Read PS01 - Tall, Dark & Lonely for Free Online

onto it tightly. He was afraid.
    She knew why. Candy told them over the years how horrible and violent this woman was. Her only prayer was that Candy lied,
    again.
    Grandma clasped her hands together. “I just want to say that I am very pleased to have you children here. This is going to be
    your home for the rest of your childhood.” She leveled a look on Candy, reminding her that Jill and Joshua were now legally
    hers. Candy pouted. It was an act. She found another sucker to raise her kids and give her a free ride.
    “Now, Joshua and Jill, you each have your own rooms.”
    “Really?” Joshua asked excitedly. He’d never had a bedroom never mind his own room.
    “Yes, your rooms are near mine so I have a few rules. No loud music. Joshua, you have a bed time of…” She looked at Candy
    expectantly. She only continued to pout.
    Madison gritted her teeth. She was tired of this game. “He goes to bed by eight,” she said.
    Grandma nodded. “Sounds reasonable. If you’re a good boy and do your homework and get good grades then we can add a half
    hour later on. How does that sound?”
    Joshua eagerly nodded. Grandma turned her attention to Jill and looked over her outfit and sighed, “You are expected to be in
    bed by nine. No curfew yet. If you want one you earn it. Understood?” she said firmly.
    Jill snorted and looked at Candy. “Candy, do something!” Candy only pouted and looked wounded.
    Grandma cleared her throat. “You will refer to her as ‘mom’ or ‘mother’ she is not your friend. She is your mother and her
    name is Emma,” she said this last part looking at Candy. Candy had enough sense to keep her mouth shut at least.
    “Madison.” She looked back to see her grandmother studying her. She looked so different than her brother and sister. Joshua
    had light brown hair and green eyes and Jill had wild red hair and blue eyes, two different fathers of course. Grandma smiled
    warmly at her. “You turned out beautifully, Madison. You look so much like your father,” she said proudly. Madison wanted to
    ask her about her father, but not in front of Candy.
    “Thank you, Grandma,” she said. It was weird saying Grandma, but this woman fit somehow. If anyone should be her
    grandmother it was this woman.
    “You’re welcome. You are welcome to stay here as long as you want, sweetheart. All I ask for is the occasional hand and to
    keep your bedroom and the bathroom you share with one other boarder clean. Does that sound okay?”
    “I like to earn my keep, Grandma. How much per week for me and the kids?”
    Grandma waved it off. “The kids are in my custody, therefore my responsibility. As for you, you are my granddaughter and I’ve
    missed you. I’m glad to have you. Just do as I ask and we’re settled. But since we’re on the subject of pay I found you a job.
    You start tomorrow.”
    Madison forced a smile. Another menial job. After nine years of working the worst possible jobs by the worst possible people
    she thought she escaped, apparently not.
    “I talked to Professor O’Shea who had some connections with the local high school. You have a position as a teacher in the
    history department at Rascal High School.”
    That was not what Madison expected. She was out of her chair and hugging Grandma before she knew it. “Oh thank you, thank
    you!” she said.
    Grandma laughed and hugged her back. She whispered fiercely in Madison’s ear. “I’m proud of you, kiddo. I’m sorry you had
    to do it on your own for all these years.”
    Madison nodded and wiped a tear away. She sat back down. “Now, as for you, Emma, you’re welcome to stay as long as you
    follow the rules. You start at seven in the morning and stop at four in the afternoon. Room and board are included. I’ll pay you
    five dollars an hour.” Candy opened her mouth to interrupt but Grandma kept going. “I’ve already filed the papers and it’s legal
    so you don’t have to worry about the kids.” It was a threat and a promise