Free Serenity's Deception (Texas Sorority Sisters Book 1) by Janice Olson

reason I’m here is to take a look over the orphanage. It’s not public knowledge, but I’ve been asked to become the overseer and sit on the Board of Directors for Heritage House. I haven’t accepted the position yet. However, to help make my decision, I’d love to tour the home this afternoon. Maybe even meet with some of the staff, if that’s permissible.”
     BJ watched the woman closely for shock or dismissal of the news. Not one muscle, one eye twitch, not even one blink. The woman was too good at hiding her true feelings and closing off her thoughts.
    “Yes. Mr. Hampton called earlier and said this might be the case, and I should ready myself for your visit.”              
    BJ knew she should be glad that Horace T. had prepared the way for her, instead she stewed inwardly that her visit had been preempted and forewarned. She was beginning to like Horace T. less and less. He couldn’t keep from meddling or being the one in charge.
    Ms. Blackthorn stood. The keys dared to jingle at her waist. She placed a quieting hand to the noise, lifted an ornate watch hanging around her neck, giving it a quick glance before allowing the watch to rest between her small bosoms once again.
    “The children will be called in for dinner in precisely thirteen minutes. We will have that short time to partially show you around the facilities. Would you care to join us for supper? I will have a place set at the head table.”
    BJ wanted to scrunch her nose, but didn’t. “No. I won’t have time. But thank you for the invitation. Maybe I could take the suppertime to look more fully around the house and grounds. That way I wouldn’t interrupt dinner for you or the children, and since I’m already familiar with the facility I won’t need a guide.”
    She witnessed a slight flicker of what? Compliance? Defiance? BJ wasn’t certain, but it was there for only a brief moment before Ms. Blackthorn’s placid look was back in place.
    “I’ll see to it that you have access to all rooms and storage before I sit down with the children.”
    When BJ arrived at the front door, she really hadn’t known what to expect, but this type of cooperation wasn’t what she’d envisioned.
    The tour held no surprises for BJ. From all appearances, the place was clean and ran efficiently under Ms. Blackthorn’s management. The children were well behaved, offering the expected Yes, ma’am. No, ma’am. Shy smiles from the very little ones, and nice to make your acquaintance from the older ones. But the dull look, the lackluster look in their eyes was shocking. Almost as if they had no expectations for a future.
    Did I look that void of feeling and hope?

                                                                                                  Chapter 15  
     
     
     
     
    O o ps. Sa’wee” The little curious cherub from the landing earlier screeched to a halt in front of BJ, bumping into her legs. The child almost toppled to the floor. Curious, sky-blue eyes, big, round with fright, looked up into BJ’s face.
    “Hi. What’s your name?” BJ gave the child a smile, doing her best to put her at ease.
    The little towhead glanced away for the length of time it took to look around the hallway then back up at BJ. A tentative smile tipped her lips. “My name’s Jenny. I’m thix and a half.”
    BJ hunched down eye level with Jenny. “My, that’s impressive. I would have thought you were at least seven years old.”
    Jenny giggled.
    “Hi Jenny, I’m BJ Spencer. Nice to make your acquaintance.” She stuck out her hand.
    The child’s eyes sparkled. A huge grin appeared, punctuated by dimples on each side. Her mouth displayed two missing front teeth, with a nubbin of white visible in the gap. Her warm, little fingers slipped into BJ’s. “Nith to make your ’quain’anth, ma’am.” She gave one quick shake before her arm