Page 17 of The Sandbar saga

"Immediately." He stood and looked over her head at Ms. Scott. "I will bring her to the door of her dorm at precisely six o'clock."

"Very good, sir," said Ms. Scott.

Dr. Conner held her hand and led her out of the office. She hurried to keep up with his long strides. Once outside, she blurted, "That's two and a half hours. School gets out at three-thirty. You really get to stay that long with me?"

"Yes." He walked to the curb and opened the passenger door to a fancy, black car. "Hop in."

His car only had two seats. She slid on the leather, reaching for the seatbelt. When he got inside, he filled the interior with his body. She gripped her bare thighs below the short skirt of her uniform.

In the small, enclosed area, his cologne tickled her nose. Excitement filled her, and she strained against the belt, trying to look over the dash. "Where are we going?"

"There's a park a few blocks away. The weather is nice, so we can find a bench and enjoy the scenery." He glanced over at her before putting his attention on the road. "When the weather is bad, I'll find somewhere indoors where we can talk."

Wherever he took her was fine with her. She was glad to be away from the school and the other girls, even for a little while.

He pulled to a stop beside the curb. She undid her seatbelt and, following his lead, opened the door when he got out. She ran around the car and walked with him across the grass.

Tall trees peppered the landscaping, reminding her of home. She searched the area, ignoring the people walking, and tried to find a river or stream. There was no water, only a tall concrete statue of a man on a horse dressed in old-time clothes like soldiers in a history book who went to war.

"We can sit here." Dr. Conner stopped and pointed to the bench.

She sat, swinging her feet. He took up the rest of the bench and stretched his legs out in front of him.

"School is going okay?" he asked.

She shrugged. "It's worse than Langly because I don't get to go home."

"The girls aren't friendly?"

"They're not mean, but..."

"Go on," he said.

"I don't think they like me."

"They don't know you." He paused. "You're quiet when you first meet someone."

She glanced at him to see if he was making fun of her because she wanted to talk to him, but he kept looking out at the people walking by.

"I don't want to talk to them." She stopped swinging her feet.

"You're talking to me. That must mean you've decided to like me."

"I like you," she mumbled.

"That's good to know because it looks like we'll be seeing more of each other."

She looked at him. He hadn't brought his leather folder. How would he teach her how to fit in with other kids her age and become a better person?

Leery about trusting him, she asked, "Is someone from St. Mary's complaining about me, already?"

"No, there were never complaints at your old school, Katie. Only concerns." He turned toward her. "That's what adults are supposed to do when it comes to the welfare of a child. Most adults do care about children."

"Not for me, they don't." She stood and grabbed his hand, pulling his arm. "Let's walk."

"Where do you want to go?" He stood.

She swung his arm, looking around. "Let's follow the path."

"It goes around the perimeter of the park."

"Have you been here before?"

He shook his head. She tugged him forward, let go of his hand, and walked backward in front of him. "Maybe we'll see something neat."

Dr. Conner followed her, letting her lead him. She ran ahead, stopped, and then continued. There was no wind, no rain, no salt in the air. Only office buildings across the street, sheltering the wooded section of the city.

He spent the whole time with her, walking with her, and observing her. Once in awhile, he'd point out something he wanted to show her. Best of all, he never asked her more questions.