The Price of Candy Read Online Free PDF

wasn’t right. Abby seemed insincere and not at all
defensive. She knew very well how to handle a stalker. Why did she
get Sandy there to tell her all this?
    Abby was just snapping out of her deep
thought. “What was that counselor’s name? I don’t remember.”
    “Well, I’ll never forget...Bruce Banks.”
    “Oh yeah, I remember, Bruce Banks. Now lives
somewhere in Delaware you say?” Abby smiled to herself, now her
plan was complete. She’d claim she shot the prowler because of her
anxiety about the predator showing up on her doorstep. The police
can check everything out with Sandy if they don’t believe her.
    She was pleased with the frown on Sandy’s
face. Sandy had bought her story, was now involved, and would back
up parts of the story if asked.
    The front door slammed and Abby said, “My
daughter. We’re in the kitchen, Jamie!” The young girl didn’t
respond and shuffled passed the kitchen door without pausing.
“Jamie, come back here for a minute.”
    Jamie plodded back in view and let her
backpack fall unabated to the floor with a thud. Sandy looked at
the young girl slouching in the kitchen doorway. She was slim and
likely one of the tallest in her class. She wore a light sweater,
tan shorts, and sandals. Her straight brown hair was long and the
bangs were a cute match with her fancy glasses.
    “This is Sandy, Jamie, say hello.”
    Sandy spoke first, “Hi Jamie, I like your
cool glasses.”
    The young girl glared boldly at her and said
harshly, “I’m totally thrilled.”
    Her mother let it pass. “We knew each other
as teenagers and Sandy dropped by to say hello. Wasn’t that
nice?”
    “Whatever. I suppose she’s going to...help
you guys.”
    Abby shot a nervous glance over at Sandy,
“Jamie’s talking about panty biz, aren’t you honey?” The phone
rang, Abby said she’d take it in the other room and left the
kitchen.
    When they were alone Jamie said, “I saw you
drive past me. Is that your little red car?”
    “Yes, do you like it?”
    “Way cool. Is it like a real car...you know
what I mean?”
    “Yes, like a regular car only way cool. My
pride and joy. Look, I don’t really know your mom very well. We met
years ago but we’re not close friends. I live in Park Beach.” She
lowered her voice, “I don’t know what’s actually going on with your
mom, Jamie, but I don’t like it. I think you do know what’s going
on and you don’t like it either. Do you have anyone to talk to
about stuff that bothers you, maybe a grandmother?”
    The girl just stood there, looking down.
    “I’m not a lawyer yet but I know how to help
young girls. That’s what I do...stuff like that.” That wasn’t what
she did, but with this girl she’d be willing to start. “I realize
you don’t know me, but I’d like to be your friend and help
you.”
    Jamie folded her arms across her chest and
turned away.
    That reaction did it. Sandy knew she’d hit on
something. “Whatever your mother is up to is wrong and don’t give
me panty junk because I think it’s more than that. I’d like to help
you. Could we be friends?”
    Jamie turned toward her and snapped, “Back
off, lady.”
    This girl at age ten was so much like herself
at that age it frightened Sandy. She would bet the rebellion and
distrust would be plainly evident in Jamie later as a teenager. She
could see herself making the same smart-mouthed response if some
stranger tried to invade her world. She understood this child. She
was certain she could reach her. She knew she might not have
another chance, might never be alone with this kid again.
    No time. Abby could walk back in. Sandy was
desperate. “Listen, I know you don’t trust adults, but I want the
best for you. So lose the attitude, okay?”
    Jamie burst out, “Excuse me?” And didn’t
retreat one inch. Her scowl was about as fierce as any child could
manage.
    “Geez Jamie, I know you don’t like whatever
is going on here. You have a problem and I can help you solve