The doorbell rang, startling Trevor. Was it the man he’d seen at school? The chills crawling up his body felt like an army of ants. He’d left his cell phone in his backpack by the front door. If he went that way, whoever was at the door would see him. His heart was racing. His mom always cautioned him not to answer the door to strangers. He considered ducking low behind the kitchen island but stopped when he heard a woman’s voice.
“It’s Jane! Are you home, Trevor?”
He looked at Tank. “Should we let her inside?”
Tank barked.
Trevor hesitated before walking to the door and opening it. A blast of cold air hit him in the face.
“There you are! You gave me a scare.”
His heart sank. He had no idea why she was here. But he wanted her to leave.
“Your dad said you were due to be home at three thirty. I knew he had a meeting to be at, so I thought I’d come over and keep you company.”
“I have Tank. We’re fine.”
“Don’t be silly.” She stepped inside carrying two brown bags, one in each arm, and swept past him. “You can call me Auntie Jane like your sister does,” she said from the kitchen.
He shut the door and locked it. “Jane is fine.”
“Have it your way.”
He turned and nearly jumped out of his skin at finding Jane hovering. The groceries were no longer in her arms. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to notice that she’d scared him to death.
“Want to go shopping?” she asked.
“No, thanks.”
“Not even for that software program you’ve been wanting for a while now?”
Standing so close, he had to crook his neck to meet her gaze. She was much taller than his mom. The heels made her even taller. He narrowed his eyes. She couldn’t possibly know what software he’d been yearning for. “ModelFlow600?”
She nodded. “I can imagine how difficult it must be for you to be home alone, knowing your mom is clear across the world. You deserve it. You’re a smart kid. You’ve probably already finished your homework.”
He’d finished it at school, but how would she know that? He said nothing.
“It would give you something to do until she returns. It’s not a video game. It’s a learning tool. I would think that would make your mom happy . . . to know you’re learning new skills in your free time, instead of playing video games or watching TV.”
The program cost more than $2,000. “I should call Mom and ask her if it’s okay.”
“She’s busy. I’ve been trying to call her all day.”
“Weren’t you supposed to go with her?” He swore Jane’s eyes narrowed. She obviously didn’t like him asking questions.
“Something came up,” she said.
Trevor wasn’t sure why, being that he didn’t have any concrete reason to dislike her, but he really didn’t trust her. “What came up?”
Her eyes flashed again, but she quickly composed herself. “One of our most important customers—worth millions of dollars to the company—called me right as I was leaving for the airport. He’s having a difficult time getting his employees up to speed with the new software, and he wanted a word with your mother.”
“Not Mom’s problem. Sounds like poor training on his part. Learning how to use new software isn’t easy.”
Eyes wide, Jane took a small step back, as if she were shocked he’d said more than three words to her. Or maybe it was something else. She was so strange, it was hard for him to figure out what she might be thinking.
She nodded and said, “Yes, that’s part of your mom’s job. But what happened was not her fault. I’ve been stretching her thin. She told me she had too much on her plate, but I didn’t listen. So, all in all, it was my mistake.”
“Who is the customer?”
She looked him over, her gaze taking him in from head to toe. “Aren’t you the curious one.”
He said nothing.
She shrugged. “The client’s name is confidential, I’m afraid. But no need to worry. I calmed him down, and it’s all been taken care of.”
He said nothing as he watched her closely, trying to figure out why his senses were on high alert. And why he didn’t trust her. Tank had been at his side the entire time he’d been talking to her, and although she hadn’t petted his head, she hadn’t wrinkled her nose or tried to toss him outside, either. “So if it’s all taken care of, why aren’t you on your way to Paris?”
She laughed. “For a quiet boy, you sure ask a lot of questions.” This time, she looked away. He was getting to her. She focused her attention on Tank and said, “The next flight won’t take off until tomorrow. By the time I got there, the event would be nearly over.”
A low rumble sounded. Tank was growling. Trevor petted his head. “It’s okay, boy.”
She looked back at him. “So what do you think? Ready to go shopping?”
“No, thanks. I don’t think Mom would be happy about it.”
“Okay, have it your way.” She went back to the kitchen. “I’m going to make spaghetti. I heard it was your favorite.”
“Does Dad know you’re here?”
She smiled over her shoulder at him. “You are a tough nut to crack, aren’t you?”
He shrugged.
“I already told you that I talked to your dad. He was so excited that you wouldn’t be here alone.” She released a breath as if it were a chore. “Listen, Trevor. Your mom means the world to me. We’re friends, and I want to do whatever I can to make her life easier—”
“You mean make Dad’s life easier,” Trevor cut in. “Since he’s the one in charge while Mom is gone.”
“Well, I’m sure your mom will appreciate my efforts either way.” She started opening cupboards and drawers near the stove. “Where do you guys keep your pots and pans?”
He walked past her and opened the pantry door. “Most of them are in here.”
Jane walked inside the pantry and easily reached the highest shelf for a pot. The sleeve of her blouse fell to her elbow. “What happened to your arm?”
“What?”
“That scar I saw on the back of your arm when you reached for the pot. What happened?”
Again, she looked away. She walked back into the kitchen, busying herself with emptying the paper bags. He didn’t think she was going to answer his question, but suddenly she stopped what she was doing. This time, she made eye contact, and he didn’t like what he saw. Sadness? Anger? He wasn’t sure.
“I was in a car accident.”
In a flash, her eyes went from hard and dark to soft. She blinked, looking suddenly like she might cry, making him wish he’d never asked.
“The accident changed my life, and I’d really rather not talk about it if you don’t mind.”
Trevor nodded. His face felt warm. For the first time since he’d met Jane, he felt sort of bad about not liking her. Lots of people didn’t like dogs. It didn’t make them a bad person, did it?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Nora was about to disconnect the call when David finally answered the phone. “Hey, honey. How’s it going?”