London Harmony: Flotilla Read Online Free PDF Page A

continued in her sharp tones as she nodded toward the loo. “As per the requirements of the Slingshot Program, a private bath. It is small, but you would still have the use of the shared facilities on each floor as well.”
    There was a window in the main room that looked out onto the street below and the buildings across the lane, not much of a view but the Drapers looked excited. I guess I would have been too if I were to get a place to call my own again. I smiled at her. I was genuinely happy for her little family.
    Mrs. Smythe looked at the children who looked beyond excited, and I saw a tiny smile threaten the corners of her mouth, then she turned her attention back to Paya. “I was going to ask if this was acceptable, but seeing as how you seem to be moving things in already, I take it as an affirmative?”
    Paya put her box down on the little coffee table in front of the couch and nodded, “Quite.” She pulled her satchel off her shoulder and deftly opened it, pulling out a sheaf of papers as she said, looking at the women. “Standard Slingshot lease agreement.” She held out a pen to Stephanie as she pointed at the bottom lines, “Sign here.”
    She complied, and Paya pointed, “Initial here, and date it.” She did then she retrieved the pen from her and handed it to Mrs. Smythe who signed. Paya signed the papers then took the two bottom copies and handed one to each woman.
    The super handed Steph some papers as she set little Wil down. “The rules for residents.” Then handed her two card keys. “This will get you into the building and your apartment.” She paused, looking at the children. “If you need more, they can be made up for five pounds each.”
    She held out her hand, and Steph shook it as the woman said, “Congratulations on your new flat.”
    Stephanie shoved her curly hair back out of her face as she beamed at the woman. “Thank you so much. This means the world to us.”
    Mrs. Smythe straightened up and said, “Right then, I have other matters to attend to. I leave you to your move.” She paused and looked at the children and asked Natalie in a serious tone, “And which room is yours?”
    The kids looked at each other, us, then they took off squealing toward the left bedroom. Wil in hot pursuit of his sister, who was clearly the ringleader of the terrible twosome. I caught the warm smile on the superintendent's face, which returned to her stony emotionless professionalism when she noted I was watching.
    She looked almost smug in some way as she turned efficiently on a heel and marched out of the place, leaving the three of us standing there, Paya and I grinning at the smile and look of wonder on Steph's face. She looked away from the flat and to Paya and pulled her into a hug, whispering, “You and Tabby are a godsend lady. Thank you.”
    This got the caramel skinned woman to swallow and straighten as she fought off the emotion of the moment as she looked over to me while straightening the hem of her shirt. “Right then, shall we get the rest of the boxes from the boot, muscles?”
    Hmm, I noted I was feeling a little emotional over the scene too for some unfathomable reason. I tried to hide a smile at the realization that Paya was a softie.
    I saluted and started for the door. Paya said to Stephanie, who was heading into the bedroom to collect her tiny minions, “You three just hang out here and start unpacking these. We got the rest. It would be almost impossible wrangling the mischief makers while your hands are full.”
    This got an exasperated sigh from the tawny haired woman until the children squealed. She blew an errant curl from in front of her face and grinned as she turned to find out what trouble the kids had found. I watched her walk off then turned to follow my defacto boss for the day.
    By the fourth trip up the stairs, we finally had the boot emptied, and I was feeling the burn of the exertion on the flights in my legs, and my arms felt like jello. And there was still