Page 42 of Professor Next Door

“Galen’s wife, Sarah.” John spoke far more gently than I would have.

“Oh, the mouse. Well, if she must be involved.” Her face looked as if it was melting and being eaten at the same time.

I hated her.

“Yes, she must. It’s her life too, you know. And Rikki’s, his daughter.”

“Is that who the little girl was? I thought she might be the maid’s daughter.” Sarah gave another careless wave.

“What maid?”

“That blond one in there.” Her chin pointed in the direction of the house.

“Amanda? She’s not the... sheesh!” Even John was starting to lose his patience with her.

I had an arm across Amanda’s chest, holding her back.

“Girl, we can get our country on later. Right now, we have to stay calm. For Galen,” I whispered to Amanda, her angry eyes drilled into mine.

“For Galen, but it’s killing me,” Amanda all but hissed back at me.

“Shh, stay calm.”

I texted John the number and he went out to make the call. Five minutes later he came back into the house and closed the door.

“I’m going to take her over to Bill’s office, he’s going to meet us there. You two stay here and wait for Galen. Do not leave, alright? I don’t need another one of you missing right now!”

I gave him a sweet smile but Amanda shot him a rather baleful glance. I couldn’t help but laugh, my own hysteria starting to overcome my self-control. She was going to admit to the lawyer that she’d lied! This would have to be the end of it all, surely!

John hopped in his truck, Sarah following behind him in some kind of tiny sports car. I sank against the closed door and stared at Amanda.

“It has to be over now, right?”

“I doubt it will be for her, but for Galen it has to be!” For the first time in my life I stood up and I danced around, hugging my best friend, cheering loudly.

Poor little Rikki was afraid and came running to find out what was wrong with me. I scooped her up and cuddled her close, kissing her little neck with glee. She started giggling immediately and we all went into the living room to sink onto the couch.

“I wish he’d just come home now.”

“He’ll be back soon, I’m sure of it.” Amanda sounded far more positive than I felt.

That had been hours ago. I watched and waited for his return. Where was he?