Natural Reaction by Terri Reid Read Free Book Online Page B

said. “But if they are with you, I know I wouldn’t have to worry about them at all.”
    “Would it be better if Ian and I limited our time at Mary’s?” Bradley asked. “I don’t want them to feel uncomfortable.”
    Katie laughed and shook her head. “You’ve become one of his heroes,” she replied. “If there were a Police Chief Alden action figure, I believe you would have even replaced Wolverine.”
    “Big tall beast-like creature,” Mike whispered to those who could see him. “Yeah, I can see the resemblance.”
    “And I do believe my Maggie has a crush on Ian,” she said.
    He chuckled. “Aye, she’s a rare bonnie lassie,” he said. “She’ll be breaking hearts when she’s older.”
    “Needless to say, I’d love to have them stay here,” Mary said. “And I promise to take good care of them.”
    Katie shook her head. “I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about how much you’re going to spoil them while I’m away.”
    Laughing, Mary shrugged her shoulders. “Well, you might have a little to worry on that count. But I’ll try not to spoil them too much. When do you want to bring them over?”
    Hesitating for a moment, Katie said, “Well, if it isn’t too much of an imposition, I could bring them over now. We have to leave for the airport in the next couple of hours.”
    “Now would be great,” Mary said. “Is there anything they shouldn’t eat? Anyone I should call if they get sick?”
    “They’ll eat you out of house and home,” Katie said. “And don’t let them talk you into a diet of sweets and snacks.”
    “Ach, no, they’ll have porridge for breakfast to get a good start of the day,” Ian said. “I’m sure the wee kiddies would enjoy that. And would you like us to prepare a lunch for them to bring to school? I could whip up some meat pies…”
    “They usually bring a lunch from home, but they can eat lunch at school if you’d rather not,” Katie said. “And I’ll bring over a list of emergency numbers and a letter giving you medical power of attorney in case there’s an emergency and you can’t get in touch with us.”
    “I’m sure everything will be fine,” Bradley said. “Mary is not only great with the kids; she was also trained as an emergency responder through the Chicago Police Department. She’s probably better trained than most EMTs.”
    Katie released a slow breath. “I didn’t know that,” she said. “And, I have to say, it eases my mind even more.”
    “I’ll get the other guest room ready,” Mary said. “It has a full sized bed and a trundle bed too. Will that work?”
    “Oh, yes, that will be perfect,” she said. “I know that Andy is going to be fine, but Maggie is a little nervous when she’s away from home. Being close to her brother will help quite a bit. Thank you, Mary. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
    “No need to thank me,” Mary said. “I was just looking for something to keep me occupied for a little while. This is a heaven sent blessing.”
    Katie walked to the door and let herself out. “Well, hopefully by the end of the week, you’ll still think they were sent from heaven rather than somewhere else.”

Chapter Nine

    Twelve year-old Andy Brennan and his eight year-old sister, Maggie, were almost as thrilled as Mary when they arrived at her home less than fifteen minutes later.
    “Guess what Mary?” Andy said, his eyes sparkling with pleasure. “I get to stay at your house for…”
    He glanced over to his mother for confirmation.
    “A few days,” Katie said.
    He nodded. “A few days… or maybe a week… or maybe even a year.”
    “I know,” Mary said. “I’m pretty excited about it.”
    “Is he staying here too?” Maggie asked, pointing shyly at Ian.
    Squatting down next to her, Ian winked at her. “Aye, I’m staying here too,” he said. “Is that fine with you, or would you be throwing me out in the street this cold winter night?”
    She giggled and pressed herself against