Kevin emerged from his bedroom with Mrs. Jameson in tow.
He tearfully said goodbye to Jerry, who patted him on the shoulder without even looking away from the TV. As Linda escorted Kevin from the apartment, she realized there was only one way to help Kevin.
‘…so I devised a means for you to uncover your father’s true character and see the truth about the way he treats you for yourself,’ Granny’s letter continued.
‘The legal papers in this box outline an agreement that will allow Jerry to inherit all of my money on one condition: He must stay away from you. The papers are fake, but he will not know that.
Give them to him and see what he does.
If he destroys the papers, then you know your father values you more than money, but if he takes them to a lawyer…well, you have a safe, loving home with Denise and Miguel.’
Kevin returned Granny’s letter to the box and picked up the legal papers. Fear made his heart speed up as he looked across at where Dad sat watching TV. He didn’t want to believe Dad would turn his back on him, but doubts gnawed at the back of his mind.
“Hey, Dad!” Kevin crossed the room and held out the legal papers.
“I found these in Granny’s old sofa. I think they’re for you.”
Dad muttered grumpily and snatched the papers from Kevin’s hand. Dad started to grin as he read the agreement.
Kevin’s fears were realized when Dad leaped from his chair and strode to the door.
“I’m going out, Kevin. There are important things I need to do today. See you later.”
This couldn’t be happening!
Kevin ran after Dad and followed him out to the street. It might just be a coincidence that Dad left after reading those papers…maybe he suddenly remembered they needed milk and was headed to the store.
But Dad went past the store without even looking at it. Kevin followed him for several blocks before Dad entered a fancy-looking building.
Kevin stopped outside and read the sign at the entrance.
It was a lawyer’s office!
Kevin angrily wiped away tears as he headed back to the apartment. Granny was right; Dad loved money more than him. He didn’t want to cry about it—Dad didn’t deserve his tears—but it hurt!
Kevin knocked on the neighbor’s door when he got back to the apartment building.
It wasn’t long before she opened the door.
“Hi Miss Tina,” Kevin said. “Can I use your phone?”
An hour later, Kevin walked up to Denise and Miguel’s front door and rang the bell.
“Kevin?” Denise frowned worriedly as she opened the door. “We didn’t expect you back for another two days.
Is everything okay?”
Kevin sniffed. “Uh…yeah. I just…Dad isn’t…”
“Hey…” Denise crouched down in front of him and put her hands on his shoulders.
“It’s okay…whatever happened, whatever you’re feeling, you can talk to me about it, and I’ll do whatever I can to help. I know we’re still getting to know each other, but I got your back, Kevin.”
Kevin hung his head. “Thanks, Denise.
You and Miguel have been so kind to me, and all I’ve done is run away. I’m sorry.”
“You’ve been going through a tough time, Kevin.” Denise smiled a little. “How about some cookies and a glass of milk?
Then we can talk about what’s bothering you, if you want.”
Kevin smiled at Denise. He hadn’t felt loved like this since Mom died. In his heart, he thanked Granny for asking such nice people to look after him.
