Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Stella suddenly got a strange feeling about Larry.

Here was a guy with just a middle school education, yet he had impeccable handwriting.

He had a wife with mental health issues and a son with hearing impairment, and he was the sole provider for the family.

And yet, he somehow managed to afford his son's lessons in painting and calligraphy.

Instead of cutting back on his son's expenses to save for a cochlear implant, he took on extra jobs on the side, even if it meant risking his main job.

Stella had seen parents sacrifice and scrimp to give their kids the best education, but something about Larry's situation didn't sit right with her.

She couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Even as she met up with Keegan, her brow stayed furrowed.

When Samuel finished his shift and went home, Aldor took over driving duties.

Keegan tossed his jacket onto the front seat and joined Stella in the back.

look troubled," Keegan asked, buckling his

Stella shook her head.

got there?" Keegan

unfolded the drawing

son, thanking me for the box of chocolates I gave him."

mingling with the youngsters again?"

not mingling with anyone! I haven't even met him! I just gave hima box of chocolates for his birthday, and the kid was thoughtful enough

I see.”

Keegan scrutinized the drawing.

"This is pretty good.

for a fourteen-year-old." Stella brushed

remember you're

you did in the study was impressive." Then he added, "Better

a

a cat! A cat!" Keegan was

laugh and stepped in, "Tigers are tougher to paint

she must be a pro at painting tigers." With that one sentence, Aldor had Stella feeling praised, and even if her tiger paintings were rubbish, she'd still have to modestly say, Not bad,

back at the