Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 113319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
“I packed you cavity-causing snacks as well as plenty of caffeine-enhanced drinks. I heard that your father detests both, so there will be none in the house.”
Master Jimmy gave him a funny look, a mixture of bewilderment, nearly laughing, and gratitude.
“Most importantly…” Mr. Tom held up a finger, leaning in a little. “In the inner pocket of your suitcase, the one with the clothes, is a throw-away phone, compliments of the Irishwoman and the very strange person posing as a gargoyle. It’s not traceable to you. They seemed to think that was important for some reason. I’ve also put in cash and a credit card with a very large ceiling. If you need to leave, or you need help, or you simply need to talk, there are options. Ask for help immediately. I am always available. The miss would want you to be my top priority.” He tilted his finger a little more. “Do you understand?”
Master Jimmy blinked at him for a moment and then said, “This sounds incredibly stupid, but are you a guardian angel?”
“That does sound incredibly stupid. Angels don’t exist. Have some sense, boy.”
Mr. Tom exited the car and retrieved as much as he could from the tiny trunk before fetching the rest from the itty-bitty backseat. What a nuisance of a car.
“Here—”
“Don’t you dare!” Mr. Tom yelled at the young master. “The heir’s son does not carry his own luggage!”
“I mean…” Master Jimmy shrugged and got out of the way. “Okay.”
When it counted, the boy was as lovely and pliant as his mother.
“Here we go, let’s step lively now—your father was in all sorts of a bad mood with your mother earlier.” Mr. Tom followed Master Jimmy up the walk. “If he gives you any grief, you call me and I’ll come pick you up directly. I never sleep.”
“You don’t?”
“Don’t question me.” He put the bags down on the grass just below the three steps leading up to the blue door. “Now, let’s look at you. I hear your dad is an anal sort of character.”
Mr. Tom ran his arms down the boy’s sleeves, obviously freshly pressed but having endured a car ride. He adjusted the collar and straightened out the boy’s hair. When all was settled, he nodded.
“What sort of welcome will this be, do you think?” Mr. Tom rang the doorbell.
“I don’t think it’ll be great. Dad doesn’t like when Mom changes plans.” Master Jimmy paused. “Or does her own thing.” He hesitated again. “Or kinda has a life of her own. He likes to be in charge.”
“What an interesting bit of information.” Mr. Tom ruffled his wings in distaste as footsteps sounded beyond the door. It swung open to reveal a nice-looking woman with lovely, moisturized, tanned skin, a pleasing sort of aura, and a fine cut to her shiny black hair. Her clothes were bland but made with expensive material, her shoes were also expensive but appeared comfortable, and her engagement ring was probably one and a half carats and of decent quality. She seemed intent not to make any kind of personal statement with her look.
Her smile was wide and her eyes sparkled with genuine excitement about seeing Master Jimmy, though, and so any flaws were immediately forgotten.
“Hello, Jimmy!” she said, holding her arms wide for a hug.
Mr. Tom stepped out of the way so Master Jimmy could get the warm welcome. The boy didn’t receive it as eagerly as it was given, though, delivering a weak pat on her back and a lackluster expression.
“And…hello.” She greeted Mr. Tom with confusion. Her gaze flickered to his wings before returning to his face. “You’re Jacinta’s…friend, correct?”
“I am her butler, madam,” Mr. Tom responded. “She has been called away on important business.”
“Her…butler?”
The woman didn’t seem to understand the word.
“Yes, well.” He touched Master Jimmy’s shoulder. “You have all you need? Besides your bags, of course. I’ll bring them in momentarily.”
“Yeah, I’m okay.” Master Jimmy hesitated before entering the house. “You guys are coming tomorrow, right? Or the next day?”
“We’re not sure yet, young master. It’ll depend on how today goes. You’ll be safe here.” Realizing what he’d just said in front of a Jane, Mr. Tom cleared his throat. “Looked after, I mean.”
The woman picked up the baton immediately. “Of course!” She touched Jimmy’s shoulder while still beaming at Mr. Tom. “We’ll take great care of him!”
She really did mean well. You couldn’t fault the woman for that.
“Fantastic. Well. If you’ll show me to his room?” Mr. Tom turned to pick up the bags.
“Oh…” The woman looked at him in confusion again. “Um… I can get those.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Camila.”
“Yes.” Mr. Tom hefted the bags, ignored her hand, and waited for her to grant him entry.
“Oh…uh…” She backed away, clearly out of sorts.
“Master Jimmy can lead me to his room, madam. Be at ease.” He pushed his way into the residence, barely passing a glance at the store-bought art and uninspired furniture. Mimi would have something to say about this décor. Then again, when didn’t she?