Chapter 4

4

2023

Janelle shifted her laptop case and handbag to her other arm while she juggled a shopping bag and tried to push the button to call the lift. There was no way she was carrying this load up three flights of stairs to her flat. Her empty stomach growled, and she released a frustrated breath.

Where was the lift? Tapping her foot, she glanced around the empty lobby. She should pick up her mail, but it had been a long, stressful day at the museum, and all she wanted right now was dinner and a comfy seat on her couch.

The lift bell rang, and the door slid open.

"Thank you, Lord." She stepped in, closed her eyes, and sent off another prayer for Amanda and the twins. She hadn't heard any more since Amanda's frantic phone call around four. She checked her watch and decided she would text Wesley if she didn't hear from him by eight.

The lift door slid open, and she stepped out. There were only three flats on each floor, which usually made her home a peaceful retreat. Janelle lowered the shopping bag and laptop case to the floor, then dug through her handbag for her keys.

The door to 303 opened, and her friend and neighbor Maggie Lewis stepped out. Her face looked pale, and her short dark hair stuck out in odd directions. "Thank goodness you're home!"

Behind Maggie, Janelle could hear loud music from a kids' television program and Maggie's sons, Cole and Caleb, arguing over who could hold the remote.

Janelle unlocked her door. "What's going on?"

Maggie blew out a deep breath, then closed the door to her flat and crossed the landing. "Dan's daughter, Olivia, arrived this afternoon," she whispered and sent Janelle a wide-eyed expectant look. "Her mother is a germaphobe. We haven't seen her in person for more than three years!"

"So, it should be good for her to have some time with her dad," Janelle said.

"Yes, but she's sixteen now. I feel like I don't even know her. She and Dan did weekly FaceTime calls, but that's not the same as having her here with us."

Janelle picked up her laptop case and handbag. Maggie grabbed the shopping bag, then followed Janelle inside and closed the door.

Janelle couldn't help smiling. Maggie didn't even ask if she could come in. Their friendship had grown in the four years since Janelle had moved into the building. Even though Maggie was ten years older, and they were at different life stages, they often spent time together and shared meals, as well as heart-to-heart talks. Maggie had been her greatest support through her breakup with Marcus, and that had deepened their already strong friendship.

Janelle set her handbag and laptop case on the chair. "How long is Olivia staying?"

"We're not sure. Her stepfather is in the hospital with some sort of kidney issue, and her mother is stressed out about it. Olivia could end up staying until September."

"Wow, all summer?"

"Yes." Maggie plopped the bag on the kitchen counter, looking dejected. "This all came up in the last forty-eight hours. We had no time to prepare. The boys are set to start summer day camp on Monday. I'm working, Dan's working, and I don't know what we're going to do with Olivia."

"She's certainly old enough to stay at home on her own."

"Yes, but she's not happy about being here. If we leave her here alone all week, it might make matters worse."

Janelle nodded. Leaving teens at home with nothing to do all summer could be a problem. "What are her hobbies and interests?"

"She used to play the piano and be into jewelry making and art, but now she just seems glued to her phone."

Janelle frowned. That could really be trouble. She started unloading the shopping bags and setting items on the counter.

Maggie lifted her hands. "I know how to keep Caleb and Cole occupied, but what do teens do in the summer?"

"Spend time with friends? Read? Listen to music? Some of them get jobs."

"She doesn't have any friends here, and I have no idea what kind of books or music she likes. And as far as finding a job, we don't know how long she'll be here, so that's doubtful." Maggie sighed, reached for a glass on the open shelf, and filled it with water.

An idea rose in Janelle's mind. She glanced at her friend's dismal expression and made her decision. "Do you think she'd like to volunteer at the museum?"

Maggie's mouth rounded. "Oh, now that's a good idea."

"We have a few openings for teen volunteers."

"What would she do?"

"She could help at the front desk, greeting guests and selling tickets and items from our gift shop."

"Maybe, but she's a bit of an introvert. I'm not sure she'd like that."

"We're also looking for assistants in kids' art classes."

Maggie nodded. "That sounds more like something she might be willing to do."

Janelle thought a moment more. "And there's the transcription project."

"What's that?"

"Volunteers look through Foundling Hospital records from the 1700s and 1800s and type out what the document says. Some go on to piece together what they find about a particular child and create a new file to save their story."

"Like collecting the clues and solving a mystery."

"Exactly. She'd have to go through an orientation first. I suppose she has basic computer skills?"

"Yes! She's good with computers. How many days a week could she volunteer at the museum?"

"The children's art classes run Tuesday through Thursday. For the transcription project, she would go through orientation, then she could set her own schedule and work at the museum or at home or wherever she likes."

Maggie thought for a moment, then looked back at Janelle. "Dan can work at home on Fridays, and I think I can convince my boss to let me work from home on Mondays. Olivia could help with the transcription project those days. Then she could she go to the museum with you on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday."

Janelle grabbed a container of yogurt and placed it on the top shelf in the fridge. Was she ready to make that commitment on top of all her other responsibilities?

Maggie touched her shoulder. "I know that's a big ask. If it's too much, just say so. I'll still love you ... but it would really be a huge help and save my sanity."

Janelle turned to Maggie. Her friend looked at her with such a hopeful pleading expression, she couldn't refuse. Taking Olivia to and from the museum three days a week wouldn't be so hard. Once they arrived, she could turn her over to the staff running the volunteer program or give her space in one of the offices to work on transcribing documents.

Maggie and Dan had gone out of their way to help Janelle so many times, making her feel like she was almost part of their family. This was her chance to return their kindness.

She took a deep breath. "Okay. If Olivia is willing to volunteer, I can take her in and bring her home. I'll make sure she's connected with the staff and other volunteers."

"Are you sure it's okay? She doesn't have to fill out an application or something?"

Janelle nodded. "There is an application, but I'll make sure she's accepted ... since I am the new acting director."

Maggie's eyes widened. "What? When did that happen?"

"Today! Amanda went into labor with her twins."

"Wait, I thought she wasn't due until later this summer."

"She's not, but her water broke this afternoon, and her husband took her to the hospital."

Maggie placed her hand over her heart. "Oh my goodness. That must be so scary."

Janelle's stomach clenched as she recalled Amanda's frantic voice. "She was in a panic when she phoned. She even asked for prayer, and she's never done that before."

Maggie's eyes rounded. "Maybe this will bring her closer to the Lord."

"I hope so." Janelle checked her watch. "I'm going to fix dinner, then I plan to text her husband and see if he can give me an update."

Maggie nodded. "After dinner, why don't you come over and meet Olivia? I picked up some ice cream and a lemon sponge cake. We can talk about the volunteer positions and hopefully get her on board."

Janelle sent a longing glance toward the couch and television. She'd hoped to have a quiet dinner and catch up on the latest episode of her favorite show, but that could wait. Helping her friend face this new challenge was more important.

Janelle took a sip of tea and studied Olivia over the rim of her cup. The girl's dark brown hair hung over her shoulders in soft waves, with hair that partly hid her light blue eyes. Cinnamon-tinted freckles dusted her cheeks and nose, giving her a fresh, wholesome appearance, though Janelle doubted the girl appreciated those freckles. She remembered moaning about her own at that age. Thankfully, most of hers had faded.

Olivia looked up and met Janelle's gaze, then quickly looked away—but that didn't hide the discomfort in her eyes.

Maggie passed Olivia a plate with a slice of cake and scoop of ice cream. "Janelle is stepping in as the director of Foundling Museum, and she was telling me they have some openings for teen volunteers this summer."

Olivia scooped a bite of ice cream into her mouth, ignoring Maggie.

Maggie shot Dan a pointed look as she passed him the next plate.

"What kind of jobs do the volunteers do?" Dan asked as he squirted some whipped cream on top of his cake and ice cream.

"There are a few options." Janelle listed those she'd shared with Maggie, trying to make them sound as interesting as possible, hoping to stir Olivia's curiosity.

Maggie forced a smile as she passed the next plate to Caleb. "Olivia, don't those sound great? Which one do you think would be a good fit for you?"

Olivia shot Maggie a surprised glance. "You want me to volunteer at a museum?"

"We think it would be a good idea for you to have something to do while your dad and I are at work and the boys are at camp. You'd be bored sitting around here all day by yourself."

Olivia frowned. "Staying here sounds better than hanging out at a museum and doing a job that doesn't pay."

Maggie handed Cole the next plate. He looked at it and stuck out his lower lip. "Why did Caleb get more ice cream than me?"

"You both got the same amount." Maggie shifted her gaze to Dan and sent him a pleading look.

He turned to his daughter. "We're glad you're here, and we want you to enjoy your summer. We'll plan some fun activities on the weekends, but during the week, it would be a good idea for you to volunteer at the museum. It might not be a paid position, but you can count it as work experience when you apply to university or when you're looking for a job."

"I worked hard at school all year. I want to relax and sleep in this summer, not waste time at some dusty old museum."

Janelle shifted uncomfortably in her chair. This conversation was not going as she and Maggie had hoped.

Maggie swiped a cloth across the counter, a glint of determination in her eyes. "You can sleep in on the weekend and on Mondays and Fridays when your dad and I will be working from home. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, you can go to the museum with Janelle and help with the kids' art classes or pick one of the other volunteer jobs."

Olivia glared at Maggie. "You're not really giving me a choice, are you?"

Dan's face turned ruddy, and he leveled his gaze at her. "You have a choice. You can either decide to have a good attitude and enjoy the summer with us, or you can have a negative attitude and feel miserable. It's up to you."

Olivia's eyes flashed, and she jumped up from the couch. "I knew you'd treat me like this! You don't care how I feel or what I want! I wish I'd never come!" She spun away, dashed down the hall, and slammed her door.

Dan's jaw clenched as he stared at the empty hallway. Cole and Caleb exchanged wide-eyed looks. Then Dan got up and strode out of the room.

Maggie sighed and rubbed her eyes. "I'm sorry, Janelle. I had no idea she'd react like that."

Janelle blew out a breath. "It's okay. She's got the weekend to cool off. Hopefully by Tuesday she'll be willing to go in with me."

Maggie's expression firmed. "She'll be ready. I'll make sure of it."

Jonas sank into the recliner and put his feet up. The memory of his conversation with Janelle Spencer replayed through his mind as it had a few times since he'd left the Foundling Hospital. She had a winsome way about her. Even though she'd not signed the contract for the film, he'd left feeling hopeful she'd do what she could to move the project forward.

He opened the biography of Thomas Coram and turned to chapter three. The man with the vision for opening the Foundling Hospital was an intriguing character. The plight of the abandoned babies he'd seen on London's streets had grabbed hold of his heart, and he wouldn't give up until he found a way to open a children's home.

A knock sounded at the front door of his flat. He lowered his feet and crossed the room. Checking the peephole, he spotted his friend and assistant, Howie Livingston, staring at the floor with a gloomy expression.

Jonas pulled open the door. "Hey, Howie. Everything okay?"

"No, it's not. Lauren is upset with me. I needed to get out of the house and take a break." He walked past Jonas and into the living room.

Jonas raised his eyebrows. "Come in."

In the five years he'd known Howie and Lauren, he'd admired their relationship and the way they cared for their young son, Liam. But since a drunk driver had slammed into their car eight months ago, he'd noticed rising tension between the couple. Liam had not been injured, but Lauren had sustained significant injuries. Her long recovery and the emotional and financial stress from the accident had put a strain on their relationship.

"You want to talk about it?"

Howie grimaced. "Lauren's worried about money and struggling with the idea of going back to work when she's not fully recovered. But I think it has more to do with her not wanting to be away from Liam so many hours a day."

"And she's upset with you because ...?"

Howie sighed. "If I were making more money, she wouldn't have to go back to work. And with the way things have been going for us"—he motioned to Jonas and himself—"she's worried about the future. I tried to tell her everything was going to be okay, that she didn't need to worry, but that just made her more upset."

Jonas stifled a groan. He hated hearing that the results of his impulsive choices were putting pressure on his best friend's marriage. "Oh, mate, I'm sorry."

Howie lifted his hand. "It's okay. We'll get through this."

"Do you want a drink? I've got lemonade."

"Sure." Howie followed Jonas into the kitchen.

Jonas filled a glass with ice and poured Howie a drink. "I'm no expert on solving marriage conflicts, but maybe you could go back and try to listen to her concerns. I think sometimes people just want to be heard. They don't want you to talk them out of their feelings or even fix the problem."

Howie accepted the glass, and they walked back to the living room. "I just wish she'd trust me. We know what we're doing." He took a long drink and lowered himself to the couch.

Jonas sat across from him. "These last few months have been tough for both of you."

Howie leaned back, closed his eyes, and rubbed his forehead. "I thought we were getting past the worst of it—and now this."

"Maybe let things settle tonight and talk it over tomorrow. You can work this out."

Howie sighed. "Yeah, you're probably right. I'll go back and listen and try to see things from her point of view." He shifted on the couch and opened his eyes. "How did it go at the Foundling Museum? Did they sign the contract?"

"Not yet. The director is out on maternity leave with premature twins."

"Whoa, that sounds crazy."

Jonas nodded. "The woman who is stepping in for her didn't even know I was coming."

Howie frowned. "Don't tell me they're going to cancel the project."

"No. She said she'll talk to the director and get back to me."

Howie clicked his tongue. "Bummer. I thought this was a done deal."

"I'm still hopeful." He leaned forward and clasped his hands between his knees. "She gave me a tour of the museum and some books to learn about their history." He pointed to the book on the coffee table. "I've already got some ideas."

"What did you learn on the tour?"

Jonas recalled his interactions with Janelle. She knew her stuff, and she was attractive. He squelched that thought and focused on Howie again. "There's a display case filled with all these little objects. She told me they were tokens left by mothers when they gave up their babies. Each one represents a mother's love and a child's story."

Howie's expression brightened. "That sounds intriguing."

"Yes, and she said the museum's fundraising efforts have been in a slump since the pandemic. They lost a major grant, and they're scrambling to meet expenses."

Howie made a noise in his throat. "That sounds too familiar."

Jonas's gut clenched. The comparison between the museum's financial struggles and those of his film company were surprisingly similar. They'd been working on a documentary for the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children when the grant they'd been promised was pulled out from under them. Jonas had drained his savings to pay Howie and cover his own bills, hoping and praying they'd be awarded another grant, but it hadn't happened. They'd had to shelve the project after working on it for four months.

"How soon will we know if the museum film is a go?

Jonas blinked and shifted his thoughts back to the present. "We should hear something in a day or two. I'm starting the research and hoping for the best."

Howie lifted an eyebrow. "Let's hope for a better outcome this time."

Jonas sighed. His friend was right. He needed to keep his options open and not sink too much hope or time into this project until he was given a solid green light.