Jobe: Alvarez Security Series Read Online Free Page B

three women at computers and another woman appearing to be teaching them. Across the hall, they walked by a smaller room filled with books on shelves and two comfy chairs, just ready for lounging with a good story.
    Mackenna pointed out each room as they passed and then they found themselves in the kitchen toward the back, overlooking the alley behind. There were two other women there, both turning and smiled as Mackenna appeared.
    “Carla, Jenita, I’d like to introduce you to our newest guest. This is Gabriella, but she goes by Gabby.”
    The two women greeted Gabby enthusiastically before Mackenna interrupted to say that she was going to show Gabby her room. They made their way up the stairs in the back and down a short hall with several doors open on either side.
    Moving through one of the doors, Mackenna showed Gabby into a small, private bedroom with a closet, twin sized bed, dresser, and chair. Pulling open the blinds to let in the sun, she turned to face the girl.
    “I know it’s small, but it’s all yours for as long as you stay in the program. The other three bedrooms are larger and hold bunk beds. Now, you’ve already read the rules and have signed the agreement, but I need to know that you understand the importance of following the rules.”
    “I do, I promise,” Gabby said, fear still in her eyes. “I don’t want to go back. I want to stay here and be safe.” Placing her hand on her protruding stomach, she continued, “And I want my baby to be safe as well.”
    Opening the grocery bags, Mackenna pulled out toiletries, linens, and other personal items. Lifting the small suitcase onto the bed, she said, “Okay, here are your clothes. We provide these initial personal necessities and if you need something else, you can ask me or Rose. I know you haven’t met her, but she helps me here. She’s teaching now, but you’ll meet her later. The bathroom is just down the hall…you do have to share with the other women here but it should not be a problem.”
    Placing her hands on her hips, Mackenna stared firmly into Gabby’s eyes. “Most important is this. You came to us. You wanted out and you want to learn employable skills. Our program is three months long. We can provide you with basic skill learning, job placement, and can help with your doctor appointments. You have the responsibility to keep your area clean, assist with the kitchen duties, and most importantly…” she made sure she had eye contact before she continued, “you absolutely cannot, under any circumstances, contact any of the gang members your ex belongs to. That was why we took your cell phone and disabled it when you entered our program. You’ll get it back when you graduate.”
    Gabby’s eyes grew round as she shook her head back and forth. “Oh no, Ms. Dunn. Never. I promise I never want to see him or have anything to do with him again.”
    Mackenna held Gabby’s gaze for a moment then, satisfied with what she saw, she nodded and turned away. “Dinner’s at six. Make yourself at home until then. Your classes start tomorrow and you can meet the other girls at dinner.” Stopping at the door and looking back over her shoulder, her face softened with a smile. “And Gabby? I’m glad you’re here.”
    Gabby sat down on her bed, overwhelmed for the moment. She knew she had been given a second chance at life…a life outside of the gangs. Looking at the retreating back of Ms. Dunn, she smiled at the woman in charge of the New Beginnings program. Maybe, just maybe this will be my salvation.
    Mackenna made her way down the stairs, stopping in the small office that she called hers when she was in the building. She bounced between New Beginnings and the Department of Social Services building downtown. Sitting in the old chair, she powered up her laptop and quickly began scrolling through her emails. It seemed as though her work never ended. Answering the ones that she could, she glanced at her watch.
    Dialing home, her mom answered,