Page 107 of The Quiet Witness

“Maybe I’ve misjudged that paycheck of yours.” She couldn’t help it. As much as the paid job comment she’d blurted out made her feel heavy with shame, it seemed that a glimpse of it was true.

When no response came, she turned to glimpse over her shoulder to find Lucien already watching her, the dark circles under his eyes deepening the guilt she already felt.

“I think I need a shower.” She muttered, so she could let the hot water flush away what was left of her frustration.

He nodded. “I’ll show you the amenities.”

Amenities. So serious, if the stiff set of his shoulders is any indication, my quick words have hit him in a sore spot. Who knew he even had that spot!

She wordlessly followed him onto the wooden stairs with her hand sliding up the thick railing. Upstairs, they ended up faced with another window, mirror to the one below. Lucien pointed to a door on the left. “Your room with an en-suite.” Another jerk of his thumb to the right. “My room. And if you walk straight on, you’ll find yourself on the training mats.”

“A house isn’t a home without a torture room, aye?” She joked.

Kate saw his lips curl up slightly, but he held back the smile. “Right on.” Lucien shoved off the bags he was carrying, passing hers over. “I’m going to hit the torture room for a bit, shower, and then head off to bed. If you need anything.” He mock saluted. “Holler or rap on the door.”

Not even an invitation to be his boxing bag this time. Holy guacamole.

Kate nodded, but he was already striding to the door, shutting it behind him with a soft creak.

Whatever I said, I wish I could take it back right about now.

Chapter 44

A Haunting Melody

The shower had been blissful, just as she’d expected, with the water pelting down her back, leaving her as red as a lobster.

Entering the bathroom, she’d come face to face with a free-standing bath, positioned beneath a roof window, offering a splendid view of shining stars overhead. She’d promised herself that luxury when she felt less… bothered.

Flopping herself down on the massive bed, her nostrils flared wide to catch a whiff of the sweet smelling mint that rose up from the grey linens.

Just like home.

She closed her eyes, only each time she did so, Ethan’s deep blue ones popped up. Shaking her head to free herself of the sight, she continued combing through her tangled hair.

What had the boy been thinking? What had awaited him at home?

Kate shuddered, thinking of Lucien’s words. “You’re not doing the kid any favors.’’

She hit a tangle in her hair with a sigh of frustration.

Maybe that was where her anger was still coming from. The idea that somehow interfering had been wrong. Should she have kept her sharp tongue to herself? Or had she been right to offer him the glimpse that yes, there were people in the world who cared?

A rush of memories buzzed through her mind. She pressed into her temple, hoping the pressure would bring her peace. It didn’t.

Her gut tightened as she thought of what she’d spat in front of Lucien’s feet. You only take paid jobs?

He, Lucien, had flinched. She kept replaying the scene over and over in her mind, saw the way he’d gone still.

Even through the rush of water she’d picked up on the sounds of punches raining down on the heavy bag in the room next to hers. The speed of the hits, the power behind it, should have sent her heart racing, instead it made her feel heavy with regret. Then the ringing of his phone cut his blows short. Able to hear his voice but not the words spoken, she listened with an ear pressed up to the door. But only a long silence followed, before the punches started anew, reverberating even louder through the wooden house.

He must have received bad news.

That had been half an hour ago, ever since the house had been deafening in its stillness.

Knowing she wouldn’t find sleep due to her raging mind, she padded over to the door. Maybe she would find some solace in a book. Doubtful, but worth a try at least.

Hair still dripping, she entered the hallway, only to stop in her tracks.