Free Behind a Closed Door (The Estate, Book 2) by Mel Sherratt Page B

noticing that it was as tidy as it had been on her last visit. Emily lay on the settee, her feet waving in the air, her chin resting in her hands.
    ‘Hello, Emily, what’s Dora the Explorer up to today?’
    Emily turned her head, her eyes opening widely. ‘You know who Dora the Explorer is?’
    ‘Of course I do! She’s a very clever girl.’
    ‘I like the penguins best.’
    Josie was stumped at the mention of penguins. She turned as she heard Kelly behind her.
    ‘I’ve brought you a prospectus from Mitchell Academy. I thought you might like to see what’s available for you to try out.’
    Kelly pushed Emily’s legs along the settee and sat down. Emily put her feet into her mum’s lap as Kelly flicked through the booklet.
    ‘I’m thinking of enrolling on a counselling course,’ said Josie, trying to start the conversation up again.
    Kelly looked up. ‘I thought counselling was part of your job?’
    ‘I suppose it is,’ said Josie. ‘But I’d also like to be qualified to do it properly. And, although no two cases are the same, who’s to say there isn’t a better way to deal with a situation?’
    ‘I think you’re good at your job. You have a way about you. Scott warned me off people like you – people in authority.’
    Josie smiled: praise indeed.
    ‘Josie, will you read me a story before you go?’ Emily came towards her with a book.
    ‘Manners, young lady.’ Kelly tapped her daughter’s thigh lightly. ‘It’s rude to interrupt. Wait until we’ve finished talking, please.’
    A knock at the front door interrupted their conversation for a second time. Emily rushed to her feet but Kelly pulled her back.
    ‘What did I tell you about answering the door?’ she scolded. ‘That’s always Mummy’s job.’
    An awkward silence descended as Jay followed Kelly into the living room.
    ‘Jay!’ shouted Emily.
    ‘Hey there, maggot.’ Jay picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. Emily started to squeal and giggle.
    Ill at ease, Josie quickly got to her feet. She wondered why he was calling, although she wouldn’t ask. Tenants were allowed visitors. It wasn’t as if she had – or would even want – control over who came and went.
    ‘Hello, Jay,’ she said. ‘How’s your mother?’
    Jay nodded. ‘She’s okay, ta.’
    Josie spotted the flowers Kelly was holding.
    ‘These are from Scott,’ Kelly said. ‘There’s nothing sinister going on. It’s my birthday tomorrow.’
     ‘Happy birthday,’ Josie offered, with a faint smile. ‘Right, I’ll be on my way. I was nearly finished anyway. One more visit in another four weeks and that’ll be me done officially. It’s obvious you’re doing okay.’
    Kelly sighed. What the hell would Josie think of her now? She must wonder if she associated with every villain on the estate. And it had been fun, she realised, talking to someone different for a change, even if she was a housing officer and therefore known as the anti-Christ.
    Josie couldn’t contain herself when they were alone, though. ‘Does he come round often?’ she said, as Kelly opened the front door to let her out.
    Kelly shrugged a shoulder slightly. ‘He’s been a few times since Scott was sent down. Why?’
    ‘Be careful, hmm? I really like Jay, but maybe you or I don’t know what he’s really capable of.’
    ‘Like Scott, you mean.’
    ‘No,’ Josie faltered. ‘I –’
     ‘Keep your nose out of my business.’ Kelly’s eyes held a look of fury. ‘You can’t run my life for me – and don’t bother calling again if you think you can.’
    She closed the door. By the time she’d climbed the stairs again, her earlier thoughts about a friendship forming had been dismissed. It was Josie’s job to see that she was settled. Maybe that was all she’d ever intended. Kelly now felt foolish thinking anything else.
    Jay took one look at her face and thought better about mentioning his bad timing. Kelly marched past him into the kitchen, filled both rooms with the sound of