They took a train together from Grand Central Station to Derryton, where Graham called for a cab to take them to J.C. Medical. The steel and glass building they entered was several stories tall. Graham waited in the high-ceilinged lobby while Kelly went in for her initial interview. Their personnel office administrator did her best to put Kelly at ease as she administered a typing test and a personality profile test. After she passed those, Kelly met with the H.R. director, Mrs. Reynolds, who asked what she was looking for in a career, and how she could be an asset to J.C. Medical. Smiling, Kelly gave the replies Graham had coached her to say. He had prepared her well, and though she had to admit the company appeared to be a very nice place to work, it still wasn't what she wanted.

One question threw her, however. Mrs. Reynolds asked how she knew their president, Derek Johnson. Kelly wasn't sure how to answer, so she told the truth. "He's a friend of my daddy's."

Frowning, the woman glanced down at Kelly's resume. "Is your father Mr. Franklin?"

Yes, he'd been her biological father, but he wasn't her daddy. However, Kelly realized that would only confuse the issue, so she said, "No, I was adopted. His name is Graham White."

"Ah, yes. I recall Mr. Johnson mentioning Mr. White. Well, it appears you have all the qualifications we require." She rose and extended her hand. "Welcome to J.C. Medical, Miss Franklin."

Shaking the woman's hand, Kelly swallowed, uncertain what to say.

"There are still a few forms we'll ask you to sign, and you'll need a physical before your first day, but those are formalities, really. We'd like you to start in two weeks. Is that possible?"

Everything was moving so fast. "Yes. I believe so."

"Good." She handed Kelly a portfolio. "Here is our new employee orientation folder. It lays out our insurance coverage, profit sharing, vacation policy, and dress code among other things. Take a look through it, and we can discuss it on your first day. Your salary will be as we discussed, of course. Do you have any questions for me?"

Stunned, Kelly shook her head. She'd been hired. This was really happening to her.

"Very well. Could you wait in the reception area for a bit? Mr. Johnson would also like to speak with you."

Kelly nodded and returned to the section where Graham waited for her. He started to rise when he saw her, but she shook her head again. "They asked me to stay here." Graham sat back down and reached for her hand. She extended the folder instead. "Mrs. Reynolds gave me this."

A puzzled frown creased his brow as he flipped through the brochure then gazed at her in question. "Orientation?"

Giving a shrug, Kelly stared down at her clasped hands. "I got the job."

Graham promptly gave her a hug. "That's wonderful. Congratulations, sweetie."

She blinked several times. She'd done it. This was what he wanted. Attempting to return his smile, she added, "Mr. Johnson said he wished to speak with me, but I wasn't sure what to say when Mrs. Reynolds asked how I knew him."

"She did? And how did you reply?"

Kelly met his gaze. "I told them he was your friend."

"That's a good answer."

"Is it?"

"Yes, Kelly. It's the truth."

"I also said you adopted me."

He cleared his throat with a choking laugh, then said, "Well, I guess it's sort of difficult to explain our relationship."

"Does Mr. Johnson know the truth about you? About us?" she whispered.

Graham patted her fingers. "Yes, sweetie, he knows."

"And he's all right with it?"

"He doesn't share my tastes, but he understands them."

A young woman walked into reception then. "Miss Franklin?" Kelly nodded and rose, so the woman extended her hand and approached. "I'm Michelle Winters, Mr. Johnson's assistant. Would you follow me please?"

"Can my father, Mr. White, come with us?"

Miss Winters gave a nod to Graham. "If you wish him to accompany you upstairs, he's welcome to stay in our waiting area there."

"Oh." He couldn't come in with her. She glanced at Graham, so he rose and took her hand.

"Thank you, Miss Winters," he replied cordially. "I'd be pleased to join my daughter."

They took the elevator up several floors, where they were directed to the waiting room on the executive floor and asked to wait again. This lounge had black leather armchairs and glass tables with some artistic flower arrangements and a few magazines spread over them. Kelly sat down but started to wring her hands until Graham placed his fingers over hers.

"Relax. You're doing fine."

"Why does he want to meet with me?"

"I'm sure he just wants to introduce himself and offer his assistance if you require it. He's not going to grill you, Kelly."

"Are you sure? I've no idea what to say if he asks about our relationship or how we met."

"He won't. But, to ease your mind, if he does, say we met at a party and had a private dinner together."

Kelly nodded as Ms. Winters returned. "Miss Franklin, Mr. Johnson is ready to see you, now, if you'll follow me, please?"

Rising, Kelly cast another pleading look at Graham. She really didn't want to be doing this. He winked and gestured for her to go ahead. "I'll be right here when you come back."

Kelly closed her eyes for a moment then smiled at Ms. Winters. "Thank you."

She was directed to the president's office, which was almost as large as Graham's living room. Derek Johnson, a handsome, dark-haired man in his late thirties rose promptly when she entered, stepped around his desk, and extended his hand to her. "Miss Franklin, I'm so glad to finally meet you. Thank you, Michelle."

Michelle gave a nod and backed out to shut the door as Mr. Johnson directed Kelly to sit in one of his leather chairs, similar to the ones in the lobby, while he sat in one next to her. "I won't keep you long. I just wanted to tell you that Graham and I have been friends for years. In fact, I met my wife through him."

"You did?"

"Yes. Didn't he tell you?"

Kelly shook her head. "No, sir."

He smiled and leaned back in his seat. "I met Graham at a club, where he introduced us. The three of us chatted and had a few drinks together, and I realized almost immediately that Hannah was the one for me."

"Oh."

"I owe him for that."

Kelly wasn't sure what she should say, so she merely smiled in response.

"In any case, I wished to officially welcome you to the company. I assured Graham I would make sure you stayed out of trouble." He leaned forward, "And, Kelly, I always keep my promises." He nodded to a wall where his fraternity paddle hung on prominent display.

Kelly gasped and stared at him. Was he implying what she thought he was?

"My alma mater." He continued speaking as if her dismayed reaction was expected. "The paddle is symbolic, of course. Though it's never been used, it is quite functional, I assure you. Do you understand what I am telling you?"

Her mouth suddenly dry, Kelly nodded. "I think so, sir."

"Good." He rose and extended his hand, signaling she should rise as well. Kelly practically shot to her feet, causing him to chuckle as he shook her hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you, little Kelly. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me. All right?"

Nodding, she answered in a small voice, "Thank you, sir."

His smile broadened. "Say hello to Graham for me."

"He's here," she whispered.

"Pardon me?"

"He came with me. He's waiting in your reception area."

"He is, is he? Well, I will walk you out, then. It's been a while since we've seen each other."

Mr. Johnson placed a warm hand at the small of Kelly's back as he led her back to the executive lounge. Graham rose when he spotted his friend, and the two clasped hands.

"Your daughter is delightful, Graham. I'm pleased she's agreed to work here."

Graham chuckled. "I'm pleased you had a position to offer her. How's Hannah?"

"Still as energetic and uncompromising as she was when you introduced us. Two children haven't slowed her down a bit."

"Glad to hear it."

"I warned your daughter I'd be keeping an eye out for her and introduced her to Fidelis."

Graham frowned. "Introduced her?"

"Perhaps I should say that I showed her how I keep it hanging proudly in my office."

"I see." Graham glanced over at Kelly, who felt all the blood drain to her feet. She attempted to swallow, so he reached out and drew her close. "I can tell it made an indelible impression." He gave her waist a squeeze.

Mr. Johnson smiled. "Not quite, but it very well could. I think we understood each other." He extended his hand. "Good to see you again, Graham."

"Give Hannah my best."

"Of course. Kelly, I'll see you in a couple of weeks, right?"

Nodding, Kelly whispered, "Yes, sir."

He smiled again. "A very polite young lady. You've taught her well, Graham."

With a nod to them both, the president of the company she worked for turned and walked back to his office.

* * *

Kelly remained silent until they were out of the building, then she turned to face Graham.

"Did he just threaten to paddle me if I misbehave?"

Graham chuckled. "I believe he did exactly that. I told you he was a good friend and he'd watch out for you."

"Yes, but I thought… Never mind."

"You'll be fine, sweetie. Now, let's go apartment hunting. I've circled a few possibilities I'd like to check out."

"Already?"

"When did they say you'd start?"

"Two weeks from today."

"Good. That gives us a little time, but I want you settled before then. It's an hour-long commute, and I don't like the thought of you traveling so far every day."

"No. You just want to get rid of me. I still have six months left on my contract."

"I believe I said two years, or until your twenty-first birthday. It's time, sweetie."

"You don't want me with you anymore. I'm too old for you."

"Kelly—"

"It's the truth," she said, marching to the waiting taxi where she opened the door and got in. Knowing she was right, and angry at him for packing her off so quickly, Kelly crossed her arms and refused to say anything more until they got back to the apartment, when he suggested she start dinner, so they could sit down and talk.

"Fix your own dinner if you're hungry," she snapped. "I'm going to bed." She flounced toward her room, but he stopped her with a firm grip on her arm.

"You are behaving like a brat, Kelly. I realize you're upset, and I will discuss this with you, but not if you're going to act like a spoiled little girl. Which is it going to be? Do you want me to give you a spanking, or will you calm down enough to sit with me, drink a glass of wine, and talk this over like an adult?"

Kelly's eyes filled with tears. "I don't want a spanking."

"Will you behave?"

She nodded reluctantly.

"All right." He released her arm. "Would you please start preparing dinner while I collect the wine and glasses for us?"

Swiping at her eyes, she stepped away from him and strode into the kitchen. He had taken care of her, and now he was throwing her out. She didn't know what she'd do.

When she didn't return, he followed after her and drew her into his arms.

"Kelly, I'm not going to abandon you. But it's time you had your own life."

"Why?"

"We've been through this before. Because you're going to be twenty-one years old, and if you don't start soon, it's going to be even more difficult later."

"But I don't want to go."

He brushed her hair back from her face. "Actually, I think you do, but you're scared. I'll help you as much as I can, but you have to at least be willing to try."

Nodding again, she put the casserole she'd assembled last night into the oven, and allowed him to escort her to the couch where she accepted the glass of wine he handed her.

"J.C. Medical is a wonderful place to work, and I have no doubt you'll quickly make new friends in Derryton. The apartments we saw today all had excellent security, some impressive amenities, and were in walking distance of J.C. Medical. They're ideal, don't you think?"

"I guess."

"I'll help set everything up, so it's the way you want it. We can even hire an interior decorator if you'd prefer."

"Do you already have my replacement lined up?"

Graham gave a frustrated shake of his head, and she understood he didn't want to discuss his next little girl, but she wanted to know. Finally, he gave a shrug and admitted, "I've got my eye on someone, but I haven't approached her, and I won't until you're settled. However, the longer we wait, the more danger she's in, just like you were."

"Is she a prostitute?"

"She's headed that way, if she hasn't already started. I suspect she's taking drugs, so she'll need to be checked out by Dr. Kent before I attempt to detoxify her. She's going to require a lot of my time and focus in the beginning, so once you're set up and moved in, I may be difficult to reach for a few days."

Frowning, Kelly reminded him, "But you said I could call whenever I needed you."

"Yes, I did. But I must also give Sarah my full attention once she agrees to come with me. If you're in trouble, speak to Derek, first. He'll be able to get hold of me if it's an emergency."

"Sarah. Is that her name?"

"Yes, that is her name."

"What if she doesn't agree to be your little girl?"

"She will. What I offer her will be a great deal better than what she currently has."

Kelly suspected he was right about that. As unusual as their arrangement was, she wasn't ready for it to end, not yet. She gripped her hands together. "Even though you'll be busy, can I still call you directly?"

Graham sighed but gave her a weary smile. "Of course you may, anytime, my darling one. You might get my answering service, but I'll phone back as soon as I can."

"When do I have to be out of here?'

Reaching for her hand, he said. "You talk as if I'm booting you out. I'm not, Kelly, but I'm not going to let you hang onto me for weeks, either."

Angry and hurt, Kelly drew back. "So, when?"

He crossed his arms over his chest. "I thought we'd go see about your apartment tomorrow. We could probably have it furnished by next Monday or Tuesday, and you could spend a few nights getting settled in your new place before you report in to work."

"Will you stay with me?"

Closing his eyes, Graham shook his head. "I don't think that's a good idea. This will be your place, and we need to keep it that way. My sleeping over for a night will only make our parting that much more difficult."

She didn't like it. She wanted to rail at him, but she knew he was right. A clean cut was best.

* * *

True to his word, Graham helped her secure an apartment and paid for her first month's rent and deposit. It was two bedrooms, two baths, small kitchen, dining area, and living room. A lot smaller than his place, but certainly large enough for her needs.

He took care to consult her on every decision he made, but her standard reply was, "Whatever you think is best." She could tell he was getting frustrated with her, but what did he expect? She didn't want to be doing this, so the color of her bedroom walls, window dressings, and bedspread weren't important to her.

Once the decorating decisions were all made, and the furniture was purchased and scheduled for delivery, he rented a car for them and took her to an empty parking lot, where he insisted she take the wheel. Kelly refused.

"No, it's too complicated. I'll hit something, or someone, and wreck the car."

"You won't. I'm right here beside you, and no one is within shouting distance of us. Slide over."

"No."

He stood up and glanced around then bent down to glower at her. "We can do this either the easy or the hard way, but you will learn to drive. Whether or not you do it with a sore bottom is totally up to you."

"You wouldn't."

"Kelly, think about that for a moment. You know me quite well by now. Have I ever made an idle threat?"

"No, sir."

"So, which will it be, young, lady?"

Angry tears slipped down her cheeks as she slid over behind the wheel. He shut the driver's door and walked around to the passenger side. Patience personified, he talked her through starting the car, checking the mirrors, and driving around the area. When he felt she was comfortable maneuvering through the parking lot, he had her park and reverse out of a spot. The Subaru was automatic, so she didn't stall it, but she did tend to start it up either too quickly or too slowly. By the time, he took over the wheel again, she was ready for a nap, so they returned the car and took a train back to the city. Their total travel time was a little over an hour.

The next day, Graham took Kelly to a Connecticut DMV and insisted she procure a learner's permit. Kelly tried to refuse, but they both knew she'd give in eventually, or suffer the alternative. Resigned, she took the test, passed, and was given a permit, which meant she could drive as long as she had someone with a valid driver's license riding with her.

When they left the DMV, Graham said, "I want you to acquire some driving practice before you apply for a license."

"But I don't need to drive."

"A driver's license also serves as ID, Kelly. Even if you choose never to drive a car, you should learn how to operate one and have a legal permit to do so."

So, he had her pull into the parking lot of a local Derryton bank and turn off the car. Turning slightly in his seat, he handed her a small plastic bag that held Kelly's jewelry and wallet.

"These were yours, so I want to give them back to you."

She regarded the cheap costume jewelry with a frown and bit her lower lip. "Do you want me to return the gold studs you purchased for me?"

"Of course not. Those are yours, as is the three hundred dollars I gave you on that day. I intend to open a checking account for you with that money, so it's not in your wallet."

Nodding, Kelly put the bag in her purse.

"Good. Let's go in and set you up financially."

In addition, to the checking account, he established a savings account with an opening balance of two thousand dollars. He also insisted she apply for a credit card and co-signed for her. When they walked out of the bank, he said, "I want you to use that card sparingly. It's there to help establish credit for you, but if you do charge something, I expect you to pay off the balance monthly. I don't want you incurring debt. Understand?"

Kelly agreed, though she didn't see what the big deal was. "You said you'd also put money in a trust for me that I could draw on when I turned twenty-one. Why can't I just use that money to pay off any debts I have?"

"Because it's meant to serve as a nest egg for you to add to on a monthly basis, not serve as a checking account."

"But it's there for me to use, isn't it?"

He closed his eyes. "Yes, it is."

"So…"

"I can’t order you not to use the money foolishly, Kelly. But understand that I will be disappointed in you if I learn you have."

With that discussion closed and her finances out of the way, Graham asked Kelly to drive downtown next. Except, rather than just look around, he asked her to park the car again before he escorted her into every store so she could acquaint herself with the layout and products they offered then introduced her to the proprietors as his daughter.

Once he was certain she knew where and how she could purchase groceries, clothing, and pharmacy items, he had her stop at the telephone company where he bought Kelly a new cell phone and had them put it under her name. He made sure she understood how to use the features she'd need and set it so it wouldn't accidentally dial 9-1-1. Next, he had her call the utility companies to establish electricity and water accounts for her new apartment.

Despite his reservations she'd slip into bad habits, Graham agreed she should subscribe to cable.

"It's an easy diversion, and once you're on your own, you won't be restricted to watching only on the weekends."

Next, they went to an appliance store where he purchased a DVD and CD player for her. She already had a TV, so he explained how these could add to her entertainment options if she preferred to stay home one evening or have a few work associates over. "I'll help you set them both up, but I'll expect you to meet people and make friends. I don't want you staying alone in your apartment all the time."

"What if I don't want to go out?"

"I'll make sure Derek keeps tabs on you. If necessary, he'll ensure you socialize properly"

"He's the president of the company, Graham. I'm sure he has better things to do with his time than babysitting me."

He met her gaze. She knew he didn't like her calling him by his first name, but he was the one insisting she grow up so they could separate. Finally, he said, "I don't expect him to babysit you, Kellian, merely ensure you're not playing the recluse."

Then, over dinner, he leaned forward to grasp her fingers. "I also want to make certain that you understand how to plan ahead, Kelly. Pretty soon you will start getting monthly bills for rent, cable, phone, and utilities, which you will need to budget for."

Kelly's jaw dropped. "You expect me to stay on a budget? How do I do that?"

"I'll explain the process once we're home." So, later, when they were back at his apartment, Graham invented a scenario where he showed Kelly how to keep track of her money and spread out her bills.

"I expect you to be frugal and conscientious. I don't want to hear you've overdrawn your checking account because you didn't plan well." When she still looked confused, he created simulations where she had to "write" checks and maintain a balance in her account without going over. Unfortunately, all this was a bit too much for Kelly. She was already overwhelmed by all the changes taking place so quickly, and math had never been her strong suit.

"It's too complicated. I'll never be able to do this, and you're cruel to make me," she yelled, slamming down her pencil.

Graham sighed. "You don't have enough money in your checking account to pay your bills. So, what should you do?"

"Call you?"

He groaned. "No. Take a look at the paper, Kelly. The answer is right in front of you. How many accounts do you have?"

"Twenty."

"No. Your bills aren't accounts. Accounts are where you keep your money. You have both a checking and savings account. How much money combined do you have in those two accounts?"

"Not enough."

"Stop being difficult, Kelly. Pick up the calculator and figure it out."

"No!" she yelled, throwing her accounting pad against the wall. When she stomped out of the room in a fit, Graham waited a few minutes, most likely to give them both time to calm down, then followed into her bedroom.

"It's not that arduous, Kelly, but it does take some math and concentration, and you're too focused on failing to succeed. So, I want you to go out there and try again."

"I don't want to," she griped, knowing she sounded more like a thwarted toddler than a woman who was almost twenty-one years old.

"Too bad. I'm not giving you a choice. You're smarter than you think, and you need to learn how to do this. If you refuse, you and I will spend twenty minutes in the punishment room together where I will convince you learning to keep a checking account is a lot less painful than the alternative."

Realizing he was serious, Kelly stared at him with tears in her eyes. "What if I can't do the math?"

"You did far more complicated calculations during your courses. There's no reason you won't be able to do this, unless you deliberately try to fail, and that won't change anything other than your ability to sit comfortably."

"You're being purposefully heartless."

He extended his hand. "Come with me, or pay the consequence for disobedience."

"What will you give me as a treat if I agree?"

With a shake of his head, Graham said, "You know that's not how this works. I will punish you if you don't try, but you don't get to negotiate a reward for doing as I ask."

Kelly stuck her lower lip out in a pout but allowed him to lead her back to the table where they'd been working, stopping to pick up her thrown pad on the way. She wanted him to hold and cuddle her, not send her to stand in the corner or spend time in the punishment room. But Graham insisted she pay attention and figure the process out for herself. When she persisted in intentionally overspending, he finally pushed back and ordered her over his lap.

"No!"

"I will give you until the count of three. If you aren't positioned panties down and over my knees by then, I will fetch the paddle. One."

"It's not fair," she whined, rising from her seat to lower her pants."

"Two."

Kelly bent over his thighs with a sob.

"Hold onto the rail," he warned, waiting until she grabbed the bottom rung of the chair. "Little girls who deliberately disobey their daddies pay double."

"I'm sorry."

"Too little, too late."

At that point, his hand began to fall. Despite the many times she'd found herself in this position, Kelly still didn't understand how one man's hand could pack such a painful wallop.

She started out whimpering, so, by the time he reached thirty, she was bawling. At forty, she begged. "Please, Daddy. I'm sorry. I'll try harder. Promise."

"I will not be manipulated, Kellian. You are a bright, intelligent girl, and pretending to be otherwise is both deceitful and dishonest. It's as bad as lying."

Her bottom felt like it was hot and swollen. "Please give me another chance, Daddy. I won't overspend again. I promise to be good."

He dispensed another ten swats then helped her rise. "Go stand over there and think about what you did and why. I'll tell you when you can come out."

Her panties down around her ankles, Kelly shuffled over to the corner and sniffed her unhappiness. Yes, she had pressed him into punishing her, but she still didn't want to leave. However, she also understood if she didn't at least make an attempt to do as he asked, he would make things even more uncomfortable for her. After several minutes, which seemed more like an hour to her, he called her over to stand beside him. He hadn't given her permission to pull her panties up, yet, so she shuffled back to his side.

"Why were you punished?"

Head lowered and her eyes still brimming with tears, she answered, "Because I'm stupid."

He gripped her jaw and forced her to meet his gaze. "Do you want another round over my knee?"

"No, sir."

"Then try again."

"Because I wasn't trying hard enough."

"Have I ever punished you when I thought you were really struggling?"

She hesitated then shook her head. "No, sir."

He lowered his hand so she stared down at the floor again. "So, tell me why you got spanked?"

"Because I purposefully made stupid mistakes."

This time he raised her chin with a single finger. "And why did you do that?"

"Because I don't want to go, and if you think I can't manage by myself, you might let me stay."

"I won't, Kelly. That's not an option. If I thought you couldn't handle your own money, I would hire someone to help you, but I wouldn't change my mind about you leaving. So, you got that spanking for no good reason at all."

"I'm sorry," she repeated.

"I don't want you to be sorry, sweetie, I want you to do as you're told. I'm willing to do everything I can to support you, but you have to meet me halfway, pumpkin, or you're going to get punished. Understand?"

When Kelly nodded miserably, he pulled her panties up and drew her onto his lap. "You can do this. I know you can. However, I also recognize you're cranky and tired, so we'll stop for tonight, but, tomorrow, I expect you to pay attention and show me you can be a responsible young adult. All right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Go ahead and get ready for bed."

"Can I sleep in your room?"

He shook his head. "You were naughty, Kelly, and I don't reward bad little girls with pleasure. You stay in your own room tonight."

Realizing he wouldn't relent, Kelly trudged off to her bathroom even more miserable than she'd been before.