Help Wanted by Richie Tankersley Cusick

eyes blinked, as if fighting back tears, and her face tightened into a mask of soft defiance. “Just leave me alone,” she whispered. “Please.”
    Before Robin could answer, Parker reappeared with the school nurse. Robin stood up and let Miss Danton take over, and after a quick examination it was decided that Claudia had suffered nothing more than bruises and a bad scare.
    â€œWould you like to go home?” Miss Danton offered, but Claudia shook her head adamantly. Apparently Parker had already told the nurse that he and Claudia were related, because now Miss Danton looked questioningly at him. He in turn only looked at the floor.
    â€œAre you sure?” Miss Danton asked again.
    â€œYes, thank you. I’m fine.” Claudia stood slowly and brushed herself off, though Robin could see the girl’s hands were still shaking.
    â€œI can take her home if she wants to go,” Parker finally said.
    Claudia shook her head. Miss Danton nodded.
    â€œWell, why don’t you come back with me and lie down for a minute,” she said briskly, “just to make sure you’re not dizzy. Robin … Parker … I’ll write you two late-notes for class. Thanks for your help.”
    They watched Miss Danton lead Claudia off to the infirmary, and then Parker turned to Robin with a grin.
    â€œSo. Now you’ve met my crazy grandfather and my crazy sister. We’re a family full of surprises.”
    â€œShe wasn’t exactly crazy,” Robin said, a little stiffly. “She just happened to have fallen down a whole flight of—”
    â€œYeah, and she told you she’d been pushed, too, didn’t she? That it wasn’t an accident.”
    Robin’s mouth opened in surprise. “How did you know?”
    Parker shook his head and looked smug.
    â€œI told her she’d imagined it,” Robin went on quickly. “That no one here would do such a thing. I told her the stairs were slippery and—”
    â€œHer eyes got all big and scared, and you felt sorry for her.” Parker leaned over to pick up his books. “Works every time.”
    â€œHow can you be so cold about it?” Robin burst out angrily.
    â€œBecause I know her. After a while you will, too.” Parker sighed. “She’s just like her mother. And I’m sure my grandfather had a few choice things to say about her! ”
    â€œNothing very nice and nothing very concrete,” Robin said, bristling. “Everyone seems to be making such a mystery out of the poor woman. All I want to do is get her books in order.”
    â€œHer name was Lillith, and she wasn’t what I’d call a ‘poor woman.’” Parker’s tone was sarcastic. “In fact, after she married my father, she was quite rich.”
    â€œThat’s not what I meant, and you know it.”
    â€œOh!” He faked surprise. “I get it! You’re talking about the suicide thing! Yes, it’s true. Lillith did herself in, but at least she was considerate enough to do it outside. And as for crazy old Claudia—”
    â€œYou’re disgusting.” Robin snatched up her books and glared at him. “And in case you didn’t notice just now, Claudia was really scared.”
    â€œAnd you’re naive,” Parker countered smoothly. “Don’t be taken in by what seems to be.” He looked down at her and grinned. “Except me, of course. Who seems to be a wonderful, lovable guy—which I truly am. ”
    Robin turned her back on him and walked away, but he quickly fell into step beside her.
    â€œSo we’re going to be working in close proximity,” he mused. “Hmmm … this could turn out to be very interesting. Very enlightening.”
    â€œI’m there to work,” Robin said sharply. “If I take the job at all. I still haven’t decided yet.”
    â€œOh, I see.” Parker chuckled. “Okay, then, if you do decide