Read Online Convincing Landon by Serena Yates - Free Book Online

disturbed…now that everyone is finally here.” Mr. Cabbert rifled through the file in front of him while the young woman next to him got up and closed the door, frowning the whole time.
    Kendall suppressed a grin. Not that Mr. Ambrose would even notice the rebuke—it was much too subtle to reach the stubborn man—but there was some satisfaction in knowing that there were other people who valued punctuality.
    After outlining the objectives of the project, each of the interested parties had a few minutes to explain their goals, how they saw themselves contributing, and make comments about the overall situation. There wasn’t anything new until Landon spoke up.
    “My name is Landon Tully, and I am here to speak on behalf of Promises Kept. We’re a growing national charity that serves suffering children of the street, and aims to protect and safeguard all children. As you know, homelessness is a growing issue all over the country and hits people unmindful of social class, belief or race.” Landon looked at the somewhat stricken faces of the meeting participants. “We are about more than profiling ourselves or making an extra buck. We care about the vulnerable members of society, and few are more vulnerable than kids.”
    There were a few nods around the table and Kendall was tempted to join them. How could Ambrose & Quinley’s client, a regional chain of supermarkets, possibly be more important than providing shelter for children and young people? From the corner of his eye he could see Mr. Ambrose’s scowl, probably because his boss saw their chances of landing their client a big plot, the last one going, dwindle in front of their eyes.
    But really, wasn’t saving a few lives and improving others more important?
    He’d found himself hanging on every word Landon uttered. Damn, but it was easy to fall under the man’s spell again. Not that Landon even noticed—he’d avoided looking in Kendall’s direction since the very first meeting of their eyes. It was almost as if he was embarrassed to look at Kendall.
    “How do you intend to do this and what sort of a facility do you envisage?” At least Mr. Cabbert seemed honestly interested.
    “Given a lot, we would build a shelter. In line with our mission, services will be offered to all youths who seek help, with a priority for those for whom no other service is available. We will make every effort to reunite kids with their families and will collaborate with community agencies and associates.” Landon smiled. “What we do in Houston, where I have worked in different capacities for the past seven years, includes walk-in services, a residential programme that includes shelter, clothing and educational support, health and HIV case management, counselling and pastoral care, and the teaching of life skills via a mentoring programme.”
    “Very impressive.” Mr. Cabbert nodded. “It fits nicely with our objective of cleaning up the streets and offering community services as well as commercial opportunities and jobs.”
    “And the good news is that a shelter like this offers jobs as well.” Landon’s smile widened. “While the majority of our staff consists of volunteers, there are quite a few positions for qualified medical personnel, counsellors and administrative staff.”
    “Very well. That was a very thorough introduction. Will you be available for further consultations over the next few weeks, as we progress the project?” Mr. Cabbert had asked the other attendees the same question, but since all of them were residents of Riverside, it had been pretty clear there wouldn’t be any issues.
    “Of course.” Landon smiled and looked straight at Kendall. “I have temporarily relocated here and will be available as long as necessary.”
    Kendall sank back in his chair. The shock had left him shaking all over. Landon had moved back here? It might be temporary, but even that was going to be hard to adjust to. Or maybe not. After all, Landon might not be