Local Hero by Nora Roberts Read Free Book Online

touch of anger. Or passion. “Radley isn’t going to be a latchkey child. He isn’t coming home to an empty house because I have to work.”
    Mitch set her glass by her elbow. “Coming home to empty can be depressing,” he murmured, remembering his own experiences. “He’s lucky to have you.”
    â€œI’m luckier to have him.” Her tone softened. “If you’d get out the plates, I’ll dish this up.”
    Mitch remembered where she kept her plates, white ones with little violet sprigs along the edges. It was odd to realize they pleased him when he’d become so accustomed to disposable plastic. He took them out, then set them beside her. Most things were best done on impulse, he’d always thought. He went with the feeling now.
    â€œI guess it would be a lot easier on Rad if he could come back here after school.”
    â€œOh, yes. I hate having to drag him across town, though he’s awfully good about it. It’s just so hard to find someone you can trust and who Radley really likes.”
    â€œHow about me?”
    Hester reached to turn off the gas but stopped to stare at him. Vegetables and chicken popped in hot oil. “I’m sorry?”
    â€œRad could stay with me in the afternoons.” Again Mitch put a hand over hers, this time to turn off the heat. “He’d only be a couple floors away from his own place.”
    â€œWith you? No, I couldn’t.”
    â€œWhy not?” The more he thought of it, the more Mitch liked the idea. He and Taz could use the company in the afternoons, and as a bonus, he’d be seeing a lot more of the very interesting Mrs. Wallace. “You want references? No criminal record, Hester. Well, there was the case of my motorcycle and the prize roses, but I was only eighteen.”
    â€œI didn’t mean that—exactly.” When he grinned, she began to fuss with the rice. “I mean I couldn’t impose that way. I’m sure you’re busy.”
    â€œCome on, you don’t think I do anything all day but doodle. Let’s be honest.”
    â€œWe’ve already agreed it isn’t any of my business,” she began.
    â€œExactly. The point is I’m home in the afternoons, I’m available, and I’m willing. Besides, I may even be able to use Rad as a consultant. He’s good, you know.” Mitch indicated the drawing on the refrigerator. “The kid could use some art lessons.”
    â€œI know. I was hoping I’d be able to swing it this summer, but I don’t—”
    â€œWant to look a gift horse in the mouth,” Mitch finished. “Look, the kid likes me; I like him. And I’ll swear to no more than one Twinkie an afternoon.”
    She laughed then, as he’d seen her laugh a few hours before from his window. It wasn’t easy to hold himself back, but something told him if he made a move now, the door would slam in his face and the bolt would slide shut. “I don’t know, Mitch. I do appreciate the offer, God knows it would make things easier, but I’m not sure you understand what you’re asking for.”
    â€œI hasten to point out that I was once a small boy.” He wanted to do it, he discovered. It was more than a gesture or impulse; he really wanted to have the kid around. “Look, why don’t we put this to a vote and ask Rad?”
    â€œAsk me what?” Radley had run some water over his hands after he’d finished talking to Josh, and figured his mother was too busy to give them a close look.
    Mitch picked up his wine, then lifted a brow. My ball, Hester thought. She could have put the child off, but she’d always prided herself on being honest with him. “Mitch was just suggesting that you might like to stay with him after school in the afternoons instead of going over to Mrs. Cohen’s.”
    â€œReally?” Astonishment and excitement warred until he was bouncing with