Free Shadow Dancer (The Shadow Series Book 1) by Addison Kline

Kyle yelled, his face turning red as she inspected the check again. Harry Zimmerman, a seasoned member of the DOT laughed at his young colleague. “You should be grateful, last year we didn’t get anything!”
    Once again, the rickety doors of Monte’s diner flew open and three young, dark haired boys walked in. The boys had joyously escaped the backseat of Angus’ car. The boys were loud and obnoxious. Bridgette’s eyes perked up at the sight of them and she called them over; the smile returning to her face.
    “Guys! Hey guys! Adam, Liam, Tommy! Over here!” she shouted, desperate to get their attention before they got themselves into trouble.
    Tommy hit his older brothers in the arm and pointed to where their aunt was seated. The three looked as if they were up to no good, as usual. Like a revolving door, the diner door swung open yet again, as Angus walked in. Bridgette thought he would be fit to be tied with rage; however, she was shocked with delight to see him with a congenial smile on his face. Angus greeted Rose Marie, the elderly hostess at the front of the diner with a brilliant smile, “Hey doll! How’ve you been? You look nice today.”
    Rose Marie smiled from ear to ear as her thoughts exploded with excitement. Just wait until I tell the girls! A compliment from the renowned Dr. Angus Morrow!’   Rose Marie patted down her platinum blond dye job with one of her wrinkled hands as she watched Angus walk towards the pick-up counter.
    Angus impatiently rang the bell on the counter, waiting for someone to assist him. Joe Piedmonte, owner of Monte’s came to the counter.
    “Ay! Merry Christmas, Doc!” said Joe, greeting Angus warmly. “Here to pick up your order?” Angus and Moira were two of Monte’s favorite customers because of the size orders they placed during the holidays. With a nod of his head, Angus wordlessly indicated that he was indeed here for his massive order of food for the next day’s Christmas festivities.
    “Hey, Maria! Is the Morrow order ready?” shouted Joe into the kitchen to his wife. Maria emerged with a baby on her shoulder. “Almost ready. We can deliver it when it’s done, no problem if you wanted to hit the road,” Maria offered cordially.
    “That sounds perfect. You guys are the best!” squealed Angus, who was more excited to be hitting the road than at the offering of delivered catering.
    Angus’ disposition quickly changed as he approached his family. His crotchety attitude became apparent as he came closer to them. Pulling his arm up to his face to check the time on his flashy designer wrist watch, he let out an agitated groan, “Weather’s getting worse. We have to go now. Bridgette, please round up this band of hooligans!”

Chapter Five
     
     
    Elkhart, PA
    October 7, 1997
    Late Afternoon
     
    The 3:00 P.M. school bell cried out as Jack and Adam waited in the truck across the street from the Steeplechase Academy. The pair seemed utterly agitated with each other, which was par for the course, as far as their relationship was concerned. A cigar rested between Jack’s lips as his son glared at him.
     
    “That is a disgusting habit, you know…”
    Jack stared back with a nonchalant attitude. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I offend your delicate nose?”
     
    Just as Adam was about to reply, a sea of gray and scarlet erupted from the school’s front doors, children of varying ages excited to be out of school for the day running throughout the school yard and towards their school buses and parents’ cars. Jack got out of the truck and casually leaned against it, as he puffed on his fragrant cigar. A barrage of students flew past him as the passenger doors swung open.
     
    Jack peered inside the truck to determine whom they were still waiting for. Tommy and Shane were in the backseat practicing their latest handshake, which consisted of a complex series of claps, snaps, and hand motions. Blake was whispering into his older brother’s ear while Adam listened