things out. To tell us what the problem is.”

His shoulders slumped and he lowered his head. Maisy waited until he looked up. “It’s my brother. That’s why I got a demerit.”

“You were found trying to jump the fence where there are no guards.”

“I was trying to get to Freddie.”

“What’s happening with Freddie? Isn’t the foster care working?”

He shook his head.

“Why is that?”

Tears came to Frankie’s eyes. “Ms. Shepherd, his…his foster father tried to…you know, tried to have sex with him.”

“Oh, my God! This has to be reported. He’s got to get out of there.”

Frankie nodded. “I guess I knew that.”

“Do you want to talk more about him?”

He shook his head.

“All right. But we want you to go see Dr. Kendrick. She’s going to call you to set something up.”

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