Revelations: Book One of the Lalassu by Jennifer Carole Lewis Read Free Book Online Page B

things.”
    “But free treatment…” Martha rubbed at her bloodshot eyes. “Why aren’t these decisions ever easy?”
    “You’re exhausted. You can’t make a decision in this state. Get some rest before you talk to them. Let me keep this, and I’ll do some research, find out what I can.” He held his breath. She looked so defeated that he suspected it wouldn’t take much persuasion from Expanding Horizons to convince her to sign up. He wished he had some more direct help for her. Maybe he could talk to Celina. She knew about a lot of different grant programs.
    “Thanks, Michael. You’ve been a godsend with her. No one else managed to get so much done with her.” Martha squeezed his hand and her exhaustion and determination sapped what was left of his energy. “You’ve been a good friend to us.”
    “I’ll see what I can find out about this place.” The rising sun logo across the front burned into his eyes. Expanding Horizons : Making a difference one step at a time.
    “It would help ease my mind about sending her. Thanks again.” Martha yawned.
    After making her promise again to sleep, Michael headed to Different Ways, the treatment center he worked for. Celina wouldn’t have recommended a new program without speaking to me. Maybe I’m wrong about what I sensed. Maybe I sensed what Bernie was thinking when she held the brochure. His attempts to convince himself rang hollow, and an urgent feeling grew in his mind. Not quite a coercive flash, but not something he could ignore, either. The insight from the brochure was trying to bring something to his attention. Whether it was God or the Universe didn’t matter. Even without it, he wouldn’t abandon Bernie.
    He pulled in to the lot and, as always, the sight of the center cheered him up. It had been a regular family home, but when Different Ways moved in, they’d painted the exterior in bright primary colors and planted a wide variety of flowers and trees. A fenced-in playground held brilliant swings, slides, and jungle gyms. Everything about the place shouted welcome and proclaimed that the kids came first. His shoulders unknotted, and he relaxed for the first time since Joe had suggested they go out to celebrate. Leaving his car, he took the back door into the administrator’s office, the nerve center of the entire operation. “Hi, Celina. I’ve just come from Bernie’s. She’s had a rough night, and they need to cancel their sessions.”
    “Poor thing. How is she?” Celina flicked her attention back and forth between several computer screens, her blond ponytail bouncing in accompaniment as her fingers flew over the keyboard. Sometimes Michael wondered if she wouldn’t have been happier as a cyborg. Of course, she wouldn’t have been able to wear the latest fashions anymore, so maybe she was better off as a human.
    “We got her calmed down without having to sedate her. Listen, have you heard of a residential treatment program called Expanding Horizons?”
    Celina frowned, tapping her finger against her teeth as she thought. She shook her head. “No. Why?”
    Michael frowned. One lie caught: Celina hadn’t recommended them. “Bernie’s mom has an offer of gratis treatment from them. I wanted to check it out, make sure it’s a good program. Billy’s family is away right now, so I’m just working with Bernie. Instead of subbing at the center, could I have a few days to check into them?” He hated having to ask for favors, but something told him this would take more than a day to figure out.
    “That’s fine for today, but tomorrow I need you at the center for the lunch shift. We’re already short-staffed. Sorry.” She smiled at him, patting him on the hand.
    Long practice kept him from pulling away, but with the morning’s exhaustion, his defenses weren’t up to keeping her out. Her mind buzzed on multiple levels simultaneously like a cocktail party with a half dozen people trying to speak to him at once.
    “What’s wrong? You