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,

Stella shook her head.

you've got there?" Keegan asked, nodding

unfolded the drawing

me for the box

with the youngsters again?" Stella's

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

I see.”

Keegan scrutinized the drawing.

"This is pretty good.

a fourteen-year-old." Stella brushed off the jealousy in

went on, "I remember you're handy with nature

impressive." Then he added, "Better than

painted a British

a cat! A cat!"

laugh and stepped in, "Tigers are tougher to paint

one sentence, Aldor had Stella feeling praised, and even if her tiger paintings were rubbish, she'd still have to modestly say, Not bad, just passable."

looked back