One Act of Kindness, One Blacklist

heavy stone in my gut. So, I tweaked my resume. "High school diploma," it now rea

r fancy patio, a small drop to the manicured lawn below. Her little brother, Etha

aw the footage. Chloe had snatched a toy, Ethan resisted, she jumped. Mrs. Davis didn't

or." "Good luck with that one." So, my first night wasn't in the staff quart

But my bank account? Negative. This job paid well. Room and board

the other staff. Maria, the h

king her head. "Ethan went in her room once

om Europe. Ethan ate them a

nts praise Ethan. If they d

untry, they'd..." Maria trailed

mach c

ice behind me,

at evil.

he floor. Chloe. Standing there, e

ck. "You're just a serv

ave you

, lost her balance,

uder this time. I scooped h

re screaming.

went sti

as nestled against m

e, looked up. H

remembering her role, she sna

your eyes ou

ines. From a nine-year

er bed, pressed the cal

she claimed her leg hurt. Demanded I rub i

massaging Chloe's leg. My arm ached. I s

tray down, g

about washing dishes

her voice flat, a hint of disdain. "

rds fe

led. "Kids nee

a strange, knowing

nore it. Keep up the good-employ

e room, I

xceptiona

no o

cken? Ethan prob

at him up whe

d her. "Then you can

strong to beat

're not going to tell

nocence. "Wh

says I should. Becaus

ted with rese

ou're older than him by a few

ou have to give i

p. "Good point

on my si

smile. Su

k. Hugs. Stories.

uldn't be so