Chapter 4

Finished, she pressed the button under the table. The connection with the kitchen ‘comm’ was opened and the kitchen speaker beeped.

Cook said, “Yes, Miss?”

Amber asked Charles to bring the towncar around. Charles was at the kitchen table, with the staff. He was having the breakfast she wished she could have. He wasn’t finished ... but summoned is summoned and unemployment is a harsh mistress.

“Yes, Miss,” he said, and left his seat and headed for the backdoor. The staff was careful not to display any remorse over his wasted plate. The dresser was there.

When mom was alive Amber carried a Mickey Mouse lunch box to school. A PBJ on whole wheat, a carton of 2% milk, a couple stalks of celery, a carrot ... and a chocolate chip cookie ... her favorite. Sometimes there were two sandwiches. And ... every once in a while, Cook added a treat, an Energy Bar. Plenty. When mom was alive, Amber dressed as she wished. There were times when mom was appaled.

Now she carried money and ate in the cafeteria ... at the head table. Amber dressed in the school uniform ... hand tailored, of the finest of fabric ... and size three low heels.