The Paradise Trees by Linda Huber Read Free Book Online Page A

voice. ‘My father spent half the night trying to go walkabout and then he wet the bed, plus it’s
almost impossible to get him to eat a respectable amount of anything. Then my ghastly ex phoned, he’s threatening to fight for custody of Jen and take her to Singapore. He’s married
again and thinks he has a ‘stable home’ to offer her. And Margaret just
will not
see that my father would be better off in St. Joe’s.’
    Frank was silent for a moment, then he reached out and patted her shoulder awkwardly.
    Alicia almost jumped, embarrassed by her sudden outburst.
    ‘Right. I’ll give you different pills for Bob. And I’ll talk to Margaret again, but you know you don’t actually
need
her consent to put your father into St.
Joe’s. You’re his next of kin and I’ll back you up about this. And Alicia, for heaven’s sake, there’s no way your ex would get custody of Jenny, is there? Not in
Singapore
?’
    ‘I don’t know,’ she admitted. ‘I don’t think so. It’s just so horrible he’s threatening me like this. Imagine if I lost Jen, she - hell, where is she?
She’s been gone for ages! Jenny?’
    Christ, she had been so busy being tired and doing her father’s washing that she had forgotten to check on her daughter.
    There was no reply from the bottom of the garden, and Alicia yelled again, aware that Frank was staring at her. But thank heavens, after the second shout there was an answering call and a few
moments later, Jenny and Conker came careering up the garden.
    ‘Mummy! I found a little fairy clearing, it’s almost exactly a round circle of trees, great big high ones. We were playing a game where I’m a fairy princess, and Conker is my
trusty unicorn and we went all over the galaxy, and the circle of trees is our palace when we’re home and our spaceship when we’re travelling.’
    In spite of her fright Alicia felt her lips twitching. She glanced at Frank, and they exchanged grins.
    ‘Well, your Highness, it’s time for elevenses,’ she said. ‘You’ll have a coffee, won’t you, Frank? I promise I won’t moan too much. You can tell me more
about Sonja, and how you’re finding life in Lower Banford.’
    ‘Sonja’s having a ball in Paris, she loves the good life,’ he said, following her into the kitchen and settling down at the table, his face bright. ‘They were in
Vancouver before. I’ll give you her email address if you like. As for Lower Banford - well, I’ve just moved into Dave Morton’s old place which was last redecorated when Doctor
Kildare was a boy, so I’ve got a mammoth job in front of me. The practice suite is fine but the house is going to be... a challenge. It’s about the same era as this one.’
    Alicia grinned in sympathy. ‘Poor you. Never mind, you can do it little by little.’
    ‘That’s the idea,’ said Frank. He seemed to be enjoying sitting there drinking coffee with her and Jenny, and Alicia wondered if he had made many friends in the village. When
you weren’t talking to his doctor persona he was really quite shy; maybe he was finding his new life here lonely.
    ‘Doctor Frank, have you seen Mr Taylor from the pet shop today?’ asked Jenny, and Alicia groaned inwardly. Jen wasn’t going to forget about that kitten.
    ‘I haven’t, but I’m sure he’ll let you know about the kitten soon,’ said Frank. Alicia managed to catch his eye without Jenny noticing, and pulled a face. He rose
to the occasion straightaway, and Alicia relaxed gratefully as he spoke.
    ‘Tell me more about your palace in the woods, Princess Jenny,’ he said. ‘It sounds like a very special place indeed.’
    Jenny was only too happy to chatter on about life amongst the stars, and Alicia poured him a second cup of coffee. He was very patient, she thought, listening as he asked about Kings and Queens
and spaceships. Her daughter’s face was one big beam, and she stood waving fondly as Frank drove off twenty minutes later.
    Alicia had to force herself out of