Runaway (46 page)

Jack nodded, and she seemed relieved.

‘He did it for me and my mother, you know. She said it was the only reason he took that money from the client account. When we were really on our uppers.’ She paused. ‘He said you could tell me about my mother.’ She had her mother’s eyes. So dark, and yet so full of light.

Jack found his courage. ‘I think you can probably tell me much more about her than I ever could.’ He paused. ‘Do you have brothers or sisters?’

She shook her head, and there was a sadness in her voice. ‘I was an only child.’ Then she brightened. ‘But I have three of my own.’ And her curiosity returned. She frowned. ‘Who
are
you?’

Jack’s mouth was so dry he could barely speak. ‘I believe I’m your father.’