Page 11 of Tangled Trust

"LA must be a pleasant change for you. Weather-wise, I mean."

"It’s wonderful. It’s no wonder the streets are filled with walkers and runners. It’s really easy to be outdoorsy here."

"How long have you been in our sunny paradise?" I ask.

"Just over a month."

"It’s quite a change from London. What prompted the move? If you don’t mind me asking," I add quickly so as not to make it sound like an interrogation.

"I’ve always wanted to live and work in a better climate, and California ticks all the boxes."

Jagger and Dash rush into view. I can see from the fresh mud on their messy little forms that they've been in the flower beds. Poor Mateo is going to be pissed. The patient gardener just replanted the flowers that the tiny terrors destroyed last week, and I don't have to take a walk around the side of the house to know that’s exactly where they’ve been.

Jagger’s the first one to dive bomb into the pool. Dash, determined to live up to his name, is quick on his master’s heels. Soon, the water around them is a soup of mud, leaves, and broken petals.

"I hope you have a high tolerance for dirt," I chuckle as I watch the messy trail my son and his new dog have created.

"I’m an expert in dirt management," Ella grins.

I like the way she looks at Jagger. Her eyes are kind. I can usually spot a fake—not always, but most of the time. Ella seems to be genuine in her affinity for kids.

"I’m sure Mrs. Digby’s given you all the details, but I’ll run them by you again if you don’t mind."

"Of course."

"Jagger’s mother and I have been divorced for roughly six months now. He spends most of his time with me, as Amanda travels a lot."

"Yes, Mrs. Digby said as much."

"Good. I have a pretty predictable schedule, barring a few fires here and there, but even so, I need help with Jagger. He’s a very busy boy."

"Noted," she smiles.

"Mrs. Digby provided me with your general details. I don’t recall any allergies or food preferences. Are there any personal details you’d like to discuss with me?" I ask, moving the conversation back onto safe ground.

"No. I’m healthy as a horse and not particularly fussy when it comes to food."

"I’m glad to see that you don’t smoke."

"Nasty habit."

"Indeed."

"Does Jagger have any specific needs I should know about?"

"Not that I can think of. He’s headstrong but not bratty. Busy, but adorably so, and completely besotted with Dash, so that’s new. He goes to school until 2 p.m., so afternoons are pretty crazy around here. His mother enrolled him in the music academy at his preschool, so he attends twice a week."

I watch Ella as I list the activities. Her intelligent eyes take it all in while she looks across to the pool often. Good. She’s paying attention to Jagger. At this stage, the Au Pair candidate is doing brilliantly. This is when I throw a curveball.

"Jagger’s life has been upended. I would prefer to introduce him to someone who’ll be around for a while. Do you have any plans that may take your life in a different direction from Au Pairing, Ella? I apologize if I’m blunt, but divorce is hard on kids."

"I assure you, Carter. My focus is now on Jagger and his well-being. I have no plans other than this."

"Excellent."

I check my watch. Jagger must be hungry by now. He nibbled on a banana at breakfast before he disappeared with Dash.

"Would you like to join us for lunch, Ella? The true test is whether you can stomach the table manners of a six-year-old boy and his canine companion."

---