Page 11 of A Raven Repents

“That’s decided, then. You’ll get your keys back when we all agree you’re ready.”

Giles nodded again. What could he possibly say?

“You’re still one of us, Giles,” Ash assured him. “And if you’re up to it, I’d like you to work tonight.”

“I’ll be here.” Thank God for that at least. “I’ll be here,” he said again, more to himself than anyone else.

“You should have just come to me,” Michael said after they got up from the table.

“I didn’t really have a chance to think it through properly. He only gave me two hours to retrieve the funds. I was furious, and in a panic, staring down the barrel of…” He huffed a cynical laugh. “The very thing I ended up with anyway, I suppose.” He shook his head. “I am sorry, Michael.”

“Next time you’re in a similar situation, come to me. Two minds are always better than one.”

“I don’t plan to ever find myself in a similar situation. But thank you anyway.”

Michael placed a hand on his shoulder. “Everything will be alright. One way or another.”

“Easy for you to say. You’re a good husband, with a happy marriage.”

“I haven’t always been,” he said with a sigh.

“I did marry her, Michael. Please tell me that counts for something.”

“It counts for a lot. Now, I’m going up to my estate until after Belle has the baby. Don’t make me come back down here to give you another beating.”

“I’ll try my best.”

Giles went home for a few hours, but when he returned, a renewed wave of apprehension flowed through him as he approached Ash’s office. He didn’t want to talk about his mistake anymore, but he still had to return what he’d taken.

“What can I do for you, Giles?”

He stepped inside and closed the door. “I owe you some money.” He handed an envelope across the desk.

Ash opened it and looked inside. “This is more than you took out of the safe.”

Giles nodded. “I included the money I would have used to pay you back.”

“What’s the purpose of that?”

Giles dropped into the chair. “I don’t know how else to make amends, Ash. I am sorry. Please just take it. Give it to the ladies. Treat them to new dresses or something.”

“If you insist, I’m sure I can find a good use for it.”

“I insist.”

“And what about your wife?”

“What about her?”

“Don’t you think you should bring her in and introduce her?”

Giles scoffed. “This isn’t a love match, Ash. As you are well aware, I made a whole host of mistakes the other night, for which there are consequences. She is one of those consequences. It’s not a marriage to be celebrated.”

“Well, perhaps it could be if you gave it half a chance.”

“Don’t do that. This is hard enough for me as it is. Don’t make me feel guilty, or like I’m not doing enough for her. I married her. That has to be enough.”

Ash held up his hands. “It’s not my job to make your life choices.”