Matronly Duties by Melissa Kendall Read Free Book Online Page A

around with common people.”
    The way she snarls the last two words sends a shiver down my spine. What’s wrong with common people?
    I shake my head in disbelief. I look out the doorway to see Howard casually leaning against his bike. “Yes, well, it’s a little late for that. How long do I have before I’ll be picked up?”
    I wait for her to chastise me, but when she speaks, her words astound and confuse me.
    “Well, dear, it . . . looks like it might actually be a while. Is there anyone who can wait with you? Maybe the boy who rescued you? Or someone in his family?”
    I stay silent a minute, trying to make sense of what just changed. Her tone is far too sweet to be genuine, but I play along. “Maybe. Why?”
    “The government would like to extend their gratitude, of course. For your safe return.”
    I blink. Surprised, but happy. “Okay, I could ask, I guess. But first, um . . . how is George?”
    “He’s fine. A little banged up, but he’s already returned to work.”
    I breathe a sigh of relief.
    “Thanks. Bye.” I hang up the phone and make my way outside.
    Howard is exactly where I left him, leaning against his bike.
    “How did it go?”
    “It was . . . weird, but they can’t come get me for a while. So I have some time to kill.”
    “Oh, okay.” He glances over his shoulder. “What are you going to do?”
    “Well, I was wondering if maybe I could come back to your family’s place?”
    He stares at me for a second as if I’ve lost my mind, then nods. “That would be fine.”
    “Thank you. I just have to be back here later to be collected.”
    His shoulders, which were up around his ears, visibly drop. “We can do that. Are you ready to go?”
    “Ready as I’ll ever be.” Feeling brave, I ask, “Why don’t we ride back?”
    Howard looks shocked once again but doesn’t say anything. Instead, he straddles the bike and offers me his hand.
    Time to live a little , I think as I climb up behind him.
    What’s the worst that can happen?

 
     
     
    Chapter 4
     
    The return trip to the Jameses’ home takes less than half the time. Being on the back of his bike, practically wrapped around Howard, is the freest I can remember feeling in a very long time. He’s all power and grace, weaving the bike expertly through the people on the streets. Even when a little boy runs out in front of us, he manages to miss him. The sharp swerve, however, almost sends me flying and I wrap my arms tight around his waist.
    “Are you okay?” he asks, stopping the bike and looking over his shoulder.
    I take long, deep breaths. “Yeah I’m fine . . . I think.”
    He places his hand over mine, which are clutching his shirt. He rubs gently and I release my grip a little.
    “I’ll try to take it easy. I promise.” He’s barely finished speaking and suddenly we take off again. I squeal in surprise and can hear Howard chuckling.
    “Not funny,” I gripe, poking him for good measure.
    When we come to a stop in front of the residence, I am reluctant to let go. I don’t want to lose this sense of freedom mixed with excitement and happiness. This is something I never knew was missing from my life.
    “We’re here,” Howard says. He places a hand over the back of mine and holds it there for a second before he pats them. “Come on, you need to let go so I can help you off.”
    As Howard hops off the bike, I take a better look at the Jameses’ house. It appears to be a standard family domicile, though I do note it seems to be in much better condition than those we passed between here and the post office. Howard offers me his hand and I take it, swinging my leg over the seat and tumbling off the side.
    “Whoa, there!” he says as I fall into his chest. He places a hand on my waist to steady me.
    “I’m okay, thanks.” I straighten and step away, pulling my hand from his. I’m not sure, but for a second I swear he frowns. Then it’s gone, his features back to normal.
    We head inside, where Rhonda