Read Online Trouble Don’t Last Always by Francis Ray - Free Book Online

want help, but he desperately needs it. At the moment he’s feeling alone and desperate. In control of nothing.” Jonathan studied Lilly’s thin face closely. “I have a feeling you may understand a little of how he feels.”
    Tensing, she looked at Dr. Delacroix sharply. She didn’t want him or anyone else probing into her life. “What if he changes his mind again?”
    “As long as he thinks he’s in danger of being ruled incompetent, he won’t,” the doctor told her, slipping his hands into the pockets of his tailored trousers.
    “Isn’t that rather cruel?” she questioned, unable to keep the distaste from her voice and face.
    “Necessary,” he corrected. “You saw the condition he and his room were in. He refuses to let anyone clean it or ask for help with any task. That’s where you come in. Making sure he takes care of himself.”
    Indecision had her chewing on her lower lip and unconsciously shaking her head. “What you’re asking is not going to be easy.”
    “We realize that,” Jonathan told her. “You’ll be in complete charge as far as Adam is concerned. Unknown to him, his mother will stay at her cottage in back of the main house. The couple who take care of the house will return from vacation Monday. However, Adam will remain your responsibility.”
    She dragged her hand through her hair, encountered the rubber band, and clamped her restless hand around her purse. “How am I to get him to let me clean him and the room?”
    Jonathan sighed, withdrawing his hands from his pockets. “I have no idea.”
    Her mouth gaped.
    “All I know is that neither Adam nor his mother or sister can go on this way,” Jonathan said tightly. “Those of us who love him just have to be there for him until he can remember the man he was, and pray that his blindness isn’t permanent. It won’t be easy for any of us, especially Adam.”
    “He scares me,” she said honestly. “I’m afraid I’ll do or say the wrong thing and upset him again.”
    “We all are. We’re all groping our way through this. We need your help, Ms. Crawford. Please stay,” he asked quietly.
    There was something else she needed to know. “You plan to do a reference check on me?”
    “I have no choice.”
    “But I just told you I never worked outside the house.”
    “Then we’ll check character references.”
    “You can’t do that. If ...” She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
    “ ‘If’ what? Are you hiding from someone?” Suspicion entered his eyes and voice.
    “No,” she quickly said, trying with all her might not to look away from Dr. Delacroix’s probing stare. “I’m just a private person. I don’t like people probing into my life.”
    “If you want the job, I’ll have to.” His words left no room for discussion.
    Lilly hugged her handbag tighter to her chest. His proposition would solve her immediate problems, but his investigation could also lead Myron to her.
    Her stomach churning, she glanced at her car down the road. Every possession she owned, which wasn’t much by anyone’s standards, was inside. Although no smoke plumes spiraled from the hood, Lord only knew how much the repairs would cost. Repairs she didn’t have the money to pay for. She didn’t even know where she’d sleep that night.
    She turned to Dr. Delacroix and despite the erratic beating of her heart heard herself say, “I give you my word that I’ll work hard and do my best to care for Dr. Wakefield.”
    He shook his head. “That’s not good enough.”
    “Then good-bye.” Turning away, she started toward her car.

Chapter Four
    “Didn’t you find her?”
    “I found her,” Jonathan answered. He’d dreaded this moment since Lilly had turned her back on him.
    “Then where is she?” Eleanor asked, peering around his broad shoulders as if Lilly Crawford might appear.
    “I need a drink first.” Stepping past an anxious Eleanor onto the marble tile in the foyer, Jonathan headed for the kitchen.
    The room was large