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InMissKenney’s mind, she justified her behavior and dishonesty.
Nevertheless, Fletcher valued loyalty above all else. Her reasons might be valid to her, but it would be a cold day in Hades before he ever trusted her again.
“You might have told me the truth.” He purposed to keep his tone gruff lest she believe she could manipulate him with her dire tale. “I would likely have found a position for you.”
“You would have granted me an interview? A woman you don’t know?” A winged raven eyebrow jetted high onto her forehead. “I have no notable skills. I’ve never held a position before. Pray tell me, how do you stay in business if all your employees are incompetent charity cases?”
Shehad him there.
Ratherthan give her the gratification of an affirmative answer, Fletcher grunted.
Siobhanshoved herself upward a fraction on the fluffy pillows, the effort costing her greatly. All the color drained from her face, and the hand she raised to shove a raven tendril that had escaped her long braids off her cheek trembled.
“You are angry, and justly so. I deserve a tonguin’.” Her eyelids fluttered closed, and for a moment, Fletcher believed she slipped into slumber.
Thenext heartbeat, those fathomless blue orbs popped open again. “But when I tell you I had no choice but to impersonate a boy, I am not exaggerating.”
Godabove, would she please stop speaking?
Fletcherexpected her to spit up blood, so raw did her throat sound.
Aglance at the window revealed the day would soon leave morning behind. Though he’d met with his staff earlier as was his daily practice, he must still have a word with his security before opening his establishments tonight.
“For months, I tried to find employment. MayGod strike me down dead if I’m lying.” Raising anguished eyes to his, MissKenney released a harsh little laugh ending with a hiccupping sob. “You can judge me, but as you’ve never walked in my shoes or suffered what I’ve endured or feared for the wellbeing of others entrusted to your care, that makes you a judgmental hypocrite.”
“Judgmental?” God help him. He was near his snapping point. “Someone could have died.Did that not cross your mind? I take the responsibility of protecting my staff seriously.”
Eachfury-tinged word cut through the air like the swipe of a saber. ThoughFletcher appeared to be the target, that didn’t mean others might not also get hurt.
“This is not a child’s game, MissKenney. The peril is real.”
Fletcherforced a calming breath into his lungs.
“What peril? IthoughtI was being helpful.” Even in her weakened state, she glowered in defiance. “I knew you’d received previous death threats. ButI understood that culprit had been apprehended, though you continued to implement an abundance of caution out of prudence.”
Howcould Fletcher or Siobhan have known his nemesis had changed tactics?
Nevertheless, self-recrimination cudgeled him.
“I suggest you save your voice.” Despite his determination not to let her pathetic story move him, distinct pricks of sympathy poked behind his ribs. Hunching a shoulder, Fletcher strode to the door. “The doctor said you needed to rest. You look about to swoon.”
Hadshe been standing, he didn’t question she’d have fallen flat on her face by now.
Regardless, he would bet she’d walk on coals before admitting how ill she was.
“I’ll have someone bring you chicken soup,” he said.
“What about my brother and sister?” Her voice had grown noticeably weaker, yet there was no denying the stubborn set of her jaw or the mutiny glinting in her ebony-lashed eyes. “When can I see them?”
“They are safe.” Fletcher opened the door. “I shan’t let you see them until I know exactly why you chose my establishment to defraud, MissSiobhanKenney.”
“But they are innocents in all of this.” Her exhaustion overtaking her, she sank further into the pillows. “Direct your ire at me all you wish, but I beg you, do not punish Paddy and Kimber for my actions. They yet grieve our parents.”
Hisconscience whispered what an unconscionable cad he was into his ear.
Thiswas why Fletcher had to leave medicine; he was too soft. Too empathetic. That was also why memories of his time as a physician still haunted his dreams.
Summoninghis resolve, he raked her with an uncompromising glare.
