Sleep Deprived: *Warning: Some Scenes May Disturb by Dawn Cano

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Sleep Deprived
    by
    Dawn Cano
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Copyright © Dawn Cano 2016
    Cover art copyright © Lewis Duncan
    Published:
    Publisher: Dawn Cano
     
    The right of Dawn Cano to be identified as author of this Work has been asserted by him in accordance the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
     
    All rights reserved.
    This eBook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement or the author’s and publisher’s rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.
     
    ‘Sleep Deprived’ is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Dedication
     
    This is for everyone who knew I could do it, even when I wasn't so sure.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Special Thanks To:
     
     
    Matt Shaw – Without you, this story wouldn't exist. Thank you for your encouragement and advice. You are the type of author I can only aspire to be.
     
    Matt Hickman – You answered all of my dumb questions, gave me a push when needed, and I didn't even have to bribe you to like this story. I owe you more than you know.
     
    Shaun Hupp – The constructive feedback you gave me was invaluable. Thank you for your honesty, which helped this book be the best it can be.
     
    Paul M. Feeney – You are a brilliant writer, who also provided the honest feedback that I needed to hear. Thank you for all of your help. Your friendship means the world to me.
     
    Lewis Duncan – Dude, you've got serious talent. Thank you for my awesome cover.
     
    Beta Readers:
     
    Frankie Yates, Christy Cano, Karen Paul, and Christina Cooper – You ladies rock. Thanks for giving me the chance to entertain you.
     
     
     
    Sleep Deprived
     
     
    1.
     
     
    The couple were twenty minutes into their meal before realising that the roast they were enjoying, was actually their baby.
    I apologise. The above statement may be a little confusing to you, but let me explain, and it will all become clear.
    You see, I had been caring for the Brown's baby, Claire, for almost two months when, on Sunday, my mobile rang. The caller ID told me it was Claire's mum, Katie.
    “Hello?”
    “Hi, Anna? It's Katie.”
    “Hello, Katie. It's nice to hear from you. How are you?”
    “I'm doing well, thanks, and I'll be even better if you say 'yes.'”
    “Yes to what?” I asked, already knowing the answer. She needed me to watch Claire.
    “I was wondering if you wouldn't mind coming around Friday evening to watch Claire overnight? Anthony and I are celebrating our second anniversary, and were thinking of spending the night in London.”
    “Oh, how lovely! Of course I'll watch Claire for you. What time do you need me to come over?”
    “How does six o'clock sound?”
    “Six is fine. I'll see you then.”
    “Thank you so much, Anna. Bye now.”
    As I ended the call, I sat down on my small brown sofa, wondering why I had agreed to watch that child again. The last time I was there, things didn't go well.
    I last watched Claire the previous Thursday, and although Katie usually worked from home, last Thursday both she and Anthony had meetings to attend, so I stayed in their home for most of the day. When I'm there, I stay busy by taking care of their laundry, doing the washing up, and generally helping out wherever