"May I tell her your name? She isn't expecting company."
"K-Kinsley Hawthorne. It's important I speak with her. Please."
"One moment."
I stood on the porch feeling like an intruder while the woman walked away. When Elena Gallagher came down the hall a minute later, I trembled. The older woman was polished to a shine, and all I could say for myself was that my clothes were clean.
"Kinsley Hawthorne?" Elena came to a stop on the other side of the threshold with clear questions in her eyes.
"Yes. Um, I need to speak with you. Please."
"Would you like to come in?"
"Yes, thank you."
Elena stepped inside, and I followed her to a room off the main hallway, our footsteps echoing intermittently as we crossed rugs to polished wood floors. The spacious room was decorated like an old Victorian parlor used by ladies of society for elegant tea parties. It was vastly different from the white walls and modern accents of Burke’s home.
Mrs. Gallagher gestured to one of two floral settees. "Have a seat."
When we were staring at each other from opposite couches, I cleared my throat. "I know Burke."
Elena's expression didn't change. "Okay."
"He and I spent some time together when he was here last."
I caught a small twitch in one of Elena's eyebrows, the first hint of a frown. "Burke hasn't been in Chester for several months."
I squeezed my hands together so hard my fingers hurt. "Yes, I know." Was I going to throw up, cry, or both? "I tried to call him a week ago."
"Burke is very busy, Miss Hawthorne, as I'm sure you're aware."
Tears formed as I nodded. Mrs. Gallagher was polite but dismissive. "I am aware, and I wouldn't bother him if it weren't very important."
Elena relaxed her rigid posture just a tad. "I can see you're distressed. Just say what you have to say, and I'll try to help."
Dangerously close to hyperventilating, I gulped in air. "I'm pregnant," I whispered, then rushed on. "I don't want anything from him, I just want him to know I'm keeping it."
"Elena."
We both jolted at the sound of the lashing voice, turning to see the senior Mr. Gallagher standing imposingly in the doorway.
"Come here."
She rose, tossing an apologetic look at me as they left the room.
I tried to breathe slowly and evenly. This was harder than anything I'd ever done in my life, and now it had become even more difficult. After only a few seconds, I heard the Gallaghers' raised voices.
"I don't care what she says! Burke would never even look at that mouse of a woman, much less fuck her."
"Carson!"
"I am dead serious, Elena. Don't you dare speak a word of this to Burke, ever. Either you give that liar enough money to ensure she never comes back around, or I will call the Reaper to get rid of her and the bastard she's carrying!"
With tears streaming down my face, I bolted from the room. Afraid I would puke on one of their expensive rugs, I clamped my lips together and ran for my car. I flung the door open and fell inside, fumbling with the key to start the ignition. Terrified they would come for me at the sound of the cranking engine, I knew I had to hurry.
Driving as fast as I dared, I only stopped when I reached Danny's house. He came outside at the same time I pushed open the car door and retched in the dirt.
"Kinsley!" He ran in my direction, grabbing my arm and pulling me up before I could fall into my own sickness. The only thing holding up my jelly-like legs was his strong hands.
