Third Half by P. R. Garlick

to visit alota times before I lost my job and couldn't afford a place to stay.  And in spite of what he thinks, I have looked for work.   That's why when you showed up tonight looking for him to drive you, I offered.  I want to show him I'm not the freeloader that he thinks.  I do the work, he gets the money."
                  "It is his car."
                  Ronaldo nodded.  "You're right about that.  But he's tired after a long day of driving cab.  I saved him another few hours driving.  By the way, you never did say why you didn't just call a cab.  What you said you'd pay is alota money – more than a cab would cost."
                  "I have my reasons."
                  "Manuel said I wasn't supposed to ask alota questions."
                  "No, but I'll tell you what.  There's an extra twenty in this for you if you do something else for me."
                  "Twenty?  Not much.  But if it's money of my own and not charity, I'll do it."
                  "Ask Manuel to help you get a job driving taxi."
                  "That was a trick, Sister." The dark haired boy beside her laughed with good nature.  "But I can't back out on a promise to a nun.  I'll ask him tomorrow."
                  "Good." She smiled in relief, knowing she had kept her promise to Manuel.  She'd told the man that after hearing his story the day before, she's felt compelled to help him.  That after lighting a candle as he had asked, she knew she had to see what she could do.
                  Being such a religious man, Manuel Rivas did not question her words.  He was only too happy to have her help.  So when she said her excuse to get the young boy alone would be the need for a ride to Connecticut, he immediately offered the use of his car.
                  "The end justifies the means," she said with a smile.
                  "What's that?" Ronaldo turned to her.
                  "Ah . . .I think I better explain exactly what I want you to do when we get to my brother's farm.  It's important you have everything straight."
     

 
     
     
     
    CHAPTER THREE
     
                  As she approached Jack's home, Liane wasn't certain whether the large, bright outside light was a blessing or not.  It definitely helped her pick her way along the long dirt and gravel driveway in the darkness.  But she knew it also made her more visible.
                  She was thankful to be greeted by darkness from the manager's side of the house.  Still, she nearly tiptoed up the steps and onto the front porch, stopping suddenly as a board creaked loudly.  Her breath caught in her throat as she waited a tentative moment before taking another step.
                  Slowly releasing her breath, she took several more slow, easy steps toward the door.  Standing in the shadows under the porch roof, she fumbled before finally getting the key into the lock.   When it turned, she edged the door open and stepped inside, feeling her way through the darkness until she had drawn the shades on every window so no one would see the light from outside.
                  As she reached for the light switch by the door her hand paused on a slip of paper.  Once light filled the room, she read the note that had been carefully taped to the switch.
                  "This is great!" she said with a smile, relaxing for the first time since stepping out of the car.  Tom Lucas, her brother's manager, and his wife, had decided to stay an extra night with their relatives and the note was written to Jack in case he returned. 
                  She was pleased with the turn of events that would now enable her to search without fear of being heard by any residents next door.
                  She started for the stairs, knowing that the room she was looking