“I’m afraid Mrs. Crowe is likely busy,” George told Vance. “You see, King’s Shelter is having a surprise inspection today.”
Oh hel . That was where Jules worked.
Mace was right about Jerky George and he wasn’t wasting any time in seeking retribution.
“First thing they’l be looking into is your wife’s files on the placement of two street kids with a known felon,” George continued.
“Interesting,” Preston Mason said slowly. “Is she the felon?” he asked curiously, jerking his head toward Shirleen then his eyes locked on Vance. “Or is he talkin’ about you, Crowe? I know you’re a felon.” When the pinch-faced lady gasped, Preston nodded to her and went on informatively,
“Grand theft auto.”
Oh no.
This was not happening.
Pinch-faced lady stared at Vance for a few seconds then she breathed, “Juliet Crowe is married to a felon?”
“No,” I snapped. “She’s married to a hot guy.” It was my turn to have pinch-faced lady stare at me then she blinked rapidly and final y turned to Shirleen.
“Miz Jackson, we need to do an immediate intervention,” she explained. “Those boys wil be placed elsewhere while we look into this matter. You should have expected this as you had your home invaded and fired a .44 caliber weapon during said invasion while both boys were in residence.”
“I have a right to protect my home and my boys,” Shirleen retorted.
“I’m sorry but I’m not sure it’s policy to al ow firearms in the homes of foster carers,” pinch-faced lady shot back with saccharine sweetness.
“He shot three times into the livin’ room. The night before, Roam had fal en asleep on the couch watchin’
movies. He could have been hit!” Shirleen clipped.
“You can explain that while we take your report,” pinch-faced lady said. “But those boys are going to need to be moved today.”
“Those boys aren’t goin’ anywhere,” Shirleen fired back.
I looked across the room and Preston Mason was grinning.
Erm.
No.
Someone had to do something and that someone was going to be me.
“Are you saying Shirleen has to give up her constitutional rights to be a foster carer?” I asked pinch-faced lady.
Pinch-faced lady swung her pinched-face to me. “Who are you?”
“I’m Shirleen Jackson’s friend,” I answered.
Pinch-faced lady’s eyes went to Jerky George and she asked, “Does she deal drugs too?”
Shirleen growled. Preston Mason laughed. I felt both Mace and Vance go stil . My head prepared to explode.
“What did you say?” I hissed, taking a step forward but Mace moved, his arm came around my waist and he halted my progress by hauling me against his body.
“Everyone knows what she is.” Pinch-faced lady pointed at Shirleen.
I leaned toward her, straining at Mace’s arm. “I want you to say it. Out loud. So everyone in this room can bear witness to your slander.”
“Stel a,” Mace spoke low behind me.