Page 113 (1/2)

“Very well, Ms Carter” Mrs Wilton rose fro cartoons with some of the other boys I’ll take you—”

“That’s all right I knohere he is I’ll get him myself” Dawn paused in the doorway “Mrs Wilton? Thank you for everything”

“You’re welcoht’s disruption in routine—”

“I mean, thank you for all you’ve done for Tommy He’s been very happy here”

“Oh” Mrs Wilton’s face softened “Well, that’s nice of you to say He’s a fine little boy”

“Yes,” Dawn said softly, “yes, he is”

Tommy threw himself into her arms when he saw her She drew him outside, to where she’d left her car, and told hi, just the two of them

His face fell “But we’re havin’ a cookout An’ cake and ice cream,” he said “Didn’t Mrs Wilton tell you? It’s Barry’s birthday He’s gonna be eight”

Dawn squatted down and brushed her son’s soft golden curls from his forehead “I know, baby But think of the fun we’ll have We can have hot dogs, sa here”

“I won’t get to grill mine on a stick”

“No You won’t Tell you what You pick what you want for supper McDonald’s? Burger King? I know We’ll go to that place where they serve those delicious waffles You can have one with strawberries and whipped cream and—”

“You can stay here and go to the party with me”

Dawn cupped her son’s face in her hands “Listen to ht Remember that movie about the puppies that ran away and had to hide from a bad person?”

To a puppy?”

“Sweetheart, pay attention, okay? We’re going to pretend we’re like those puppies We’re going to get into Mommy’s car and drive away from here as quickly as we can”