Just Try It

Chapter 30- Worries and Doubts

Chapter 30- Worries and Doubts

Tuesday, February 14th 5:20pm

Seymour Dojo and Fitness Center

Sondra helped Moe get set up to work on his diorama before tracking down Sean in his office area. Sean was busy at his computer when she entered and shut the door as she greeted, "Hey, there. It has been quite a day."

Without looking up, Sean replied, I'm glad you came in early. I wanted to talk to you about your new step-father.

Sondra nodded, mostly to herself since he wasn't looking at her, as she replied, I thought that you might have looked him up, but I have another problem. Besides, shouldn't you be concentrating on the DHS worker?

As Sean frowned at his computer, he answered, "Everything is as ready for her as we can make it. Now we just have to wait." With a sigh, Sean shrugged and admitted, "I hate waiting, but I just need to distract myself a little longer."

With a final click on the keyboard, Sean finally looked away from the computer. As he turned his gaze to Sondra, his eyes locked on the bruise. Even though Sean was usually considered one of Jamie's more reasonable uncles, Sondra caught a glimpse of what he had been like as a soldier when he jerked upright and glared ferociously at the obvious bruise on her face.

"What happened?" he snapped.

Even though the words were not the same, Sondra was reminded of her earlier conversation with Moe. That helped her smile in response to his glare and calmly fill him in on what had happened at school. He didn't interrupt like Moe had, so she shared with him her true concern: her mom's threats to take her with. Sean's narrowed eyes clenched jaw gradually relaxed to normal as Sondra shared her plan.

"What do you think?" she demanded as she finished.

He was quiet for some time, before he finally admitted, "It should work, but you need back up plans in case something goes wrong. We can't let you be placed in their house. It was bad enough when Jamie was placed in a place that was supposed to be safe. We aren't going to let you be put somewhere that we KNOW is dangerous."

His anger suddenly made even more sense, Sondra realized. As she patted his shoulder, she reassured, "I wouldn't just stay there if they took me. Don't worry. I know how to find my way home." After a moment, Sondra even cautiously added, "It isn't the same situation as Jamie was in. I would just appreciate a letter of recommendation for my current home situation. You haven't been here long enough to tell that I have always lived with her. However, as a boss your opinion will still mean a lot."

With a shake of his head and a wry smile, Sean relaxed more and replied, "Writing a letter isn't a problem, but I can also look up the video feed of the parking lot, and make a copy for you," while he turned back to the computer.

Sondra hesitate. She asked cautiously, "Do I have to watch it too?" She wasn't sure she wanted to see her mom out of control again. When Sean shook his head, Sondra nodded and agreed, "Then it might come in handy.  Thanks Sean."

"It isn't a big deal when we own the company and have access to the files," he said with a wave of his hand.

Sondra nodded and turned to leave, but he stopped her by saying, "Wait a moment as I copy this. Besides, I had something to talk to you about."

Being careful to keep opposite the screen, she leaned against the desk as Sean continued, "As I started to tell you earlier, I did some background checks on Tony Salvador."

"What did you find out?" asked Sondra absently.

"Let's just say that I don't think he, or his family, would be a good role model for you."