Page 12 of Wed to You-
“There’s no need to come down, Mr. Talbot. I understand your concern. The busses are just arriving here at school and we’ll make sure no one other than you—”
“I’m coming. Check on him now.” He hung up, not wanting to listen to more patronizing. The schools made such a big deal about safety and parent involvement, but boy did they make it hard sometimes.
He made a circle around the school, looking for Tanya and her car. Not seeing them didn’t alleviate his dread. He parked and ran into the school, making a beeline to Kaden’s classroom.
“Mr. Talbot.” A tall, lean, middle-aged woman in a navy dress stepped out from the office as he made his way past. She held out a paper. “Kaden is fine, but you’ll need this visitor’s pass to go to his class.”
He skidded to a halt long enough to grab the paper. “Thanks.” And he was thankful. She got it; she understood his fear and panic. He ran, not caring that he was breaking rules, to Kaden’s classroom. He got himself under enough control to look through the door’s window instead of bursting in like a lunatic. At first, the room looked empty, but as he scanned, he saw the children standing in a semi-circle around Chelsea. They were making strange hand movements. He listened and realized they were singing and acting out a song. Scanning further, he saw Kaden standing next to Chelsea. Relief came in a wave.
“As you can see, he’s fine.”
Jagger turned his head.
The woman who’d handed him the visitor’s pass was standing next to him.
“Thank you.”
“As the principal, I normally wouldn’t allow a parent to go running through the halls, but it sounded as if you felt he was in danger. As a divorced parent myself, I can understand the type of fear that a potential abduction could evoke.”
He nodded, not bothering to correct her assumption that he’d been married to Tanya. He looked back in the classroom just to be sure Kaden was still there.
“But, now you know he’s okay, and I assure you, we’ll keep him safe, you can go and let him have his last day of school.”
On an intellectual level, Jagger understood what she was saying. However, deep in his gut, he knew there was no way he would let Kaden out of his sight. Not until he knew where Tanya was and what her intentions were.
“I’m not leaving—”
“Mr. Talbot. You can’t stand outside the door all day.”
“I’ll volunteer.”
When the principal didn’t answer, he turned to look at her. She was studying him. Granted, he wasn’t Kaden’s parent. He was a spoiled, rich, former playboy, which he supposed detracted from his character. But he’d spent the last year raising Kaden on his own and, before that, he’d spent much of his time helping with Kaden’s care. He was as much a parent as anyone. He certainly loved Kaden as if he was his father.
Apparently, the principal saw what she needed. “I’m sure Miss Beemer would appreciate the help, since her aide called in sick today. But—”
He reached for the door handle.
“Pull yourself together. Children can sense fear and worry in the adults around them. I don’t want you worrying Kaden or the other children.”
He nodded, took a deep breath to steady his nerves, plastered on asmile, and opened the door.
“Miss Beemer?” The principal stepped in behind him. “Mr. Talbot has graciously agreed to help out today since Mrs. Gordon can’t be here.”
Chelsea’s eyes widened in surprise but then she smiled. It was a warm, welcoming smile that made him feel he’d earned a point with her.
“Jagger!” Kaden ran to him, grabbing his hand and pulling him back to the group. “We’re singing.”
“I saw you.” Jagger let himself be drawn into the circle.
“Class, this is Mr. Talbot, Kaden’s—” Chelsea frowned and looked to Jagger..
“He’s my nephew,” Kaden told his class. “My dad was his grandpa.”
While Jagger was sure the children didn’t quite understand, they didn’t seem to care either.
“Good morning, Mr. Talbot.” They all chimed in a chorus.
“Good morning.”
