Page 2 of His Dark Purpose

She knew beneath the hardened shell he’d grown around himself, there was a caring kid, but sometimes that loveable rogue was difficult to find.

“Yes.” He faked shock at her question. “Why the tone of surprise, Mum?”

Amy laughed at his sardonic tone. “Let’s just say I wasn’t expecting you to suggest it, that’s all.”

“But I have.” He shrugged. “It might be good for me. What do you think?”

“I think it’s a great idea.” Getting involved in something constructive was exactly what he needed. Maybe then she could worry about him less. “How much do you need?”

Hanging her coat over the bottom of the banister, she gripped onto the wood for support. Whatever he said next would be the crux of the matter. They were having enough problems paying the household bills without a new school scheme being thrown into the mix, but she wanted to do whatever she could to support Seth. He deserved a chance to do the right thing. She hadn’t given up hope for her firstborn.

I never will.

“A couple of hundred.” He cringed, as if he knew how much of a feat it would be for them to find the cash. “I know it’s a lot, but…”

“Let me talk to Dad.” Reaching for his arm, she squeezed his bicep gently, the muscle flexing beneath his sweatshirt. Sometimes, she forgot just how grown up he’d become. Soon, he wouldn’t need her at all. “We’ll see what we can do.”

Beaming, he threw his arms around her in an impromptu bear hug, which nearly took her breath away. “Thank you, Mum!”

“It’s okay.” Wrapped up in his embrace, she could scarcely get any air. “You know I love you, don’t you?”

Drawing away, he patted her on the head as though she was nothing more than a pet.

“Of course, I do.” He winked at her. “That’s why I stick around.”

She slapped his chest playfully. “Why don’t you come to the lounge, and we’ll speak to Dad together?”

Seth glanced down the narrow hallway toward the kitchen door as if considering her suggestion. “Actually, Mum, I was about to go out.”

“Out where?” She didn’t like the sound of that. He had exams coming up soon, and she was sure he should be studying.

“Just with friends.” He edged past her and reached for his jacket. “No one special.”

“But Seth, it’s pouring down out there, and I haven’t seen you all day.” Her tone was imploring. “Stay here and tell me more about the scheme. I can help you plan, and—”

“Mum.” His voice spoke of exasperation. “I’ve been stuck here all day studying. I could really use some downtime.”

Scanning his face, she noticed how tired he looked. Maybe he did merit some time with friends as a reward for his hard work.

“Okay.” She continued as he pulled on his coat, “But what about dinner? Will you be back?”

“I doubt it.” Glancing over his shoulder, he yanked the front door open. “Don’t wait for me.”

Their gazes locked for a second as the howling wind blew a fresh cascade of rain into the entrance, then he was gone. Pushing the door closed behind him, a tinge of sadness echoed in her chest.

Neither of her sons was a little kid anymore. She’d have to get used to saying goodbye to them.

“Was that Seth?” Graham’s worn-out tone reverberated from behind her.

“Yep.” Spinning to face her husband, she couldn’t shake the feeling that their son hadn’t been telling her the whole truth. She longed to have faith in him, but years of being let down had conditioned her to think the worst.

She blew out a breath.It’s nothing.I have to cut Seth some slack.

“How was your day?” She turned her attention to the man she’d married, noticing how the lines around his eyes seemed more entrenched than she remembered. Graham was working himself into the ground, and it was starting to show. “Are you okay, Gra?”

“Not really.” He waved a wad of paperwork between them. “I got a visit from the new landlord today.”

“Oh?” That didn’t sound good.

---