A Case of the Heart Read Online Free Page A

wide, dark eyes expressed his bewilderment. He stood over his younger brother with a protective arm over Jimmy’s chest.
    “I’m Scotty.”
    “And this is Jimmy,” Liz answered for the younger boy as she placed her hands on his shoulders for Nancy’s recognition.
    With a quick hop in his step, Nancy’s husband, John, took no time making his way in from the kitchen. His salt and pepper hair was side-combed without a single strand out of place, and he wore a white T-shirt and black pants that were too short, showing his starched white socks.
    He gave Liz a wink as he took Jimmy’s hand. “How are you boys?”
    Jimmy’s arm moved like rubber as John gave him a firm handshake.
    Alex walked with them and introduced himself. He handed the bag Liz had brought for the boys to John, and led them into the family room. The small TV blared out the day’s news, the glow hitting the orange and yellow plaid couch.
    Nancy and Liz went into the kitchen to do the paperwork. The comforting smell of fresh baked bread filled the room. Sitting on a pale yellow vinyl chair, Liz laid the papers on a white table that glittered with bits of silver.
    “They’re such nice boys,” Nancy commented, reaching for a pen.
    Liz handed her a placement form and grinned. “You say that about all the kids I bring you.”
    She chuckled. “Yes, I suppose I do.” Nancy gave Liz the once over. “You need to try some of my bread.” She got up and brought over a pan of bread with a side of butter and poured a large glass of cold milk.
    “So tell me about this police officer. They don’t usually accompany you unless something’s wrong.” After observing Liz with the butter, she handed her a napkin.
    Liz felt like she was five again, slathering on a huge amount of butter and stuffing the bread in her mouth while it was still warm. She rolled her shoulders to ease the tension. She was a little resentful that she had to answer about Alex and pulled herself away from the delicious bread.
    “He didn’t have another call so he just came with me. He’s still in jurisdiction if something comes up.”
    “Ahem.” Alex stood against the door jam with a half-grin.
    “Alex, come sit down. Would you like some bread?” Nancy asked, already cutting him a slice.
    “I’d love some.” He took the plate she offered him and sat next to Liz.
    She looked over at him, and he pointed to the corner of her mouth. She reached up with her finger and wiped a glob of butter off her lip.
    His grin caused a reaction in her she quickly suppressed.
    Liz started thinking of questions about him that she wanted answers to but would never ask. Personal things that she never let herself think about before. Like, what did he watch on TV late at night, what was his favorite kind of ice cream and what did he sleep in?
    Fighting a blush, she checked the time. “It’s late, and I have a lot of paperwork to do.”
    Alex gave her a sideways stare. “There’s always paperwork, but not always homemade bread.”
    Alex and Nancy chuckled. They talked and ate while Nancy signed the papers and filled their plates a second time.
    Liz quickly gathered the paperwork and then said her goodbyes. Scotty gave her a wave as he fanned out his cards. Jimmy jumped off his chair and gave her a quick hug before getting back to the card game. The boys were at the card table in the family room with John, learning how to play UNO, the Bowie family favorite.
    Alex walked her to her car and opened the driver’s side door. “They’re good people.”
    “I never worry about the kids here. It’s getting them to leave that’s the problem.” She stepped into her car and rolled down the window.
    “That’s good to hear. My experience with foster homes hasn’t always been that positive,” he said resting his forearms on the window sill.
    “There are those, but for the most part, the people I’ve worked with have the children’s best interests in mind. Once you find them, you don’t let