No Way Out by Fern Michaels (great books for teens .TXT) 📗

Colleen was impressed with the kid’s manners. Megan squeezed her way between her mother and father. “And I’m Megan!”

Frank leaned over and extended his hand to her, and she eagerly shook it.

Andy slightly leaned forward. “I can’t bend down that far or I might fall over.” He said it with a smile, causing Megan to giggle.

She raised her hand up to greet him. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Robertson.” Then she turned to Frank. “You, too, Mr. Chadwick.”

Colleen directed her attention to Megan. “I heard that you’re in second grade?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know which school you’ll be attending?” Colleen asked. There was a public grammar school and a private school that went from kindergarten to the twelfth grade.

“Daniel Boone Elementary School,” Megan proudly replied. “I’m in second grade.”

“Then you’ll be in my class,” Colleen announced.

Megan’s eyes grew wide. “You’re going to be my teacher?”

“Yes. We only have one second grade, and I’m the teacher.”

Colleen saw that Megan was in awe. No one ever lived near their teacher. Teachers had mysterious lives outside of school.

“Jackson and I usually walk together. You are welcome to join us.” She looked up at Brenda.

“That would be very nice. Thank you. We’re going to need a little guidance as we settle in.” Brenda looked around at the piles of boxes. They were everywhere. “I’m sorry we don’t have a place to sit yet.”

“That’s quite all right,” Colleen said.

“We’re not going to stay,” Jeanne jumped in. “We just wanted to stop by and introduce ourselves.” She finally handed over the ziti. “I thought you might need dinner.”

“And dessert.” Colleen handed Charlie the zucchini bread.

Jackson looked at Randy and made a face. “It has vegetables in it.” His comment caused a flurry of giggles and chuckles.

Charlie Gaynor scoured the room. “Andy, so you’re next door, and Colleen and Jackson are across the street, next to Frank and Jeanne.”

Everyone was anticipating the next question. “Who lives at the end of the street?”

“That’s Ms. Bowman. She has a dog named Buddy,” Jackson answered swiftly. “But she doesn’t come outside.”

“Oh?” Charlie asked.

“We’re not sure what the reason is, but she is generous and kind,” Colleen was quick to add.

“We won’t keep you from your unpacking. As Jeanne said, we simply wanted to say hello. If there is anything you need, like where to get decent pizza, the best dry cleaner’s, the good coffee spots, let us know.” Frank, as was his wont, had taken charge.

Words of “thanks,” “nice meeting you,” “see you soon” went around the group.

Colleen turned as they were leaving. “Let me know when Megan starts school.”

“Will do. Thanks again,” Brenda answered.

The group dispersed, and Frank walked Andy back to his house. Jackson followed and continued on to Ellie’s.

“They seem to be a nice family,” Andy noted. “At least the children are polite.”

“She’s a librarian, and he’s an accountant. I doubt they’ll be having any heavy metal bands in the backyard,” Frank joked.

“You’d be surprised about librarians.” Andy chuckled.

Frank walked Andy to the entrance of the picket-fence gate. He was curious as to how much clutter was behind the door.

“Andy, if you ever need a hand with all your stuff, we’d be happy to help.”

“Thank you very much. I have some people who are interested in the silver. As soon as I can get to it.”

“That’s what I mean. I’ll gladly help you with that.”

“I appreciate the offer and will certainly keep it in mind,” Andy answered politely, knowing he would keep it in mind but never act on it. The thought of doing anything about the clutter was too overwhelming. “Thank you for escorting me. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.” He turned and shuffled toward the front door. Frank watched in amazement. He recalled his recent conversation with Jeanne. Sure hope I’m as spry when I am ninety.

Chapter Twenty-seven

Rick was pacing the floor. He was desperate for the $5,000 he had asked for. It was the only way he could find her. Pay someone. He called his friend Christian again. “Hey, man. How’s it goin’?” He was trying to sound relaxed.

“Hey, Rick. Everything’s good here. What’s happening with you?” Christian knew full well that something was going on, but was not sure what it was exactly.

“Were you able to talk Kara into letting you lend me the money?”

“First of all, it’s not about Kara ‘letting’ me. It’s about what’s best for the both of us. Kara and I are partners. You know, as in life partners?” Christian knew that Rick had no idea what a real partnership was like.

“Yeah, man. I get it.” Rick was still pacing.

“I need more information, Rick.” Christian was stern. “I, we, can’t write out a check without knowing where the money is going and why.”

“That’s why I wanted you to send it via PayPal.”

“I don’t think you’re hearing me. Check or cash. Either way, I need to know what the money is for.”

“I said it was for a start-up, but I had to sign a nondisclosure agreement.” Rick was very close to whining.

“If it’s such a good investment, why don’t you ask your family for the money?” That was more of a rhetorical question. He knew why.

“Oh, man, you know I can’t ask any of them.”

“Well, what about some of your other friends?” Christian knew full well that Rick didn’t have any other friends.

“Look, I need to know if you’re going to help me out or not.” Now Rick was getting testy.

“I’m not going to send it to PayPal. That’s out of the question. It has to be a check, so I can have a record of it in case you don’t pay me back. And I need an IOU from you, indicating receipt of the loan and the terms under which you will repay it.”

“Of course I’ll pay you back. I’ll even throw in interest. What do you want, ten percent?”

“If it’s such a good investment, then how about giving me a cut?” Christian was testing to see how far Rick would go.

“Plus interest?” Rick