take a look at that. If it gets infected, it's going to be
pretty bad for you."
"I
loathe doctors."
"I'll
be gentle."
"No."
May turned on her heel and stomped out of the room.
"Okay!
So, pray tell, what is her story?" Caine asked Clara.
"Besides
being a spoiled, little brat." Layton crossed his arms, his eyes glued to
the direction she had fled.
"May
arrived about six months ago," Clara said. "She had gone to celebrate
her twentieth birthday, and was coerced by some low life scumbags to drink.
They hurt her. Badly."
"She
was raped?" Layton's face tightened with anger.
Clara
nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "The poor child was traumatized,
needless to say. We got word of the situation through the hospital during the
time your mother was readmitted. Apparently, they had brought the child in, and
your father overheard the nurses discussing her situation. That was when he
offered to open up the house for her. He met with Dr. Adul, the directing
psychologist, and requested assistance in expediting the transfer and issuing a
safe house judgment for her. Lyle then personally met with May while she was
still in the hospital and made his offer. The girl resisted at first, because
her distrust of men was so severe, but then Dr. Adul spoke with her about the
house and the wonderful opportunities she would have here—her own room, a
television, access to a computer, home-cooked meals and, most importantly,
protection from anyone who would hurt her."
"Sri
Adul knew about this place?" Caine asked.
"Of
course! She's been our primary contact and referral source for over fifteen
years."
"I
had no idea," Caine said, shaking his head. "I could have helped. Why
didn't he tell us?"
"You
two had your own conflicts going on, and your father did not want you to be
distracted from your own goals for your life."
"What
else about the kid?" Layton asked, ignoring his brother's sulk.
"One
look at May just broke his heart. She had been beaten up pretty badly and had
no one that cared for her. His parental instincts kicked in, and he promised
that she would be protected and cared for until she found her own way. He
specifically said that it didn't matter how long it would take, and that she
could remain here as long as she liked, on the condition she stay out of
trouble. Of course, he didn't specify what type of trouble." Clara
chuckled. "She could do no wrong in his eyes. Her innocence and childlike
trust touched him in the deepest of ways."
"I
gather that this was unusual," Layton observed.
"It
was. He had never had personal contact with any of the other girls before.
Those two, Lyle and May, well, they developed an instant bond. She was a huge
support for him when your mama passed on and he did not want to burden you boys
with his grief. He loved your mama, but also resented her inability to
understand his need to help people. I mean no insult, but she was somewhat
demanding and he did not want you to be distracted from her."
"Mother
helped people on her own terms, and never if it meant causing herself any
inconvenience. There is no way she would have either understood, or approved
of, any of this," Layton said.
"I
hate to be forced to agree, but you're right. Miss Clara? We will honor Pop's
promise to May. We just need to find a way to keep those two from killing each
other," Caine commented, kicking his brother's foot.
"Lay
off," Layton growled, trying to avoid the desire to look towards the
doorway.
"I
also know he would love for you to come live here. That was his dream since the
day each of you were born." Clara touched each of their knees.
"Please consider it. There are two master suites on the top floor that
have never been used. You get me six days a week to cook and clean."
"We'll
need to think about it a bit. I like having space to myself," Layton said.
"I
make award winning pies…"
"I
don't like a lot of noise."
"And
home-churned ice cream," Clara smiled.
"I
have to work out of home a lot."
"I've
won country