Merciless by Diana Palmer Page B

overseas on duty before we could get married,” she added gently, telling the falsehood with the confidence of years of secret keeping.
    The two school officials looked guilty.
    â€œA tragedy,” Ms. Rawles spoke for both of them. “The world is changing very quickly. Sometimes new concepts are difficult.”
    â€œI go to church, and take Markie, every Sunday,” shetold them with a quiet smile. “Everybody makes mistakes. Some are more difficult to live with than others. But I love my son. I feel blessed to have him.”
    They both brightened. “He’s a smart little boy.”
    â€œThat’s why he’s into everything, he’s curious,” Joceline replied. “And I have already discussed this with our doctor. He’s researching medicines, but he says that discipline might be a better choice than drugs in Markie’s case. I don’t mean hitting him with a bat to get his attention,” she added. “The doctor says that overactive children need consistency and routine and a limit to the number of toys they play with to keep them from being overstimulated. There are many new studies on both sides of the issue, but I would prefer to at least try the least drastic measure first. If it doesn’t get results, then I’ll have to consider other options. Compromise,” she added with a smile, “is the foundation of civilization.”
    â€œIt is,” Mr. Morrison agreed, rising. He seemed to relax a little.
    Ms. Rawles stood up, too. She smiled. “I apologize again for my remarks.”
    â€œIt’s all right,” Joceline said again. “You’ll let me know if the situation doesn’t improve?” she asked the teacher.
    Ms. Rawles nodded. “Yes, I will. And thank you for coming in to talk to us. I know your job requires long hours.”
    â€œYour job?” Mr. Morrison asked curiously.
    â€œShe works for the FBI,” Ms. Rawles said with a grin, glancing at Mr. Morrison’s shocked face.
    â€œMy goodness!” he blurted out. “I had no idea.”
    â€œI’m not involved in enforcement of federal laws,” she said. “I only do the paperwork that helps get criminals convicted. I keep the gears oiled.”
    He chuckled. “How interesting! We’re having a Career Day here in November. Perhaps you might like to speak about your duties?”
    â€œI would,” she said, “but my boss is very strict. He might not like it.”
    â€œWe wouldn’t want to get you in trouble with him,” he replied. “But think about it.”
    â€œI will. Thank you both for being so understanding.”
    â€œI have two daughters in high school,” Mr. Morrison said. “I do know how children can be.” He was very quiet. “One of my daughters took Ritalin for ADD,” he added, referring to attention deficit disorder.
    Joceline wanted to ask, very badly, how that had turned out. But there was something in the man’s face that deterred her. She thanked them again, said her goodbyes and went to pick up Markie at day care.
    The next day she mentioned the principal’s remark in passing to Agent Blackhawk.
    â€œMorrison. Yes, the school principal. Sad story.”
    â€œSir?”
    â€œHis eldest daughter is a senior in high school. She was arrested for possession of a Class I controlled substance and convicted of intent to distribute. She’s on probation as a first offender. Her mother died of an overdose.”
    Joceline was shocked.
    â€œYou didn’t hear that from me,” he added. “We don’t discuss cases brought by other agencies. In this case, San Antonio P.D.”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    He cocked his head. “She was placed on drugs in grammar school for ADD.”
    â€œThat would have been my next question until you said you wouldn’t discuss it,” she said demurely. She sighed. “They wanted me to get my doctor to put