Second Chances Read Online Free PDF

behind his engaging smile and gentle words. She had to remember he was not a friend. Arthur had his own agenda in their little masquerade, and the help he was offering was not unconditional…
    Arthur placed a thin file in front of her. Maya slowly opened it. It contained only one envelope and two sheets of paper, all embossed with the Pendletons & Associates coat of arms. She paused when she recognized the logo.
    “I thought Robert had changed the dragon?”
    “He did. I just like this one better.”
    The chimera was delicately detailed, with subtle shades of dark gold to enhance the impression of movement. Abigail had been a fantastic artist. She liked this one better too, compared to the modern stylish beast Robert had chosen to replace it with. She wanted to say so to her visitor, but Arthur had turned to walk to the window.
    Maya began reading the papers carefully. The first one was explaining that Arthur, on behalf of P&A, was accepting legal responsibility for the child for as long as treatments were required. Her signature, as a representative of the Foundation’s board, was necessary to submit all medical decisions to his approval beforehand. She picked up her pen, and inscribed her name next to his.
    The second paper was a receipt. Maya gasped.
    “Arthur, this is way too much!...The operation will cost half that...”
    “I wish to avoid going to my father a second time about this.”
    Maya swallowed the coming unkind answer and opened the envelope.
    Arthur approved internally. Most people considered paperwork a dull and annoying task to get rid of as soon as possible. Maya, however, was caring enough to make sure Matthew would be properly taken care of, and that no bias had escaped her. Her attention to that little detail suited him.
    The amount on the bank note was the same one as on the receipt. Maya signed the receipt too, and handed back the papers to Arthur who put them in his briefcase.
    “I’ll send you a copy.”
    “Thank you.”
    Her gratitude referred to more than the paperwork. He bowed his head courteously. Uneasy, Maya looked for something to say next.
    A noise in the corridor cut through the growing silence. Arthur moved to the door and offered his arm with a cheeky smile.
    “I’ve yet to meet my charge. Shall we?”
    While they went to the south wing where Matthew shared a room with another kid, Maya grew animated quickly, describing the layout of the hospital and how it created an optimal environment for the ill children. She was working with the logistics department, and Moira was in human resources.
    He knew that of course. He had studied the charts and organization plans. Arthur bore her babbling more or less patiently. Having her behaving normally was better than her frightened mouse jitters.
    Several nurses started whispering behind their backs while they progressed along the busy corridors. The envious looks came from both men and women. The former intrigued him, and Arthur glimpsed at her while exiting the elevator.
    She looked nicer today. The crimson color flattered her ivory skin and ebony hair. For once, he could really see her face. Maya had interesting features: full lips, delicately curved, and a straight nose. Her high cheekbones gave her a feline air. She had cat’s eyes too: almond-shaped and of a very pale green.
    His examination put her ill at ease again and she walked away from him to knock lightly on a door.
    Two children were settled in bed, one reading a comic book and the other playing with a toy car. Both smiled happily when Maya entered. She waved back with a brilliant smile. Once properly kissed and hugged, the boys stared at Arthur.
    “Is he your boyfriend?” asked the one with the car.
    Arthur beat her to the answer, approaching the beds in turn to shake hands with the curious boy. He glanced briefly at the embarrassed woman before he smiled.
    “I’m working on that. I’m Arthur.”
    “My name is Mark. He is Matthew. He doesn’t speak much; it