making for the front door.
“Hi there!” Olivia called, much as she would have attempted to arrest the headlong flight of a young student. “Where are you going, little girl?”
The child didn’t attempt to flee any further. She turned around, standing her ground for all the world like a miniature adult. “Who are you?” she countered, staring back at Olivia with bright blue eyes.
“I’m Olivia.”
“I’m Tali. I’m looking after Gracie.”
“Really?” Olivia nearly laughed aloud, catching the note of pride in the child’s voice. “And where is Gracie?”
“She’s in the kitchen. Do you want me to go get her?”
“Why don’t we both go,” Olivia said, holding out her hand.
The child came towards her. “You’re pretty, lady,” she said in a tomboyish voice, staring up at Olivia and taking her hand.
“Thank you. You’re pretty yourself.”
“I like your earrings. And your watch.”
“You’ve got good taste. What’s Tali short for? I should know.”
“Natalie,” the little girl scoffed. “No one calls me that.”
“Where’s your mother?” Olivia asked, thinking she was probably one of the household staff.
The child’s bright blue eyes slid away. “I dunno.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll find her.”
Tali gave an unexpected little bark of laughter. “I’m supposed to say prayers every day but I don’t.”
Olivia was about to ask her what she meant when Grace came charging through the swing door that led in and out of the kitchen. When she saw Olivia and Tali hand in hand she gave a great start.
“You’ve met then?” she whispered, sounding as badly shaken as she looked.
“Hey, Gracie, what’s going on?” Olivia let go of the child’s hand. She moved swiftly towards Havilah’s housekeeper, drawing her into a big hug. “Come on now, don’t cry,” Olivia murmured, patting Grace on the back, hoping she wasn’t going to start up herself.
“I can’t help it.” Grace’s plump shoulders shuddered.
“I know.”
Tali inched closer, suddenly throwing her arms around Olivia’s legs and joining in on the hug. “I’m scared.”
Immediately both women dropped their arms, focusing on the child. “There’s no need to be scared, Tali,” Olivia said in a kind, encouraging voice.
Tali shook her dark head, her eyes big and grave. “You’re Miss Olivia?”
“Olivia will do.”
“You’ve come to see us because Uncle Harry is dead?”
Beside Olivia, Grace made an agitated movement. “I should have told you last night. I’m ashamed of myself. I was trying to.”
“Told me what?” Olivia sought the housekeeper’s eyes. They were red-rimmed. In fact Grace’s good humoured, homely face was swollen from crying.
“I didn’t dare.”
“On come on now,” Olivia urged. “What’s the problem, Grace? You’re not making a scrap of sense.”
“You oughta tell her,” the child chided Grace. “I’m Tali Corey.” Her hand stole to Olivia’s arm. “Are you gonna hate me?”
Olivia stared down at the little girl in a dazed silence. What had the child just said? Her head felt swimmy like she was about to faint. “How old are you, Tali?” she asked, thinking: This is Jason’s child. Who did she look like? She was neither Jason nor Megan. But she did look vaguely familiar.
“I’ll be seven next birthday,” Tali announced proudly. “I’m tall for my age. I’m as tall as my friend, Danny, but I don’t read silly comic books.”
Olivia shifted her gaze to Grace, her eyes ice-grey with shock. “What’s going on here, Grace?”
Grace began to shuffle her feet. “It wasn’t my place to tell you, Livvy.”
“Tell me what? That little Tali here has the run of the house? That she called Harry Uncle Harry? Where does she live? Where’s her mother? What’s she doing here now? She told me she was looking after you?”
“Little monkey!” Grace said fondly, shaking her head.
“Look don’t get mad,” Tali said, absorbing Olivia’s expression. “Don’t ask Gracie all those questions. Ask Dad.”
“He’s here?” By now Olivia felt so agitated she didn’t know if she could handle the situation.
“I’ll take you to him,” Tali offered helpfully. “You could start over being friends.”
“Never!” Olivia said with fervour, lifting her chin.
“Sure. You’re grown-ups. You have to try.” Tali’s eyes, round and pleading were on Olivia’s stricken face.
“Tali, dear,” Grace tried ineffectually to stop the child’s guileless comments.
“Stay here. I’ll go get him.” Tali’s voice was oddly determined. She seemed very mature for her age.
Olivia stepped in front of her. “No, thank you, Tali.”
“It’s no trouble,” Tali told her sweetly.
“I’m sorry, Tali, but I prefer not to see your father at the moment.” Ever again was silent but understood.
“You know Dad doesn’t hate you,” Tali pleaded.
“What must you think of me, Livvy.” Grace was literally wringing her hands. “I’m so ashamed. I should have warned you.” The admission set off another crying spell.
“Grace, please.” Olivia sought to calm her. She couldn’t blame Grace for not owning up. Grace had had her instructions.
“Poor old Gracie!” Tali tried to get a comforting arm around Grace’s stoutness. “It’s okay. Don’t worry. Daddy will be here soon.”
“Dad’s here now,” a vibrant male voice called from somewhere outside on the terrace. “Tali, get out here,” the voice ordered crisply. “What do you mean by running away?”
“Jus’ dropping in on Gracie,” the child raised her voice, making no attempt to move.
“Next time you tell me.”
Jason stepped out of his dusty work boots, leaving them on the terrace. “You
