Grace Anne - By Kathi S. Barton Page 0,33

him.

“Why aren’t you in school?” Thomas asked him when he saw his nephew practically became one with the wall. “I thought all you brainiacs spent, like, all your free time there.”

“Its spring break. I don’t have to be back until the Monday after next. Dad and I are taking a trip this week. What are you doing here? How come you aren’t in jail again?”

Thomas lunged for the boy just as the elevator opened. Trace darted out just as several people stepped in. Thomas got out just as the door was closing and went after him. The smart-assed kid was going to pay for that comment, and he was going to make sure that he paid dearly. The kid took off out of the building just as Thomas did and he was darting down the street. He followed for about four blocks, losing him twice before he couldn’t find him. He was just about to go back when he saw him go into a big building and close the door. He started to follow, but when he got to the building the intercom wouldn’t work and he stood out there for several minutes pounding on the door that no one would answer. Thomas looked around. Maybe he’d gotten the wrong building and he started to go down to the next one. By the time he’d moved down three more he was exhausted.

Thomas was going to get the kid if it was the last thing he did. The fucking little bastard would probably tell his dad some stupid lie and Thomas would not only be out of a job, but he’d also be barred from the building again. Pulling out his phone he called his dad.

“I just saw Trace leaving the Cunningham building. I was worried he’d be hurt so, when I went after him, he took off. I can’t stand that he thinks I’m going to hurt him all the time. Would you call Michael and make him aware that his son is out running around again?” Thomas groaned when he realized he should have called his mother first. She would have maybe believed him quicker than his dad.

“What did you do to make him run, Thomas? If you hurt that boy, you and I are going to tangle and then Michael will—”

“I didn’t hurt him. And I didn’t make him run. I told you, he was leaving the building and I followed. I lost him on the street.” Thomas had one more thing to add to his list of grievances from his stepbrother. “I would have called Michael but, like you, he would have blamed me. You know I could have just let him run wild in the streets, but I called to let someone know.”

His father relented, but still didn’t act as if he believed him. His dad said he’d let Michael know as soon as he hung up. And Thomas hung up soon after. He watched the three buildings and when no one came out after thirty minutes, he moved on. Fucking kid would probably end up dead and then what fun could Thomas have? He was grinning when he went back to his apartment. Time to make some arrangements.

~~~

“Your father said for you to wait here until he comes out of his meetings. He said to tell you to behave yourself and not to touch anything.” Grace sat down at the big desk as she spoke to him. “I don’t know why parents tell their kids that. How are you supposed to know things if you can’t touch them?”

Trace grinned as he stuffed the rest of the grapes in his mouth. He was glad the door downstairs hadn’t been locked. He was sure that Uncle Thomas would have hurt him if he had been able to catch him. Trace took a big drink of his water before he spoke. “Thanks again, Miss Grace. I was all turned around until I saw your building. I’m glad that man downstairs didn’t get mad when I almost knocked him over.” He watched her face to see if she was mad. She didn’t appear to be, so he relaxed a little.

He didn’t tell her the real reason he’d been running around. He was sure she’d never believe him and was afraid she’d make him go back with his uncle again. Trace looked down at his scuffed shoes before he looked up at Grace when she started talking. He liked her. He liked her a whole lot. She didn’t talk to