Chapter Three

      Nina sat cross-legged on the floor of her living room. It was late afternoon. The sandwich Helen had insisted on packing for her when Nina had picked up the children was lying uneaten on a plate on the coffee table. Tommy had made a small attempt to eat his, but he’d only managed a couple of bites. Helen had been supportive, and at any other time Nina would have stayed with her during the afternoon, gaining strength from their combined hopefulness. But today she’d felt the need for some time alone with her children. She’d also sensed that Helen needed a little time on her own. Her mother-in-law had been as shaken as she had. So, leaving Helen to break the news to Ray, she’d left and come home.

      Beside her, Pete was building with his Legos. Elizabeth had set out her toy tea service on the near end of the coffee table and was hostessing a tea party. She’d set places for Pete, her mother, Tommy, herself and her dolls, Sarah Jane and Mary Beth. Nina had provided juice in place of the tea, and there were homemade cookies provided by Helen Lindstrom for all.

      Pete, who had already eaten his cookie, periodically stopped his building to take a bite out of Sarah Jane’s. Elizabeth, having finished hers, was nibbling on Mary Beth’s.

      Tommy, still looking drained and pale from the trauma of the MRI scan, was lying on the couch watching television. He was only nibbling at his cookie, and Nina was certain his bouts of dizziness were getting worse.

      A knock on the door brought a mental groan. She was not in the mood for visitors. All of her energy was being expended in not letting the children guess how terrified she was for Tommy.

      A second knock brought her to her feet. Its firmness let her know that whoever was there was not going to leave.

      As she headed to the door, it occurred to her that it was probably Ray and Helen coming to check on her and the children. And their company would be welcome. The children loved their grandparents, and both Helen and Ray were good at putting on cheerful faces for them in times of adversity. As for herself, having Helen and Ray here might help keep her mind from the more morbid paths it kept trying to follow.

      In case she was wrong about who was on the other side, she opened the door only partially. A gasp of surprise escaped. Standing there, looking totally out of place in this low-rent district, was Alex Bennett.

      “I thought I’d stop by and see how Tommy is doing,” he said, thinking she looked even more drawn and vulnerable than she had this morning. Clearly the strain of worrying about her son was wearing her down. That could be to his advantage, and hers as well.

      “He’s fine. He’s watching television.” Embarrassed by how shabby she knew her apartment would appear to him, she continued to keep the door mostly closed.

      It was obvious she didn’t want to invite him in, but Alex refused to be deterred from the purpose that had brought him here. “I was wondering if I could speak to you.”

      Nina had to admit she was curious about why he was taking such an interest in her and her son. His manner wasn’t that of a man pursuing a woman he found attractive. He was polite but cool, almost formal. Her place, she told herself, was clean, and although the furnishings were not quality, they were functional. Still, she remained uncomfortable about inviting him in and continued to block his entrance. “What is it you want to speak to me about?”

      “You mentioned to Dr. Genkins that you’d been out of work since the storm.”

      Hope that he might have a job for her bloomed. “I worked at the Grand Springs Diner. It had extensive damage done to it during the storm and has been closed,” she confirmed.

      Alex’s gaze narrowed in recognition. “Yes. That’s where I’ve seen you before. I knew your face was vaguely familiar.”

      Mentally she patted herself on the back. She’d been right in assuming he’d never have given her a second glance if she’d simply waited on him the night of the canceled reception.

      “I have a business proposition for you.” Alex glanced up and down the public hallway and frowned. “However, I prefer to keep my business private.”

      Her hopes grew stronger. Maybe he needed a maid or a housekeeper. Either would suit her. Stepping aside, she allowed him to enter.

      Alex passed her, then stopped short. “Are all of these children yours?”

      Nina had been closing the door. Now she turned to find him surveying her brood with a stunned expression. Her shoulders stiffened defensively, and motherly pride glistened in her eyes. “Yes.”

      Alex frowned at himself. “I’m sorry. That didn’t come out right. I was just surprised. I thought you only had the one child.” Try to be more diplomatic in the future, he chided himself. He wanted her cooperation. Making her angry wasn’t going to achieve that.

      “You said you had a job for me?” Nina reminded him sharply. “Or has my having three children caused you to change your mind?”

      For a moment he hesitated. Three children would be a shock to his grandfather. However, William had no need to know about the other two. “No. No, it hasn’t,” he replied. He looked toward the children and saw recognition in Tommy’s eyes. The other two were watching him as if fearful of trouble. Their mother’s curt manner was causing them to be apprehensive. He smiled at them encouragingly, but they continued to remain guarded. Great first impression you’ve made, he told himself dryly. Glancing back at Tommy, he saw the boy push himself further into the pillow, the anxiousness of his siblings registering on his face, as well.

      “I’ve had a very long day, Mr. Bennett. If you would just tell me about the job…” Nina left off the “and leave,” but it was in her voice. She knew she should be grateful for any work, but she was tired, and his reaction to the discovery that she had three children was still grating on her nerves. His momentary hesitation hadn’t been lost on her, either.

      Recalling that children were not good at keeping secrets, he asked, “Could we speak in private?” He read the refusal in her eyes. “Children sometimes repeat what they hear and this is a very personal matter. It involves my grandfather. He’s very ill, and I’ve come to ask you for a favor…a favor I’m willing to pay for.”

      Nina had to admit the affection she heard in his voice when he spoke of his grandfather was genuine. That he had referred to what he’d come to ask of her as a favor intrigued her. She could think of no favor a person in her position could do for one in Alex Bennett’s position. It can’t do any harm to listen to what he has to say, she reasoned. “The kitchen is as private as you and I are going to get.” She looked to her daughter. “Elizabeth, keep an eye on your brothers.”

      Elizabeth nodded.

      Noticing the young girl’s shoulders straighten, and her manner become instantly adult, Alex experienced a sense of kinship. Like him, this child had been forced to grow up more quickly than others, accepting responsibilities beyond her years.

      Pete was on his feet, moving toward his mother. Squatting to his level, Nina kissed him lightly on the tip of his nose. “Go back and build something really special for me. I’ll bring you another cookie.”

      Remaining by his mother, the boy stared up at Alex anxiously.

      “I just want to talk to your mother,” Alex assured him.

      “Go on and play.” Nina turned Pete around and gave him a light nudge back toward his toys.

      “Come on, Pete. I’ll help you build something,” Elizabeth coaxed, seating herself in the place her mother had previously occupied.

      Pete cast a backward look at Nina.

      “Run