“I can’t believe it.” Jessie was flabbergasted. Nina had a chance at a new life and she’d turned it down.
“Once she talked to Vernon, any other resolution was over. I don’t understand it, but it’s CPS’s worry now.”
“Nina’s afraid of making it on her own without an education. She’s more afraid of that than Vernon hitting her and the kids. We know it’s an insane decision, but we’ll never convince her of that.”
“Let’s be positive. Counseling might help Vernon. He knows this is his last chance.”
Jessie heaved a sigh and got to her feet. “I’ll talk to Nina.”
“She doesn’t want to see you,” Fran said.
“Why?”
Fran shrugged. “She knows she’s making a bad choice, but she doesn’t want anyone to talk her out of it.”
“I’ve always just listened and tried to show her better options.”
“I know that and you know that. Nina’s feeling a little guilty right now. She’s returning to their apartment later this afternoon, but if she comes back, we’ll take her in and offer her shelter. That’s all we can do now.”
Jessie had a bad feeling about this. A habitual hitter wasn’t going to change, but she understood that CPS had to give them a chance to be a family. She just hoped they protected those kids.
Fran peered at her neck. “What happened to you?”
“I was mauled by a dog.”
“Oh, no! Are you okay?”
“Yes. My husband shot the animal before he could do any real damage.”
Fran leaned back in her chair. “How’s the marriage going?”
“Great.” Jessie didn’t want to talk about her personal life. “I have a couple hours to kill. Do you need any help?”
“Why don’t you go home and rest.”
“I can’t.” Jessie winced. “I have a doctor’s appointment at three.”
“Well, then.” Fran leaned forward. “I could use an extra pair of hands in this office.”
For the next hour, Jessie did filing and typed counselors’ notes into the computer. She thought how much easier it would be if counselors had laptops, could access the shelter’s network and type in their own information. She’d speak to Fran about that later. A big donation would help Fran to make a decision. Of course it had to be presented to the board for approval, but if someone was willing to pay for them, she didn’t see a problem.
As Jessie left she had to restrain herself from going into the family room to visit Nina. But Nina had made her decision, right or wrong, and Jessie had to respect it. Just as Jessie wished the people around her would respect her own wishes.
She checked on Mirry again. Gavin was out but the tech let her sit with the dog for a while. The little thing was so swollen, and Jessie realized it would probably take a long time for Mirry to be well again. She was alive, though, and Jessie clung to that.
The doctor’s appointment went smoothly. There were no signs of infection, but he wanted to see her again in a week. When she got out of his office, her energy level dropped considerably. She needed a nap so she went back to the apartment and fell into a deep sleep.
CADDE HADN’T HEARD FROM Jessie all day and he wondered if she was okay. Had he made a mistake letting her take his truck? Was it too big for her to handle? This morning she’d sounded so miserable when he’d refused and it was clear she didn’t want Rosa to drive her around. He could feel her fight for independence. Before he knew it he was giving her his keys.
At the oddest times today when he was in meetings and people were expecting his undivided attention he found himself glancing at his watch, waiting for quitting time. There was no such thing to him before. He worked long hours and never watched a clock. But now he was thinking about seeing Jessie again.
On impulse he went down the hall to the apartment. The lights were on and Jessie was sprawled across the bed, asleep in her clothes. The night had finally caught up with her.
He backed out, not wanting to disturb her. In the living room he saw her purse on the sofa and retrieved his keys. He had to pick up something for dinner.
JESSIE SCRAMBLED OUT of bed and glanced at the clock. It was almost six. Where was Cadde? They hadn’t made any plans for the evening so she assumed they’d meet back here. He might plan on working late, but she had his truck. That worked in her favor.
After taking a quick shower, Jessie searched through her case for her shorty pj’s. They weren’t there. Of course not. Rosa hadn’t expected her to spend another night in the apartment. Now what? She wasn’t sleeping in that hospital gown again.