“That’s right, precious,” Ellen cooed, fishing a small note in a familiar-looking stationary from her purse. James’s eyes widened as she held it up to him. Just barely, he could make out his mother’s handwriting. “Shall I read it?”
James became still as Ellen smoothed out the paper and cleared her voice:
“James, I hope you are having a wonderful time so far at Miss Ellen’s house. I’m so sorry about this, but I’ve been called overseas by the main office to help with a big project. I trust you, sweetie, but it would be far too much to ask you to take care of yourself all summer.
