Mr. Hawkins hired her on the spot, and she swore old Mr. Parker to secrecy, as no one had seen them leave together. Her new boss seemed quite concerne... about her marriage difficulties, and he even offered her an advance on her first week's salary so that she could buy a few new clothes and not have to spend another second with that coarse slug of a husband back in Blackjack.She did take the time to write her husband a letter, though, which was probably more than he deserved. Mr. Hawkins mailed. "Hey there, protectorof women. You need to let go being mad at Ron. He will never try that withour daughter again.He deserved you hitting him"Mike wanted to give his wife one more chance to come clean. He knew thatwas as likely as mail being delivered on Sunday. "Try what?" Treating women like objects."Keri knew something was wrong, very wrong when her husband started to shakehis head no. "Come on do not believe those people who are saying otherwise.They are just trying to defend that. I want to be near you when it hits. I know you’ll understand. I need your support.”“Ah!” John sighed. “Well, I’m not out of it myself yet, so we can support each other. I’m not trying to get rid of you, stay as long as you need to or want, but how long were you thinking of staying?”“Why? Had you something planned?”“No, nothing all this year. I know some widows and widowers go on cruises and holidays. I think that’s an escape. I want to face it. Anyway, Elizabeth will be annoyed if I don’t look. I decided that it was worth the chance.I went to the front door and looked out. I didn't see anyone around so I made a run for it. I was all the way to my front steps before a car came down the street. I don't know if they saw me or not. I struggled with the key before I realized the door wasn't locked. I went inside and locked the door. Then I brushed my teeth as quickly as I could. I went out through my back door and made my way through the gap in our fence. I arrived back at Kevin's room.