Page 17 of A Father's Insistence

“I’m sorry, Joanna. I didn’t realize the full extent of what my father was capable of. He’s really broken you. I wish I could save you, but until you realize Nicholas is not the evil in this, there is nothing I can do.” A tear tumbles down her cheek, but I turn my head away. I must stay resolute despite the fact a gasp of anguish is caught in my throat, threatening to erupt at any minute. It shouldn’t be woman against woman. We are the ones who stay strong and stand together, but not at the moment. We are falling apart because of the society. Victoria continues, “If you ever need me, you know where I am. My door is always open to you.”

She starts to walk away but stops.

“I love my brother. He’s a good man who knows nothing of what’s happened to us. He’s the only innocent in all of this. Please don’t let it be his downfall. Protect him. Love him. He needs it.”

Her heels click along the concrete slabs toward the front of the house. My breathing quickens as they get farther away. A memory hits me of the present the Viscount gave me: the wig made of Tamara’s hair.

“Wait.” I call, knowing I should keep quiet but unable to silence my tongue from protecting another woman if possible.

Victoria stops and looks hopefully at me.

“It’s not what you think. It’s just some advice. Watch Tamara closely. I don’t know how key she is to all of this, but what he made me do… my captor. His intentions toward her were not honorable. I fear for her safety. Keep an eye on her.”

“I don’t understand?” Victoria tries to come back to me to ask questions, but I quickly run into the house and don’t stop until I’m locked safely in my room.

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