Page 13 of Mr. January

But that’s when I see it…and my blood boils. I reach for my wallet on the bedside table, which I usually keep meticulously organized, and it appears to have been disturbed. My heart sinks as I notice that some cash in there is missing. It's not a large sum, but it's enough to confirm my suspicions.

Anger courses through me as I realize Robyn didn't just steal my heart; she also took more of my money. The mix of emotions swirling within me is overwhelming—betrayal, hurt, and now a touch of indignation.

I decide to get up and put some distance between the memories of the night and the harsh reality of the morning. I head into the bathroom for a quick shower, letting the hot water soothe my frayed nerves. The steam fills the room as I stand beneath the spray, trying to wash away the conflicting emotions that threaten to consume me. She played me for a fool. I should have dealt with this last night when I had the chance instead of taking her to bed like a horny teenage boy!

Damn it!

After dressing, I go to HR, my steps heavy with purpose. I can't let Robyn's betrayal go unanswered. I must confront her, demand answers, and find out why she played this game with me. My jaw clenches with determination as I prepare to face the woman who has stolen not only my trust but also a piece of my hard-earned money.

Arriving at Robyn's modest home, I confront a reality far removed from my own world of luxury. I wonder if this is why she needs the money…? I can’t think about that right now. My determination to confront Robyn fuels my every step as I approach her house.

As I reach her front door, I take a deep breath to steady my anger. I know I need to confront her, but I also want to understand the situation. Why did she play me? The icy exterior that has shielded me for years begins to melt away as I think about what she might be going through. I'm almost upset she didn't feel comfortable sharing whatever it is…

I hold up my fist to knock on the tattered, worn screen door, and a young girl, around ten years old, flings open the front door before I do. She's holding a book bag and looks scared to death."Did you come to take us away?"she asks, her voice trembling.

I'm confused and taken aback."Take you away? What?"I begin to reply, but before I can finish, an older boy, maybe in his early teens, scolds the girl."Be quiet, Diya. No one is taking us away. Robyn will be back when she's done at the hospital."

At the mention of Robyn being at the 'hospital,' alarm bells go off in my head. I need to find out what's going on. Before I can ask the kids any more questions, an older teenager, a female, comes to the door. She bears a striking resemblance to Robyn, making me assume she's her sister or some kind of relative.

"Rohan, Diya! You see your bus coming for school? Go, go! Why are you just standing in the door?"the older girl scolds, her voice trailing off when she notices me.

Rohan, the boy, looks at the older teenager, clearly irritated."You have to go to school too, Aradhya, and you're not the boss of us just because Robyn's not here!”

“Mrs. McGee will be back, too!"Diya quickly pipes in.

"They aren't herenow, so that makesmein charge. Get on the bus!"Aradhya admonishes the kids.

I watch as the boy and girl run toward the big yellow school bus, waiting at the corner for them. Then, I turn my attention back to the teenager who has been looking at me with curiosity and a raised eyebrow. She seems protective and ready for anything.

Before she can say anything else, I try to quickly clear up the situation."Wait, I'm not here totakeanyone. I just need to talk to Robyn. I'm Knox,"I explain, hoping to diffuse the tension and clarify my intentions with the teenager, Aradhya, who is still looking at me with suspicion. I explain I am concerned about Robyn, especially since she left her shift at the casino abruptly last night.

Aradhya's skepticism lingers as she questions,“Why don't you just call or text her?”

"Her phone goes straight to voicemail,"I reply quickly, thinking on my feet.

Aradhya seems to accept this explanation but then starts teasing me."So, you like my sister, huh?"

I can't help but laugh at her sibling playfulness."Okay, okay, yeah, I kind of like your sister, and I'm concerned about her. Is she at the hospital? Is she okay?"I ask; the anger I had felt earlier dissipates, replaced by a deep concern for Robyn and her family.

The girl's smile falters as we return to the matter at hand—Robyn is at the hospital. Aradhya explains,"Robyn is with Anika, our little sister, at Children's Hospital."I can't help but wonder how many siblings Robyn has, but that's a question for later. Right now, I need to get to the hospital to see about her.

Just then, an older woman walks up to us.“Aradhya, why aren’t you at school?”

“Was just making sure Rohan and Diya were on the bus, Mrs McGee. I’m going now. Nice meeting you, Knox.”The teenager quickly grabs her book bag and heads off, leaving me alone with Mrs. McGee, who looks at me through narrowed eyes.

"I hope you're not here to start any trouble," she says firmly.“Those kids are well taken care of and even better loved. Their sister does a fine job by them. My husband and I live just right there.”She points at a brick house next door.“We help as much as we can since the Ayyagari's passed. God rest them both…”

The woman looks back at me as if she realized she may have said too much while lost in thought.

I'm still reeling from the news of Robyn's family. What in the world is going on? Why does everyone think that I'm here to get the children?Do they think I’m C.Y.S.?

“I really just want to make sure that Robyn is okay. I heard from the kids she is at the hospital with Anika?”I say, trying the child's name that Aradhya had told me.

“What did you say your name is?” Mrs. McGee interrogates.

“I'm sorry, I'm Knox… I work with Robyn."The little white lie seems to roll off the tongue the more I say it, but Mrs McGee sees right through the B.S..

“You mean she worksfor you,Mr Forrester,”the older woman corrects me, and she laughs at my stunned expression.

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