No Way Out, Fern Michaels [korean ebook reader TXT] 📗

Mitchel had violated the visitation rules—“they were on their way back.”

“Funny you should say that. I thought she was in a very un-Vivian mood when she dropped him off. She was smiling and genuinely nice. What’s up with that?” Elaine asked. “Not that I mind. But if we can figure out what put her in a good mood, maybe we can buy a hundred of whatever it was.” Elaine chuckled.

“I’m about to find out. What are you up to?” Greg asked.

“Working on a proposal for some funding for the school.”

“You are the best.” Greg gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll fill you in later.”

Greg went back outside to hear the rest of this most interesting story about his mother. Greg and Mitch only referred to her as “Ma” when they were alone together. She had made it abundantly clear that she was to be called “Mother.” Period.

“Continue, please.”

“Yeah, so she gets back, wearing this pink, flowery scarf. Something I had never seen on her before. I mean it wasn’t just that particular scarf, but you know how she dresses. Anything dark, boring, dowdy.” Mitchel finished what was left of his beer. “Then, get this, she turns on the radio and starts singing along to ‘Sweet Caroline.’ ”

“Are you sure that was our mother? Is it possible that some alien from Mars or somewhere took over her body or something?” Greg leaned in closer.

“Right? Crazy. But anyway, we had ice cream, then went bowling. I’m kinda pooped, to tell you the truth.”

“So all went well with Jackson?”

“Yeah, man. The movie was awesome. I mean, like the special effects. Then, when we were having ice cream, she was still in a great mood. I was waiting for her mood to change, but it never did. It was so bizarre. She even joked about bowling shoes.” Mitchel was shaking his head. “Jackson was getting such a kick out of her. He even sang in the car. ‘Bap-bap-baa.’ It was a great day, for sure.”

Greg gave his brother a high five. “Way to go! So, what’s next?”

“We do it again next Saturday.” Mitchel crushed his beer can in his hand. “I told Jackson he could decide what it will be. Let’s just hope it’s something Ma will want to do.”

“By the sound of it, she may be fine. Elaine just told me the same thing. Ma was in a good mood and unusually nice when she brought you home.”

“I guess miracles can happen.” Mitchel gave his brother a pat on the shoulder and went back inside. “You mind if I make a sandwich? I’m getting a little hungry.”

“Help yourself,” Greg called from the yard. Then thought. Odd. Mitchel’s never asked if he could do anything before.

Mitchel fixed himself a cheese sandwich and poured himself a large glass of water. It felt wonderful to feel good.

* * *

Mitchel woke up the next morning without his usual hangover. He had even slept on the futon instead of the sofa. He rubbed his chin, feeling for morning whiskers. Not too bad. Must have given myself a really good shave yesterday.

Then he thought about the outing yesterday with Jackson and his mother. It had started out a bit rocky, but ended up being a great day. He still could not get over the change in his mother’s behavior, but he wasn’t going to question it. He was going to pray that, whatever the reason for the change, it was permanent.

Chapter Eighteen

Ellie bolted upright and started gasping for breath. The nightmares had returned. Her pajamas were soaked in sweat. She was shivering. Buddy jumped up and started to woof softly. He nudged her arm. “It’s OK, pal. Mommy’s OK.” She hugged him close to her neck. He kept nudging her, begging for reassurance. She wasn’t sure who needed it more, Buddy or her. Even Percy was disturbed by Ellie’s sudden jerk. As aloof as he appeared, Percy was a big mush and would pace and meow if he felt anything was amiss. “It’s OK, guys.” She rocked back and forth, clutching her dog. “It’s OK, it’s OK, it’s OK.” She tried the deep-breathing exercise her therapist Zach Meyers had taught her. That was helping a bit. She didn’t panic. That was a step in the right direction, in spite of the nightmare. When the nightmares began after the episode in New York, she would wake up screaming. Now she could stop the horror as soon as she woke up. Baby steps. Progress.

She checked the clock on her nightstand. It was five in the morning. She got up, went into the bathroom, and ran a hot shower. Maybe she could get in a little more sleep once she washed off the terror.

By the time she had finished the shower and dried her hair, it was almost 6:00. She debated whether she should try to get a little more shut-eye or check her client list for the day.

Buddy gave her a woof, indicating he was ready to do his morning duty. “OK, pal, let’s go.” She shuffled into the kitchen and disarmed the alarm system, unlocked the interior laundry-room door, and let Buddy go through the doggie doors to do his business.

Percy was already on the counter waiting for his food when she heard Buddy barking. It was a bark indicating he knew who it was. But who could it be at this hour? Hector usually didn’t get there until 7:00. She looked out in the yard and saw it was Jackson, standing outside the front fence. What is he doing here so early? Does his mother know?

She went to the security console and pressed the intercom. She hoped he could hear her from the speaker next to the door. He was about twenty feet away.

“Jackson?” she called, and saw him jump. He wasn’t expecting to hear her voice this early either. “Is everything all right?”

“Oh, hi, Miss Bowman. Yeah, everything is fine. I’m sorry if I disturbed you. I didn’t know what time Buddy came out in