Read Beside the Brook for Free Online Page B

steps.
    “Tyler.” James dropped his smile. “How’s business?”
    “Pretty good.” Tyler stood on the patio, feet apart, hands dug deep into his pockets. Jamie moved Sarah to his hip, pushed his shoulders back and chest out. He had a tanned, slender neck and a prominent Adams apple.
    Kirsten watched them together. They were like two male dogs. She half expected them to cock their legs in order to see who could get their scent furthest up the wall. She cleared her throat and stepped forward to get Jamie’s attention.

    “Hi, I’m Kirsty.” Expecting a similar greeting in return she smiled. Instead Jamie eyed her with speculation as he looked down his long nose at her.
    “Hello.” His tone was unemotional and dismissive. Kirsten clenched her hands together, feeling like she had been splashed with a bucket of cold water. Tyler walked to the French doors. “Well, it’s been a hoot as usual, Jamie, but I’m going to get ready for dinner.” He turned to Kirsten. “Thanks for your company today, Kirsty. I hope you enjoyed your tour.”
    “The pleasure was mine, thank you.”
    Jamie’s look softened as he set Sarah back on her feet. “You better go clean up for dinner too, Princess.”
    “Okay.” Sarah ran after her uncle and the two disappeared into the house.
    “So, are you here for long, Miss-?” Jamie spoke in a monotone he seemed to reserve for everyone except Sarah. He looked as though here were waiting for her to fill in the blank.
    “Rhodes, but please it’s Kirsty.” She tried to smile despite his glare. “Sorry, am I here for long ? I don’t understand the question.”
    Jamie laughed snidely. “What a surprise, another intelligent one,” he spoke under his breath, as if to himself, but it was obvious she was supposed to hear. “How long are you staying here at the house?”
    Kirsty frowned. It was as if he didn’t know who she was. “As long as Beth wants me to I guess.” She put her hand up to her chest. “I’m the new Nanny.”
    “The what ?” Jamie thundered as he took a step toward her. His face filled with rage.
    “Jesus Christ, that old bitch has done it again hasn’t she? I’m gone five minutes and she’s organised my life for me.”
    Before Kirsten could say anything Jamie turned on his heel and stormed into the house. She was left standing alone and bewildered on the front steps, wondering what had just happened.
    Why would Jamie not know about her? What reason would Beth have for going behind his back? Sarah was his daughter; surely Beth would have included him in any decision concerning her welfare.
    Moments later she heard shouting from the floors above. Jamie’s voice boomed down in deep, angry tones from the open window of Beth’s office. Kirsten cringed. What had she done?
    She decided for Sarah’s sake she should go and find out if everything was okay upstairs. When she got to the second floor, the door of Beth’s office was ajar, and Kirsten could see that Tyler had joined in the foray. Both men stood, one either side of the desk, Tyler poised in defense with his back to his mother. Kirsten continued down the hall to Sarah’s room. The little girl sat at the edge of the bed. She had been changing her clothes when the fighting began, but was now slumped in her t-shirt and knickers, her face a picture of worry and concern. Tears glistened in her baby doll eyes as she looked up at Kirsten.
    “Oh it’s okay, honey.” Kirsten knelt down beside Sarah and rubbed her hand. “Grown ups fight, they’re not mad at you.”
    “I know,” Sarah sobbed. “But I don’t like it when they yell.”
    “They don’t yell at you like this do they?” Kirsten asked with concern. It was a question she felt compelled to ask.
    “No.”

    Kirsten let out a sigh of relief. “Good.” She reached for the tiny skirt that Sarah had laid on the bed. “Let’s get you looking pretty for your dad then shall we?”
    The small girl smiled at the thought and stood up for Kirsten to