Jackson sometimes wore a similar expression, but she was learning that his was only surface grimness. Scrub it away and something softer lurked beneath. Alistair Hale was written through with grimness, like the growth rings on a tree stump.
“You brushed off my earlier question about leaving this house, Miss Raven. But I would like to know when you will be moving on.”
“Esther wanted me to stay and finish her final book.” Leah could only repeat what she’d said before.
“Even though that could be accomplished from anywhere?”
“Jackson says it’s OK.” She folded her arms around her body. His earlier support had warmed her; she wished he was here now. “Where is he?”
“The finer points of legalese are not Jackson’s forte. And it’s possible he’s been careful of your feelings up to now.”
Leah fought a nervous urge to giggle. She smiled again in an attempt to defuse the tension. “I assure you that isn’t the case. Your son is more than capable of putting honesty above sensitivity where needed.”
“You’re being obtuse, Miss Raven. What I am trying to say, very respectfully, is that your presence is not wanted in this house any longer.”
Words she’d heard before, so many times that a muscle memory of sickness oozed through Leah’s limbs. She gave a long blink and swallowed. It took every ounce of resilience she had to straighten her shoulders.
“You may well be correct. But I believe it’s Jackson’s call to make. I will be sure to have that conversation with him as soon as possible.”
“He’s got a headache.” Niamh’s interjection was unexpected. “He’s gone to bed, so I’m getting a ride back tonight with Mr. and Mrs. Hale. He won’t want to be disturbed.”
“OK.” Leah wasn’t surprised. His tension when he arrived was tangible and the afternoon had hardly been a relaxing one.
She was so ready for this day to be over.
Jackson’s father climbed to his feet. He was similar in height to his son, and while not quite as broad, somehow more domineering. He rattled her shaky morale. “I don’t want anything to hold up the sale of this house, Miss Raven. I’m prepared to make leaving worth your while. How about I cover the initial deposit and first month’s rent on a suitable apartment?”
“That’s very generous.” Leah forced a smile, hating that he was offering something she might seriously need to consider. Hating that, yet again, she was in a position where she had to hold her tongue. “Let me have a think about it and I’ll get back to you.”
Alistair Hale looked down at her. “Don’t think too long. My offer won’t stay on the table.”
She left Jackson alone until after breakfast the next morning. His curtains were drawn, the lights were off, and he gave no indication he’d heard the door open but somehow Leah knew he wasn’t sleeping.
“Jackson? Can I get you anything?”
He didn’t answer.
Leah eyed the empty nightstand in the murky darkness. “Do you need some water?”
“No. I’m fine.” His voice was hoarse, his words so blatantly untrue that she felt a tender twinge of sympathy.
“I’ll check on you in a little while, so have a think if you need anything when I come back.” Her hand was on the doorknob when he spoke again.
“Leah.” Jackson’s growl was muffled by his arm.
“Yes?” She walked toward the bed.
“I’ll probably throw up soon. Could you please bring me a bowl or something?”
He lay on his back, forearm across his face, his hair and the duvet both a mess. Rumpled evidence of a disturbed night. The dim light didn’t hide the flush of color on his cheekbones; she hated that he was embarrassed. Snagging the bath towel he’d draped over one of the radiators, Leah spread it out on the floor beside the bed.
“If you get caught out before I’m back, there’s a towel next to you. I won’t be long.”
Within five minutes, she was pushing open Jackson’s bedroom door again. Arm still over his face, he hadn’t moved, the light brown hair in his armpit just visible where the short sleeve of his white t-shirt gaped.
“OK, there’s a bowl right next to you. Tell me if you need it. And I’ve put a glass of water on the nightstand. Have you taken any painkillers yet?”
“Some in the night but I’m due another dose. I don’t know where they are.” Jackson slowly lowered his arm, revealing a face so tense he looked like he could shatter at any moment. He didn’t open his eyes.
