Anchored Read Online Free Page A

“Patrick. Where are you?”
    Crackling made Patrick’s voice difficult to hear. “I’m still in India. Sorry about the connection, hang on and I’ll move closer to the window. Is that better?”
    “Yes. Are you still in Nepal?” David queried.
    “Left there a few weeks ago. I’m in Ranchi in Jharkhand. I’m going to use this area to pull the end of the book together. How’s things with you? Got yourself a girlfriend yet?”
    David laughed. “I did have a girl fall at my feet.”
    “Might be the only way you’ll find someone. Can I give you some brotherly advice?”
    “No,” David stated firmly.
    “Come on, when have I ever led you astray? Tell me about her,” Patrick’s voice urged.
    “Drop dead gorgeous. Big green eyes, expressive face, shy and fragile like a butterfly.”
    Silence greeted his statement. “Patrick, you still there?”
    “Yes. How often have you gone out with her? What’s her name?” David could hear the curiosity in Patrick’s voice.
    “I haven’t asked her out yet. Met her once and I’m contemplating giving her a call.”
    “How long ago did you meet her?” 
    “Two weeks ago.”
    “What’s the matter with you? Scared of rejection?” His brother mocked him.
    “What’s to reject? I’m one good looking guy.”
    “Yeh, yeh. Call her today and let me know how you get on. I’m based here at this number for a couple of weeks. What’s her name?” he asked again.
    “Mia. I was about to give her a call when you phoned,” David explained. “Pat, you need to make sure someone knows where you are. You can’t disappear like this, it’s irresponsible.”
    “You saying you miss me big bro?” Patrick’s voice carried laughter over the wires.
    “Of course I miss you but it’s more about safety.” David knew he was playing the big brother, but since his parents had died he worried about Patrick.
    “I hear you mate, but I get caught up in what I’m doing and everything else fades to insignificance. I’ll email you more, how’s that?” Patrick offered.
    “Better. Tell me about your book.”
    After ending the call, David dialed the preschool numbers and waited.
    “Good afternoon, Bluehaven Preschool, Jackie speaking.”
    “Hello, Jackie. May I speak to Mia Dawson please?” David concentrated on sounding casual.
    “Mia’s teaching at the moment. Can I take a message for her?”
    “A message? No thanks, I can call back. What time do you suggest I phone?” Disappointment laced his voice.
    “Maybe I can help you, Mr.?”
    “O’Malley. David O’Malley.”
    “Are you a friend of Mia’s?” Jackie enquired.
    David cleared his throat. “No, um, an acquaintance.”
    “I see. I’ll tell Mia you called. Do you want to leave a number?”
    “Yes.” David told her the number. “What time did you say for me to phone?”
    “I didn’t say a time, Mr. O’Malley, but if you phoned again in say half an hour she’d be free to take your call.”
    “I’ll do that. Thanks for your help. You’re a gem.” David hung up and slapped his hand on his forehead. “You’re a gem. Who says you’re a gem?”
    ~~~
    Surprise showed on Mia’s face. “David O’Malley called me here?”
    “Yes, and he’s calling back. Who is he Mia? He sounded kinda cute and nervous.”
    “I met him, or should I say his dog a few weeks ago. His dog bowled me over. He’s probably phoning to see if I’m okay. If he calls again, can you tell him I’m busy? Tell him I’ll call sometime.” Mia jabbered on, stopping and starting, confused by his call.
    “No way. The poor man is probably concerned about you and the least you can do is relieve his mind,” Jackie stated, her mouth curving.
    “Why are you looking like that?”
    “Looking like what? What do you mean?” Jackie widened her eyes innocently.
    “You have a stupid smirk on your face. I don’t even know the man and I don’t want to talk to him.”
    Jackie shrugged and continued to smile.
    “I met him once and that’s it,” Mia