Page 9 of Lost Little Boy
“It’s something my father used to say. If someone does a favor for you, you’ve got to return it or you’ll always have them holding it over your head. It’s like the marks in a ledger. You saved my life, and I owe you. I can’t let it stand without doing something for you in return.”
I took another drink from the can of soda I’d brought before I sat back, staring at Perry, who seemed to be contemplating something. “What’s on your mind, Perry?”
He took a drink of soda. “There’s this camping thing I want to go to, but I need a chaperone.”
“Camping thing? What’s that mean?”Camping? Really?
Perry retrieved his phone from the pocket of his coveralls and pressed a few buttons before he handed it to me. “It’s in June, and I’d like to attend. I’ve already paid for the tickets for myself and a guest. I just need someone to go with me. If you’ll come, I’ll consider us even.”
What Perry was suggesting wasn’t anything I’d usually consider, but, after meeting the guy, I found I’d do just about anything for him. Why?
Why not?
Chapter Five
Perry
“I’ll give you a few days to decide, Mr. Grassley.”
“If you stop calling me Mr. Grassley, I’ll be more likely to think about it.” He winked.
“Fine, Wex. You don’t have to go, but if you seriously want to clear your ledger, it’ll take three nights and four days with me at a camp.” I picked up my napkinfrom my lap and wiped my mouth before tossing it on the wrapper I’d used as a plate.
Wex did the same. “Still seems cheap. Let me check my schedule. I’ve had to push off some appointments overseas because of the mugging, but if I can square it, I’ll go with you. Can you give me your phone number so I can keep you updated?”
I handed over my phone so he could enter his number, and then I cleaned up the mess from our lunch. It was a welcome surprise that Wex would consider going to the camp with me, but I wasn’t completely optimistic that it would pan out. I hoped it would, but I’d rarely been that lucky.
It was a nice warm day, so I changed into the shorts and running shoes I kept in my locker in the building’s gym, having decided to run home along the trail. It was an easy way to get a run in and save money on the bus fare. I was in the stairwell on my way to the first floor to leave, when my cell pinged in my pocket.
I checked the screen to see it was the director of the Children’s Center. “Hi, Miss Daphne. What can I do for you?” I wasn’t really in a hurry, so I could help her with whatever she needed.
“Can you come to the center? I’ll explain when you get here.”
“I’m on my way.” I ran up both flights of stairs and let myself into the hallway with my key card, rushing down the hallway to the center. I tried the door but it was locked, so I knocked.
Miss Daphne came to the door and unlocked it, releasing a loud sigh. “I’m so sorry to bother you. Looks like you were about to head home for the evening.”
I shrugged. “I have nothing waiting for me. What can I do to help?”
“I have a conference call with a potential employee. Two of the teachers have resigned, and I need to fill the slots sooner than later. I was hoping you could sit with the kids while we wait for the parents to pick them up. I’m shorthanded today. You don’t have to do anything, just sit with the Jenkins brothers.” She pointed to the twin brothers on the carpet playing with the toys from the shelf.
I’d seen those boys outside on the playground, and they were wild—much like my two little brothers. Miss Daphne had said that I’d just have to sit, but I was betting there would be more to it than that.
“Sure. Uh, should you introduce me to them? I’ve seen them around, but I don’t speak with the kids because I respect that their parents taught them not to speak with strangers. We’ll move over here to this play area where youcan see us.” I didn’t need some parent coming into the center and accusing me of something shady.
“Good idea. Come on.” She led me to where the boys were crawling on the carpet and knelt next to them.
“Bertie. Bennie. This is Mr. Perry. He’s going to sit with you while I take a phone call. Please behave. Your father should be here any minute.” She turned to me. “Mr. Jenkins is running late from a meeting. He should be here soon. Wave to me when he gets here, and I’ll come speak with him.”
I nodded, and Miss Daphne went into her office to take her call. I took off my backpack and sat in one of the small chairs near the boys to make sure I could keep an eye on them and Miss Daphne could see me.
“Who are you?” the one with glasses asked. I thought Miss Daphne had called him Bertie. The glasses were the only thing that helped me tell the boys apart. They were identical in every way.
“I’m Perry Castle. What’s your name?”
“I’m Robert Jenkins and that’s Reuben Jenkins. That’s my brother.” I grinned and nodded.
“Play?” Bennie asked as he held up a tow truck. I glanced toward Miss Daphne’s open door to see her smiling at me and giving a nod, so I scooted off the chairand onto the floor, taking the tow truck from him and pushing it along the floor.
