A Forever Home for Christmas

A FOREVER HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

by

Rhonda A Marks

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the hardest working people in the child protection business, the caseworkers. I salute your empathy, your willingness to give 150% of yourselves for people who do not always appreciate your efforts. Thank you.

CHAPTER ONE

Your turn, Tara. And don’t open it until everyone has their slips.

Tara James closed her eyes and reached into the bag for a folded piece of paper. Written on it would be the name of her community partner for their annual Christmas gift exchange program. She and the rest of her coworkers, child protection caseworkers and supporting staff, were crammed into the Children and Families Agency’s so-called auditorium. A steady buzz of conversation surrounded her, along with the sound of her coworkers munching on the treats supplied by their employer.

Unlike previous years, when members of the community dropped off unwrapped presents at the regional child protection agency offices, the administration had decided it would be better if caseworkers were paired with members of the community. In turn, they’d pick three children from their caseloads to provide with one-on-one attention and a gift of their choice.

I hope I get someone tall, dark and handsome as my partner, Lisa Connor whispered.

Tara slid an exasperated look in her friend’s direction then rolled her eyes. I don’t think that’s the purpose of all this.

You can’t blame a girl for hoping, can you? Lisa gave Tara a wink and both women began to laugh.

What’s so funny over there, ladies? Diane Lincoln, the office director, lifted a finger to her lips, indicating that they were talking a bit too loudly.

Tara and Lisa let out one last giggle then sobered. It was not a good idea to get on Diane’s bad side. The last person to do so ended up on permanent night duty, the worst of the worst shifts.

Soon, everyone held a slip of paper in their hands and the excited chatter that filled the room amplified, despite Diane’s evil eye.

All right, Diane started. Everyone open up your papers and see who you’ve been paired with.

The excitement Tara had been feeling was quickly replaced with her heart dropping through the floor as she read the name on her paper: Avery Monroe.

This was not what she was expecting. Far from it. Who would have thought the most powerful and richest man in Pittsburgh—hell, the whole United States—would deign to participate in their piddly gift exchange? Especially after all the things she'd read about him in the press. Arrogant. Intolerant of other's feelings. All-around asshole. Another rich man who probably believed his wealth gave him the power to do whatever he wanted, other people’s feelings and lives be damned.

Who'd you get? Lisa pestered while trying to peer over Tara's shoulder.

Tara took a deep breath and handed her slip of paper to her friend. She braced herself for what she knew would be an ear-piercing scream. Lisa could rent herself out as a fire alarm if she wanted.

Avery Monroe! Lisa jumped from her seat and began to circle Tara, all the while continuing to screech.

What's the big deal? Tara asked as she snatched the paper out of Lisa's hand.

What's the big deal? This man is The Man! I mean, let's start with him being the richest person in the world. Plus, he's cover-model handsome.

He’s not the richest person the world. Far from it. And I’m not impressed in the least.

Well, if that's the case, how about trading names with me? I'd be happy to work with him, Lisa said as she reached for the paper once more.

For a split second, Tara was tempted to trade names with her best friend, but stopped as she caught the look on her supervisor's face. It was quite clear Diane had overheard their conversation and was not pleased.

Tara, Diane said. A word.

Tara dutifully followed her director into her office and closed the door. She settled into her seat, took a deep breath and waited for her chewing out.

I heard what Lisa asked you out there. Tell me you weren't thinking about it.

You want the truth?

Always.

Tara licked her lips and slumped into her seat. I'm sorely tempted, Diane. I don't want to work with the man. I've heard horrible things about him.

Have you ever met him?

No, but—

But nothing. I expected more of you, Tara. In our profession, we have to give people the benefit of the doubt. Not judge them on what we've heard or read.

Tara let out a loud sigh and nodded her head. You're right and I apologize. She stood and turned toward the door.

Hold up, there's something else I want to talk with you about.

Tara sat back down and tried to look calm, despite her nerves standing on end. What else had she done wrong?

Diane donned a smile, immediately setting Tara at ease. You know there's a supervisor opening, right?

Tara's heartbeat sped up and all she could do was nod her head.

Well, we've narrowed our choices down to you and one other caseworker. And I have to tell you that doing a good job on this gift exchange would go a long way in helping you earn the promotion.

A smile spread across Tara's face and she had to stop herself from popping up and performing a happy dance. A promotion and the accompanying pay increase would certainly help out with paying her mother's ever increasing medical bills. Thank you so much, Diane!

Don't thank me yet, her director warned. Now get out of here and get to work.

Happily, Tara left the room and headed for her desk. Several coworkers stared at her but said nothing. As much as she wanted to share her news, she knew that wouldn't be wise. She'd have to tell Lisa, but for now she’d allow the information to get her through the rest of the day. And figure out how she was going to deal with Mr. Monroe.

***

Tara slid into the chair next to her mother at the doctor’s office and took her hand. Cecile James tried her best to hide her nervousness, but Tara could tell she was feeling a bit anxious.

It’s going to be all right, Mom. They were there to receive the results of some tests Cecile underwent last week, trying to determine the reason for the increase in her joint pain. She expected to have some aches at age sixty-five, but recently those occasional twinges became constant discomfort that sent her to bed in the middle of the day, and left her unable to perform the simplest physical tasks.

I certainly hope so, Cecile replied as she patted her daughter’s thigh. This crap is keeping me from working. Gotta find a new job soon so I can pay all these new bills. Just when we paid off your father’s medical bills.

Mom, didn’t I tell you not to worry about your medical bills? I’m going to help you.

Baby, I know you don’t earn enough money to help me, and it’s okay. The Lord will provide. He always has and always will.

Tara bit down on her lower lip and said nothing. Her mother’s faith had carried them through plenty of difficult days, and she was not going to try to contradict her now. Prayers got them through those first difficult days after her father’s death and the lean times thereafter. Prayers would get them through her mother’s physical impairment. Whatever it happened to be.

I may have some good news soon, Tara began as she tried to take her mother’s mind off her troubles.

You found a young man? Oh, it’s about time! You’re not getting any younger.

No, I haven’t found a young man. And I’m only twenty-eight. There’s no rush for me to hook up with someone, Tara replied. Diane told me this morning that I’m in the running for a promotion to supervisor.

That’s great, honey. Cecile leaned over to give her daughter a hug. You deserve one with all that running around you do.

Aware that she needed to tell her mother about her other surprise, Tara took a deep breath and began to speak. And there’s something else.

More good news?

Well, I wouldn’t call it good news. The agency paired us up with community leaders to provide gifts for the kids.

And?

My partner is Avery Monroe. Tara held her breath, waiting for her mother’s response.

Avery Monroe…Monroe. Where have I heard that name before? Cecile tilted her head to the side and tapped her finger on the armrest.

Tara had seen her mother do this countless times and tried to take shallow breaths as it played out. Cecile prided herself on her excellent memory and would not appreciate any attempt by Tara to fill in the blanks. When her mother’s eyes widened and she sat up straight in her chair, Tara knew she had her answer.

Avery Monroe, the corporate raider? The man who buys companies and then turns the employees out on the street? That man?

Yes, ma’am, Tara said with a sigh. I wasn’t happy when I found out he was my partner, but Diane said if I did a good job, it would help with my promotion chances.

Tara, I’m all for you getting this promotion, but working with that horrible man? I don’t know. You know what I think about rich folks like him. I continue to believe your daddy would still be here if…

I feel you, Mom, I really do. But I can’t let this chance to move up slip through my fingers.

Still—

Cecile James, the receptionist called out. Come on back.

Tara helped her mother to her feet and watched as she limped to the examination room. I’ll join you in the doctor’s office after she finishes with the exam, okay?

Sure, and we’ll talk about the other thing later, her mother called out over her shoulder as the door closed behind her. Tara let out a breath she’d been holding as she watched her once indomitable mother now bowed by pain. A tear slid down her cheek and she quickly whisked it away. This was neither the time nor the place to get emotional. There’d be plenty of time to do that once she finally got home that night.

After what seemed like hours, the nurse summoned Tara back to the doctor’s office to join her mother. Cecile sat in a chair, slumped down and looking older than her sixty-five years. Alarmed, Tara sank down on her knees before her and wrapped her arms around her waist. Are you all right, Mom?

I’m, I’m fine. Go on and have a seat.

Tara rose on shaky legs and flopped into a nearby chair. She reached over and grabbed her mother’s hand, waiting for the doctor to enter the office.

After a few minutes, Dr. Geraldine Klein opened her office door and entered the room. Hi, Tara, she greeted. How are the kids on your caseload?

Tara gave her a shaky smile and nodded. They’re great. All are looking forward to the holidays.

Good, good. She took a seat behind her desk and flipped open a file in front of her. After taking a deep breath, she looked up at Cecile. I have the results of your blood tests, Cecile, and it appears you have rheumatoid arthritis in your knees.

Her mother let out a loud sigh and shook her head. That’s bad, huh?

It can be, Dr. Klein admitted. I’m going to start you out with some medication to ease the pain and see how that goes.

And if the pain is not lessened? Tara asked, her voice trembling.

Then we’ll take a look at other remedies.

Like? Cecile twisted her hands in her lap.

Physical therapy or possibly injections. But we’ll take it one step at a time, okay? The doctor quickly scribbled something on a prescription pad and tore off the sheet of paper.

Okay, Cecile replied as she slowly stood up and took the scrip, her hand shaking.

Thank you, Dr. Klein, Tara said as she helped her mother with her coat and out to the parking lot. They walked over to their cars, not speaking, both lost in their own worlds.

Now more than ever, Tara needed to have that promotion and the extra money it would bring. She had to be realistic. Her mother would not be able to work like she had before to supplement her meager social security check. Tara’s choices were to get that promotion or find a non-caseworker job that paid more.

You’re thinking hard over there, baby, Cecile said as Tara helped her climb into her car. Worried about having contact with that man?

Not really, Mom. The last thing her mother needed was to be concerned about Tara’s problems. Do you need me to stop by after work?

No, I’ll be fine. Thanks for taking time out of your day to come to the doctor with me.

They blew each other kisses and Tara watched her mother drive away. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. Time to do what she had to do. As her daddy used to say, whatever it takes.

***

Avery Monroe’s blood pressure steadily climbed along with the private jet’s altitude, as he looked over one magazine cover after the other. The headlines blared Avery’s At It Again, Monroe the Marauder, and Raider of the Lost Heart. He tossed all the publications into a pile at his feet, reared back in his soft, leather seat and allowed his eyelids to slide closed. Being a businessman nowadays was downright exhausting.

The hum of the jet engine began to lull him to sleep, and he certainly needed the rest. He’d been up for almost twenty-four hours straight, preparing for the meeting he’d attended. The gathering in New York City with his financial people took a little longer than planned, but in the end it was worth it. Monroe International was well on its way to having its most prosperous year ever. And the new year looked better every day.

So why should what the media said about his business practices bother him? He wasn’t in business for them and could care less about what they said about him. But unfortunately others, specifically his public relations people, did. And they were pressuring him to soften his persona, as if he had any control over it now. His personality and behaviors were set in stone at birth. Being the son of the world’s ultimate corporate raider did that.

Thoughts about his deceased father jolted him awake and Avery sat upright with a start. Would Michael Monroe be proud of what he had done? Over the past ten years, and by the age of thirty-three, he’d taken the company his father founded and expanded it exponentially. In the dictionary under the phrase ‘corporate raider’ should be a picture of Avery Monroe, and no other explanation. With a wry smile he gave his head a quick nod. Yeah, the old man would be proud of everything he’d accomplished.

His last successful takeover had netted the company close to a billion dollars