Starved Of Fatherly Affection

Kira examined the superficial wounds on Jennie’s knees. The anxious look on her face disappeared. She folded her arms and watched Jennie, who was still blubbering. ‘Jennie Hewitt!’ Jennie stopped crying abruptly and hiccupped. Kira was familiar with her daughter’s superb acting skills. While the girl was crying, she had kept one eye on Austyn, watching his reaction. The more he coaxed her, the more it spurred her on. Kira silenced her daughter with one look and tossed another disapproving glance at Austyn. He was a grown man. How could he be fooled by a three-year-old? Kira shook her head. Austyn caught on immediately. He examined the girl in his arms. Jennie’s cheeks were still stained with tears but she didn’t look to be in pain at all. She was still snivelling. She clutched the front of his shirt with both hands, looking sheepish. Austyn said without thinking, ‘Why are you yelling at her? She did nothing wrong.’ Kira threw up both hands, exasperated. Jennie, on the other hand, was e