Page 4 of Stolen Tutor

“Yes, Director Moore. Please come in.” It’s not like he isn’t already walking in without waiting for an invitation. Since it’s the beginning of summer break, I have been granted a couple of weeks off before having to come back and prepare for the next quarter.

He half smiles, stepping in a little closer than I’m comfortable with, so I leave my suitcase between us. Rumors around the school are that he was a ladies’ man and that he was quite a looker about ten years ago. He isn’t a bad looking man if he wasn’t a complete sleazeball, but pervert is written all over him. I felt the ick from the first moment we met and I’ve done everything I could to avoid moment of isolation just like this. “I’m glad you’re packing, but I’m afraid you won’t be going home exactly.”

“What? I’m sorry. Am I fired? Did I do something wrong?” I asked in a shaky voice. As much as I don’t like him, I love working here and with Anna.

“No. Not at all. Mr. Leone, Anna’s guardian, would like you to return to his estate and remain on to tutor Ms. Anna over the summer.”

“Are you serious?” It’s exactly what Anna wanted. Wow, she worked quickly.

“Yes, he’s learned of her progress and wants it to continue.”

“That’s wonderful.” Smiling, I thank the director. “Thank you so much.”

“I have nothing to do with the matter. You came as a recommendation and have truly proved yourself in the brief time that you’ve been here. Although if it goes well, we can celebrate when you return.” There’s a lecherousness to his returned smile that sends a chill up my spine.

I ignore that last part because I’m not interested in him in any way, shape, or form. “What about the flight? Am I going to be leaving with Anna or on another flight?”

I’d love to go with Anna and leave Soto behind, who doesn’t have an ounce of motherly love or affection for Anna on a different flight, which I know isn’t an option. It’s not cool at all because there’s no threat to her in this place other than that woman. No one is going to harm here.

Plus, I don’t like the way the woman looks at me. She eyes me as if I’m a problem when all I’m there to do is help Anna grow. I don’t know what her uncle does, but I get why Anna has security. Her parents were murdered and apparently wealthy to have enemies, even though I have never been told of their occupation either.

All the kids here are from extremely wealthy families, something I know nothing about. I come from a modest background. My father sent my mother child support, but as a town police officer, he didn’t make a lot of money, so it wasn’t like he gave her a lot. He didn’t become chief until after I turned eighteen, and that still didn’t add a boatload of money to his pockets. My mother was a wild child even after I was born, leaving me to go out with friends to get wasted.

Still, I’m not envious of these kids because at least I had friends growing up, and I had my grandparents who loved me. That was worth more than all the money these parents threw at this institution.

“Are you okay, Lucy?” He grips my biceps, drawing my attention, and I politely pull away.

I give him a half smile, attempting to be apologetic without being offensive, even though I’m uncomfortable with his touch. “I’m fine. Sorry, just thinking. I’ll be ready to go whenever I’m needed.”

He clears his throat, face becoming stern. “You’ll be leaving tomorrow at noon.”

“Okay.” I can’t stop grinning even though he looks angry. “Is there anything else I should know?”

“Everything will be sent to your school email.” I nod and thank him again, walking him to the door. He turns to face me and our bodies are less than a foot apart when he adds a warning. “Oh, and Lucy, there’s no fraternizing with Mr. Leone. I can’t express how terrible that would reflect on our school. You’d be terminated immediately.”

“I’m just going there to tutor Anna. Nothing else,” I express, feeling my own rightful anger. I know nothing about Mr. Leone, but I just felt my character was impugned by my boss. He leaves my apartment without another backward look. Dick.

I should have a thousand questions, but I’m so glad he’s gone and besides, I’m excited to be spending time with Anna. She needs someone to care about her, and it’s clear that at least her uncle understands she needs me by her side. I wonder if she asked for me to be there or it’s as he said and he heard of the work I’ve been doing with her and asked. I’m betting she did.

Two hours later, I finished going through my things and then called my dad. The interesting thing about Anna is that she lives in the same town as my father, so I’ll be able to see him as well. It’s kind of messed up that I haven’t seen him in years.

He answers the phone with a grumble. “What is it, Lucy? I’m in the middle of something important,” he grunts out.

“Um… I just wanted to tell you I’ll be coming into town tomorrow.”

“I know. You said you’d be here for two weeks.” He sounds more annoyed than I expected, even for him. Especially because I said I wasn’t coming tomorrow, however in two days.

“Well—actually—I’m going to be staying with Anna for the summer. Apparently, Mr. Leone wants me to tutor Anna privately.”

“Yeah? Is that so?” Uh oh.

“Yes. Is that bad?”

“Well, he’s not fit to look after her. It would be good if you could find out information and tell me and then I could have her pulled for her safety. I know you care about the girl. You’re a childcare worker. It’s about time you put that degree to good use and get the dirt needed to have him ruled unfit.” I’m about to snap at his insult when he adds, “I think he had his brother killed.”

“Oh my goodness,” I gasp, dropping to my bed, sending my suitcase tipping over sideways all over the mattress.

“Don’t freak out. He won’t harm you when everyone knows you are going there.”

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