Chapter 16 #2
She’d never been very good at keeping her temper in check, and her first impulse was to challenge him. But she’d already been over enough shoulders to know he wasn’t bluffing, and if she argued, he might change his mind and simply carry her back now. So, as difficult as it was, she held her tongue.
“I understand.”
He hailed a cab and helped her up before climbing in beside her. The first few minutes passed in silence. She was fuming, but she shouldn’t really be angry with this man. He was only doing his job, and she should be grateful for it.
“Thank you…” She trailed off. “What’s your name?”
“Brennan.”
“Thank you, Brennan.”
He didn’t look very happy. “You didn’t leave me much of a choice, did you?”
“I suppose I didn’t. But if there’s any trouble, I’ll take full responsibility for it.”
The cab halted before her father’s townhouse and Brennan instructed the driver to wait and followed her inside.
She’d rather he didn’t, but she couldn’t very well stop him.
And what did it really matter? Surely, they’d already figured out her father was behind the attack, so what difference would it make if he heard what she had to say?
Her father sat behind his desk as she stormed into his study. “You stupid, stupid man! They’re going to kill you, Papa.” She cursed the tears that pricked the corners of her eyes.
“How dare you come in here shouting at me that way?”
“How dare me? You sent a man to attack my husband! Let me guess. You needed more money?” A blaze of anger nearly choked her.
“It wasn’t just for money.” He held up his hands, which were wrapped in bandages. “They broke both of my thumbs.”
“You ransomed my virginity, Papa. What did you expect?”
He spluttered and shook his head, but didn’t deny it. She’d already seen the note and knew it to be true, even if she didn’t want to believe it.
“They broke your thumbs, and still you didn’t learn.
You never learn.” A tear streaked down her cheek.
“The man you sent took one of my husband’s eyes.
” She loved her father, but she was tired of trying to protect him from his own actions.
“What do you think they’re going to do to you this time?
” She shook her head. “You foolish old man. They’re going to kill you, and I may not even try to stop them.
You’re nothing but a bully and a wastrel! ”
He stood and the back of his hand slammed against her right cheek sending her toppling backwards. Just before she hit the floor, Brennan’s hand cradled the back of her head and slowed her momentum. He set her down gently and a fire filled his eyes as he turned for her father.
He shoved the large desk aside and grabbed her father by the throat.
“Don’t kill him!” She scrambled to her feet. “Please don’t kill him.”
“That isn’t my decision to make. But I will be giving him a mark to match the one he left on you.”
She winced as the man’s hand sent her father sprawling onto the floor.
“It’s time for us to leave,” Brennan said, pointing toward the door.
Her father was completely still. “Are you sure he’s alive?”
“I’m sure.”
Her thoughts whirled so turbulently, she was unsteady on her feet, and stumbled as she stepped up into the cab. Brennan caught her, and helped her inside, settling beside her.
“I’m sorry, miss.” A deep furrow pushed his brow down as he looked at her. “I was supposed to keep you safe.”
“I’m fine, Brennan.”
“You’re not. You’re shaking and unbalanced, your cheek is already swelling, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you have a black eye in the morning.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll be fine.” She wasn’t worried about her cheek.
“For some reason I doubt your husband will see it that way.”
“I told you,” she said crossly, “I’ll take responsibility for all of it.”
“I’m afraid it doesn’t work that way.”
She shook her head. There were too many other things vying for her attention to worry about that right now. She looked Brennan in the eye. “They’re going to kill him. Aren’t they?”
“I don’t know,” he said, eventually. But he didn’t look away, which she appreciated.
“I know he’s not a very good man, but he’s my father.” Silent tears streamed down her face.
Brennan breathed a long, tortured sigh beside her. “I’m sorry, miss. For all of it.”
She wiped her tears, wincing at the pain in her cheek. She tried to produce a smile, but it wouldn’t come. “Thank you, Brennan.” He was the very last man with whom she had expected to find camaraderie. But his kindness and concern were genuine. And she was grateful for it.
As they neared Raven Row, dread settled around her heart. “I don’t want to go back yet. The doctor is keeping him sedated until tomorrow, and I’m not ready to go back in there and sit with him in silence. Would you mind terribly if we took a bit of a drive first?”
“Why not? I doubt it will make any difference at this point.” He leaned his head out and yelled to the driver.
“Will you tell me about this area? Or tell me stories? I just need something to focus on.”
He didn’t hesitate to indulge her request. He told her about all the different shops and homes and told her about the tavern with the best steak pies. He told her about Ella’s Emporium, owned by the woman who made all of the raven dresses.
More than an hour passed before they turned back for Raven House.
“What did you mean when you said you doubt it will make any difference at this point?”
“Nothing,” he said, shaking his head.
“Please tell me.”
He shrugged, and sadness settled on his features. “I’m going to lose my job.”
“No you’re not. I’ll make sure of it.”
He shook his head and smiled at what he obviously thought was naivety. “I was just barely getting back on Ash’s good side. There won’t be another chance for me. It’s best if you just stay out of it.”