Merciless by Diana Palmer Read Free Book Online Page B

love rain,” he added plaintively.
    â€œI know you do, sweetheart, but your lungs don’t,” she said, trying to explain. “You don’t like being sick.”
    He shook his head. “I don’t like making you upset, too.” He dived against her side and held on tight. “I love you so much, Mommy!”
    â€œI love you, too, pumpkin,” she replied and hugged him back, hard.
    â€œI’ll wear my coat next time.”
    They both knew he was lying. She’d just have to be more careful. It wasn’t the rain, the doctor had told her, but the fact that Markie was sensitive to viruses and he’d had one starting when he got wet. It wasn’t dangerous for a healthy child, but then, Markie had never been really robust.
    The specialist changed his allergy medicines. Joceline talked to the drug company and they agreed voluntarily to give her the inhalers for a fraction of the retail cost. The medication seemed to be working, too. Markie perked up. His valleys and peaks leveled off and he settled into school with resignation. Joceline had a long talk with Markie’s teacher and the owner of the day care, and an attorney who was kind enough to help her pro bono . For the time being, the bullying was curtailed. But they did mention that Markie was distracting in the classroom and set a date for her to come back, alone, and discuss it with them.
    Meanwhile, Markie got better and Joceline got her nerves back together. There was still the question of a diagnosis for Markie’s behavioral problems. She didn’t know what to do. There was really nobody who could help except their doctor. She’d asked him about Markie and he agreed that it was possible that the child had attention deficit disorder. He was researching the medications and considering a reply for her.
    She was doing well until Cammy Blackhawk stormed into the office and glared at Joceline as if she was a hooker.
    â€œI would like to see my son,” she said haughtily.
    Joceline, practiced at handling gruff and unpleasant individuals, gave her a vacant smile. “Of course, ma’am. Won’t you have a seat in our modern and ergonomically designed waiting area?”
    Cammy blinked.
    Joceline picked up the phone. “Mrs. Blackhawk is here to see you, sir.”
    Jon came out the door at once, looking oddly protective as he glanced at Joceline and then at Cammy.
    â€œHi,” he said.
    Cammy stared at Joceline uncomfortably and then back at her son. “I want you to come to supper tonight,” she said firmly. “I’m having a soiree…”
    â€œSoiree?” Jon asked, surprised.
    â€œIt’s a French word, sir,” Joceline told him helpfully. “It means a small, informal dinner…”
    â€œI know what it means!” he snapped.
    She saluted him.
    He rolled his eyes. “Cammy, I can’t come. I’m having supper with Mac and Winnie,” he said firmly.
    â€œDon’t call me Cammy! I’m your mother!” she grumbled.
    â€œAnd I don’t want to try to eat while I’m being regaled with the latest fashion information,” he continued irritably.
    â€œMany, many people buy specialized magazines to ferret out that information,” Joceline began enthusiastically.
    â€œDo you mind?” Cammy snapped at her. “I am trying to speak to my son!”
    Joceline saluted her, too, smiled again and went back to typing on the computer.
    â€œCome in here,” Jon muttered, pulling Cammy into his office. He closed the door. “For the last time, I do not want to have supper with your matrimonial candidate!”
    â€œShe’s a nice girl!”
    His narrowed eyes glittered. “I don’t want to get married! Winnie’s pregnant. Why don’t you go and overwhelm her with motherly advice?”
    Cammy averted her eyes. “She’s getting that from her own mother. I’m superfluous.”
    â€œWell, you can