Frank’s reputation needed to crumble as fast as possible.
CHAPTER 18
The air was cool outside, but fresh, soaked with that damp autumn chill. Nina inhaled deeply as she stepped out into the parking lot in front of the children’s center.
She’d done what she came to do. Now she could go home.
Stella had apparently already managed to brief the entire staff on the details of her personal life. How else to explain that wary stares had turned into pitying stares—and that the cook, Miss Brenda, had offered to“settle her nerves.”
Nina took out her keys, hit the button, and her car responded with a short chirp. But before she could open the door, a voice sounded behind her:
“Mrs. Osborne?”
She flinched and spun around. A man she’d never seen stood a few steps away—tall, solidly built, dressed in an expensive dark coat. Maybe forty.
“Who are you?” she asked warily, narrowing her eyes.
“My name’s Michael. I’m here on behalf of Jasper Garth.”
Her insides tightened. What the hell? Nina stepped back, gripping her keys harder.
“Whatdo you want?”
Michael stayed perfectly calm.
“Mr. Garth would like to meet with you.”
“A meeting?” She let out a short, disbelieving laugh. He wanted to meet her? Out of all the things she’d expected—this wasn’t on the list.
It was surreal. To meet him? To remind him of the horrors he’d put her through? To spit out everything she’d swallowed for years? No. She didn’t have the courage for that. She’d rather die than ever see him again.
“What about?” she asked, trying to sound indifferent.
“He wants to thank you for saving his daughter’s life.”
Nina exhaled sharply and shook her head. Of course. So that was it. For a second she’d feared heremembered.
“There’s no need. I did what anyone would’ve done.”
“Nevertheless, he insists.”
His voice remained polite, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. This wasn’t a request. It was an order. Nina gave him a tired glance.
“No, really. Tell him there’s no need for gratitude.”
Michael didn’t move. He only tilted his head slightly.
“Mr. Garth doesn’t take refusals well.”
A chill ran down her spine.
“And he doesn’t like being kept waiting.”
Her breath caught. She didn’t want to see him. Didn’t want to be anywhere near him. She couldn’t. Nina met his eyes and said as evenly as she could:
“Tell him there’s nothing to thank me for. I’m sure Mr. Garth is as busy as I am.”
She slipped into her car and shut the door. Michael didn’t step forward—just watched her with that unsettling, unblinking stare. But the feeling remained: he wouldn’t let this go.
