Jk-authors-jimmymack1967 - Modwriter

Joy Heatherington arrived as they were enjoying a casual chat. They heard her struggling up the stairs. Mack went out and saw the slight girl lugging a suitcase. She also had a large shopping bag filled with possessions. He went to her rescue. Childlike in appearance, she was drawn and appeared exhausted by the effort of carrying these things.

     The suitcase was heavy. Jokily he asked, “Have you got a dead body in there?”

    “I’m sorry I am late, I had to pack all my things. The place where I was staying, the people there asked me to leave today.” Her trembling voice spoke more than her words. She gave him a shy wan smile, her eyes verging on tears.            

Mack noticed her dry lips. The girl looked faint and in need of a drink. Aileen made her sit down and asked if she’d had anything to drink or eat for breakfast. She shook her head. Mack went and put the kettle on in the tiny kitchenette area. When it boiled, Aileen made her a cup of tea and offered her the egg sandwiches she had packed for her lunch. Something told Mack the girl was a homeless runaway. Eighteen? The girls were right. Probably fifteen was a more accurate guess. She had to be Grace or Sara’s age. That might pose some problems. He exchanged glances with Aileen, no words necessary. Each understood the other.