Read Online A Christmas Prayer: An Autistic Child, a Father's Love, a Woman's Heart (Christmas Romance) by Linda Wood Rondeau - Free Book Online Page B

tipped over.
    “What’s the matter? You’re not worried about the benefit, are you? Probably one of the smallest crowds you’ve played to in a long time. Although, it’s a sell out and has been for months. Folks in Jasper Falls really want to see you.”
    “Not worried about the concert.” Ethan chewed his lip like a cow with a cud.
    “Okay. Then what? The reporter?”
    “Maybe. Okay. I’ll admit it. I like her a lot. Unfortunately, things aren’t working out between us as I hoped.”
    “You don’t want to get drunk, do you?”
    Ethan took a huge gulp of coffee. “Of course I do. But I won’t. God keeps me steady. I’ll be okay.”
    “Good.”
    “Listen, I need you to charter a plane for me to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility to visit an inmate.”
    “Isn’t that a prison for women?”
    “Yeah … what of it?”
    “Whoa! Just curious … consider it done. Go get ready for your flight.”
    Ethan hadn’t figured he’d draw extra media to Jasper Falls. Alexis didn’t need any more prying into her tenuous situation with Gib. The horde of journalists was bound to uncover why the boy had court scheduled for Thursday unless Max lured the hounds in a different direction. To do so, he’d have to know a little more about Ethan’s agenda where Gib was concerned.
    “This might leak out, so you should know. I’ve applied for custody of Gibson Jennings. Court hearing is Thursday morning.”
    “An unsavory binge would’ve been easier to cover up. Why adopt this kid? I know you’re tight with the Gideon Foundation on the national level, but don’t you think an adoption is a little drastic on the public relations side?”
    “Gib’s violated his probation and the court is coming down heavy against Alexis Jennings. She will probably lose custody of her brother. I hate to see him end up in an institution. He’s a neat kid.”
    Max glared. “Okay, I’ll keep the paparazzi off your back at least until its official. Although, something tells me there’s a deeper reason why you’re so involved with this kid. Care to clue me in?”
    “I’ve told you all I can for now. I have good reasons for keeping a lid on this.”
    “Anything to do with this trip to Bedford Hills?”
    “Could be.”
    * * *
    Alexis looked up from her computer as her cell rang then checked the incoming number. Gib’s school. He hadn’t bolted from school grounds since early October. The special education committee’s assignment of a shadow for Gib during school hours had worked wonders. Gib liked school now and his improved grades were a testament to the program’s effectiveness. Any sign of trouble, and his shadow escorted him to a quieter place, averting a meltdown and Gib’s subsequent running away. He would still occasionally play Houdini, hiding from the shadow, and throwing the school into panic mode until they found him, most often huddled in a corner of a deserted classroom or reading a comic in a janitor’s closet.
    “Miss Jennings, this is Bernie Dewitt.”
    “What happened?”
    “I didn’t mean to alarm you. Gib’s fine.”
    The principal did not make friendly calls. Something had to be amiss.
    “I am worried we’re facing a new issue with him. Up until now he has never lied, not even to avoid punishment.”
    “You think he’s lying about something now?”
    “He claims he’s best friends with Ethan Jacobs. I can’t imagine where this idea came from.”
    Alexis unsuccessfully muffled her laugh.
    “I don’t think this is a trivial matter, Miss Jennings. He’s a huge Ethan Jacobs fan. We need to assess if he’s delusional or not, especially with Mr. Jacobs’s appearance Thursday night.”
    Did they worry Gib would stalk Ethan?
    “You don’t understand, Miss Dewitt. Gib is telling the truth as he sees it. I had an interview with Mr. Jacobs for a series of articles I’m running. Mr. Jacobs has been especially kind to Gib this weekend. He and Ethan, I mean Mr. Jacobs, did spend a lot of time together, and