Free Heartless by Janet Taylor-Perry Page B

was spanking?"
Ray nodded.
"No. I got a few paddlings in school. This was not
spanking. I can show you if you want."
"There's something to show me?" Ray gripped the edge of
the table.
Parker looked at Larkin. He seemed to draw support from
her. Weird , ran through his mind.
"Show us," she said with a nod.
Letting go of Larkin's hand, Parker started to slip his t-shirt
over his head. "I'm not real comfortable with this."
"Just lift the edges. You don't have to take it all the way
off," Larkin said in an encouraging, coaxing tone.
Parked took a deep breath and lifted one side of the shirt. It
did not take much to realize he had been beaten with some kind
of strap that had broken the skin and left scars on his back and
rib cage.
Larkin could read the fury in Ray's face. "Ray, calm down,"
she warned.
"I'll kill the bastard," muttered Ray through clenched teeth.
"Ray, let Parker finish telling us his story. Parker, honey,
what did you do to get sent to juvey the first time?"
How much can I shock them? Do I want to get sent
packing? I have nowhere to go, but Ray will search my record.
At least if I talk, I can tell my side. "Stealing. It was always
stealing. A couple of breaking and enterings."
Ray interrupted, "You weren't armed, were you?"
"No!" Parker shook his head. "Unless you consider the
crowbar I used to pry open the window a weapon." He began to
fidget. "Mom couldn't keep a job. I had to eat, and I had to help
Mom."
"You got money for her drugs?" Larkin asked for
clarification.
"Sometimes. Other times, I just raided people's
refrigerators."
"Oh, dear, God," moaned Ray, dropping his face into his
hands. I'm too tired to deal with this shit.
"But I didn't steal the motorcycle," Parker declared. "I
really did buy her, and I really did fix her up. She sort of kept
me out of trouble."
"Yeah, a hobby will do that," said Ray, hoping Larkin
wasn't reading his mind. I have every intention of tracking
down Mia Godchaux and wringing her neck. Ray tried to keep
the conversation going. He asked, "Well, Parker, do I have any
grandchildren anywhere?"
"No. They don't put boys and girls together in juvey, and,
let's face it, I've never been Mr. Popularity."
Larkin had to cover her mouth not to laugh at the response.
"Well, obviously you're straight." She winked at Parker. "And
drug free," she added.
"You bet. I don't ever wanna be like Mom."
Larkin patted Parker's hand. "Good. Now, we have a nice
guest room with its own bath. You're not much bigger than
Christopher. I think his pajamas will fit you, even if they're a
little short. I'm going to raid his closet."
Parker became very self-conscious again. He raised his arm
and sniffed. "Do I stink, Larkin?" he asked.
"Actually, no, but a hot bath and a clean bed will make you
feel a whole lot better." She shook her head. "After you get
comfy, come back and have some anniversary cake for
dessert."
"When was your anniversary?"
"The thirteenth."
"Okay. Thanks. Lead the way."
Parker started to follow Larkin before Ray stopped him.
"Parker, wait a sec. Who was that awful foster family?"
"The Byrds."
"And you saw LaFontaine when?"
"The thirteenth—on your anniversary."
"Parker, who was your social worker?"
"Oh, that fat woman. What was her name?" He scratched
his head. "Ms. Vaughn. But not this last time. I had a nice
young lady, Miss Stamper. She put me with the Taggarts.
That's the one I ran away from."
"And who was your judge?"
"Salus, every time." He puffed out a long sigh. "I never got
lucky and got the lady judge. Ray, why are you asking me
these questions?"
"Don't worry about it." He waved his hand and shook his
head. "I just want to know."
"Okay. Can I go take a bath now?"
"Yeah, go ahead. I'll slice us all some cake with a glass of
cold milk. See you in a few minutes."
Parker left with Larkin, and Ray prayed . God, please, don't
let Parker be the connection. He has had enough of a hardknock life. Lord, I know he's mine, but even if he's not, let me
take care of him now.
9
Acceptance
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