Finders Keepers Read Online Free PDF Page B

speak to the girls’ mothers, and she refused. Then, Barnes, she told me I might be happier placing Jessie in another school since I’m so unhappy with her school. She was referring to the next term. I’d do it in a minute, but there are no more private schools in the area. We have two alternatives, neither of which is acceptable—public school or boarding school. Tomorrow I want you to set the wheels in motion to buy that school. We’ll hire a new headmistress, and we will be the ones who say who goes and who stays. I mean it, Barnes. She told me in that flat voice of hers that I coddled Jessie. She looked down that long nose of hers at me. I was so humiliated. She said Jessie was the sweetest child but entirely too shy and that she needed to interact more with her classmates. She also said I was an obsessed mother. Do you believe that, Barnes?”
    â€œThere are two sides to everything, Thea. I’m sure Adele Primrose’s version will be slightly different than yours. She owns the school. It’s her life, and she isn’t going to part with it.”
    â€œShe will if the price is right. Money can buy anything, Barnes.”
    â€œAre you sure you want to open that can of worms? It could lead to all manner of things. Adele Primrose could turn vindictive and start an investigation. She’s lived here all her life. Her roots are here. We’ve only been here a few years. She could look into that Atlanta business, our early years in California. If she doesn’t do it herself, her attorney will. I’m not saying that will happen, but it is a possibility. What that means is she has a certain amount of social backing whereas we are relative newcomers to the area. Records and credentials could come under close scrutiny if you push too hard. What we have are very good, but those records aren’t perfect. How could they be, they’re forged. An apology would not be out of line, Thea. I would not disturb the status quo if I were you, dear.”
    Thea sat down with a thump. “Are you saying that old biddy would . . . go to those extreme lengths. Everyone knows adoption records are sealed.”
    â€œFor God’s sake, Thea, Jessie wasn’t adopted. You’ve been using the term so long you’ve come to believe it. The case is not closed, nor will it ever be closed. Let sleeping dogs lie.”
    Thea’s voice was a hushed whisper. “Eight years is a long time, Barnes. She’s mine. I’ll never give her up. That child is my reason for living.”
    â€œThen first thing tomorrow morning you had better start mending your fences. If that doesn’t work, I’ll step in.”
    â€œShe wouldn’t . . .”
    â€œShe would, Thea. If you try to rip that school away from Adele Primrose, she’ll fight. You need to know that. There are some things money can’t buy.”
    â€œSpeaking of buying, Barnes, what in the world were you thinking of when you purchased those . . . those ugly dungarees?”
    â€œThe look of happiness on Jessie’s face. Stop being such a fuddy-duddy. Let the child be a child. She needs friends, playmates. Let’s invite Sophie for the summer.”
    â€œI don’t think that’s a good idea. The whole summer, Barnes! What in the world will I do?”
    â€œTry knitting. Let Jessie be Jessie with a child she can relate to. You’re smothering her, Thea. It’s the last week of school. Let her walk. Take her shopping and let her pick out the things she wants. If you don’t do it, Thea, I will.”
    â€œI can’t believe you’re saying this to me. All right, Barnes. There is one other thing we need to talk about. Jessie said you promised her a phone. I want you to tell her no.”
    â€œI will not break a promise, Thea. It will be installed tomorrow, and it will be a private number. That’s so you won’t listen in on her conversations. I understand how much love you