Ask Anyone Read Online Free PDF

years was a jail cell. And Tucker would slap him in one, no question about it. He didn’t bend the rules for anybody.
    When King arrived at Social Services, Frances was on the phone. The blessed woman was always on the phone, but he’d finally learned better than to try to interrupt her. She got downright feisty. He sat down and waited with what to him passed for patience. Fortunately, Frances didn’t test him beyond his limits.
    â€œI imagine you’re here to talk about Bobby,” she said with a resigned expression when she’d finally hung up.
    â€œYou heard,” he said bleakly.
    â€œNot only heard, I went by there yesterday. It was quite a scene.” A wistful look passed across her face. “Seeing that carousel horse took me straight back to when we were kids. Remember? We used to have a carousel right here in town. And a skating rink, miniature golf and bingo on the boardwalk. I wish we could have all that back again. Kids need to know there’s more to life than video games and computers.”
    King had a dim recollection of those days, but bingo and an old carousel were the least of his concerns. Hesighed and regarded Frances with a plaintive look. “What am I supposed to do about all this nonsense Bobby’s mixed up in?”
    â€œNothing,” she said emphatically. “I know that goes against your nature, but Bobby can handle whatever’s going on. Besides, I don’t know what you’re so upset about. I thought you’d be pleased as punch.”
    King stared at her. “Pleased? Why the devil would I be pleased?”
    â€œBecause the way I hear it, the woman responsible for that horse turning up on Bobby’s lawn is gorgeous and single. She’s from a good family. Of course, she’s from Maryland, not Virginia, but you can’t afford to be picky if you want him to start providing you with some grandchildren to dote on. On top of that, she’s already proved that she knows how to get Bobby’s attention.”
    That certainly put a new spin on things, King decided thoughtfully. “Gorgeous, you say?”
    â€œYep, and a redhead,” Frances confirmed. “I ran into Tucker later in the day and he said Bobby’s tongue was just about hanging out. He also said Bobby would probably deny that with his dying breath.”
    King’s spirits brightened considerably. “Is that so?” An idea popped into his head, one that required immediate action. He jumped up and headed for the door.
    â€œWhat’s your hurry?” Frances asked. “You heading back to Earlene’s?”
    â€œNo time,” King said. “I’ve got something more important to take care of.” He whirled around, went back and planted a solid kiss on Frances’s mouth. “Thanks.”
    Cheeks pink, she regarded him with a startled expression. “What did I do?”
    â€œSame as always,” he said with a grin. “Put things in perspective.”
    She laughed. “Glad to help, though I have a feeling Bobby might not see it that way. Am I right?”
    King gave her a bland look. “Frances, I think you’re a treasure. Remember that.”
    â€œI’ll remind you of it,” she said.
    She would, too. Over and over. But that was okay, King thought, as he rushed out of her office feeling more upbeat than he had in months.
    Let Harvey Needham rant and rave. Let Bobby try to keep him in the dark. King had a plan. Nobody could get the better of a man with a solid plan and the determination to implement it.

3
    T he God-blessed car was out of gas. Jenna pounded the steering wheel in frustration. Naturally, to make matters worse, her cell phone was dead. She’d used up the battery the night before trying to convince her daughter that it was absolutely not okay, much less necessary, for her to dye her hair purple. Darcy had cried and pleaded and accused Jenna of ruining her life. If Darcy was this