The attic - Chapter 19

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Billy left early to go and get ready for work.  Moira slept in with Vincent and they awoke when the sun started peeking through the window. It was nearly eight o clock and they had to spark to get Vincent ready for his session with the psychologist.  She quickly gave Vincent some cereal to eat while she showered and by 8h30 they were on their way.  

Moira asked to see the psychologist first and Vincent played an old computer game in the kids corner of the room. Moira introduced herself as his guardian and they had a very interesting conversation.  She told the psychologist pretty much everything that she could figure out while talking to Vincent and the psychologist seemed pleased with all the extra information. Vincent was not much of a talker and she had trouble getting through to him.  

Moira felt much more relieved when she left the office and when Vincent came out, he was smiling. She took him out for a proper breakfast and Billy joined them a bit later.  They seemed like a happy little family and Vincent was even making jokes about them getting married and him being the best man at the wedding.

Moira just laughed at all the jokes but Billy thought it rather interesting. They were both turning thirty two this year, and it seemed like a good time to get married. Billy understood that Moira just came out of a difficult relationship but there were so many things that happened in between that she did not have time to grief the loss of her ex-boyfriend.  He was not going to push his luck, but he definitely put his mind to find the perfect moment to discuss this idea further.  

The previous night had showed him that his feelings were real, and he hoped that Moira felt the same. The whole relationship just needed a little more time to mature, but it was a perfect match, made in heaven, and even though it might take a little while, Billy knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Moira.

Billy kissed her full on the lips when he left to go back to the workshop and Vincent giggled at the sight. These were the only people that he trusted in his life, and he wanted to stay with them forever.  

Moira had a lot planned for them that day and she had to continue sorting out the house properly.  She had neglected this task for the last week, but now that she knew exactly what was going on she could focus on something else.  Cleaning would take her mind of things, and it will also help keep Vincent busy.  The schools were still closed for the holidays, and she still had to figure out how to get him in a school since Vincent has never been to a school. 

She made a mental note to phone Mr Williams the principal of the primary school as he would know what the best action would be. In the meantime she had her work cut out for her, as she had to at least teach Vincent to read.  

Every time she thought about what poor Vincent had to endure, it just made her angry. She still couldn't figure out why anyone would hold a child captive for so long and made it her goal to find out from Vincent.  She just had to be subtle about it, but she knew he trusted her.  

Moira stopped at the grocer to buy some fresh fruit and vegetables, and she was planning to make her famous lasagna that night.  She bought some fresh rolls to make garlic bread and she bought some exercise books and school supplies to start teaching Vincent.  She felt excited about the challenge but Vincent seemed like a bright child, that would learn easy.  

When they arrived home, sheriff Jones was there waiting for them. He was sitting on the porch smoking a cigarette and waved at them when they drove into the driveway.  Moira started panicking immediately when she saw him and tried not to show how anxious she was.  She asked Vincent to carry in the groceries and she took a seat next to sheriff Jones on the porch.  

"What can I do for you sheriff?" She heard the television going on, and she knew that Vincent would keep himself busy for a while, while she talked to the sheriff.  Vincent seemed to scram away from all authority figures, but she couldn't blame him.  

"I have some bad news. We had to let Alister go. I have not been to see him, but it won't be long before he would want Vincent back. He put up quite a show when he heard that Vincent was placed in foster care and we will soon have no choice but to return him, except if we can find something evident which would prevent that."

Moira felt panicked, and she lit a cigarette and offered one to sheriff Jones.  

"How many sessions does he still have to attend with the psychologist?"

"Ultimately we can stretch this out as long as necessary. I also don't want Vincent to go back Moira, but it is his child.  I will speak to the psychologist and hear what she has to say. She will have to make the final ruling, before Vincent is released to anyone.  She is good, and that is why I chose her. She has the interest of the child in mind, and she will do everything in her power to keep him safe."

"I had a long talk with her this morning, and it seems like she is a very nice person. Vincent actually walked out smiling today. I will try my best to find out as much as possible from Vincent and I will let you know if I find something worthwhile."

Sheriff Jones left shortly after the discussion, and Moira went inside.  She found Vincent watching his favorite show.  She asked him to switch off the television for a while,  and asked him to bring him the school supplies that she bought earlier.  They took a seat at the dining room table and she started showing him the letters of the alphabet. She left him practicing at the table, while she went to the kitchen to start preparing dinner.  

Billy phoned to tell her that he would be late, so there was enough time for her to make some desert as well. Vincent was still practicing his writing, and he seemed to enjoy the learning very much. Moira went back to the kitchen to continue with the food.  It was nearly six o clock when she heard Vincent in the bathroom and a car pull up in the driveway.  She thought it was Billy, and she called for him to come in, but was totally surprised when she turned around and there was an unknown man standing right behind her.  

She was frightened instantly and jumped out of the way towards the door.  

"Who are you and what do you want?" She said both angrily and nervous. 

"I'm sorry mam, I didn't mean to startle you. The name is Allister, Allister MacCrae."

-To be continued-

Chapter 1 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-1

Chapter 2 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-2

Chapter 3 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-3

Chapter 4 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-4

Chapter 5-  https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-5

Chapter 6-  https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-6

Chapter 7-   https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-7

Chapter 8 -  https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-8

Chapter 9 -  https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-9

Chapter 10 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-10

Chapter 11 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-11

Chapter 12 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-12

Chapter 13 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-13

Chapter 14 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-14 

Chapter 15 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-15

Chapter 16 -https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-16 

Chapter 17 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-17

Chapter 18 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-attic-chapter-18