Page 23 of Jael

“You know about that?”

“I, uh, did my research before coming back. Wanted to know where everything stood with you.”

Sofia brought out coffee and cakes and set them on a low table in front of the two men.

“Thank you, Sofia,” Gregory said, quietly adding milk to his coffee and stirring. His spoon clinked against the cup while he watched Sofia leave. “That woman adores Jael. I don’t want her to worry.”

“It’s that bad?”

“If I had known what Vita Nova would become, I never would have supported Jael in her project.”

“I thought it helped women escape domestic violence situations. Isn’t that a good thing?”

“I have nothing against it philosophically. And I am aware that there are those less fortunate than others, but…it’s taking over Jael’s life. She’s losing focus, and she’s neglecting important aspects of her life. Things that used to matter to her, she’s now abandoned.”

“Are you saying she’s become obsessed?”

“Exactly.” Gregory breathed out, relieved that he could share the burden with someone who understood. But Danny wasn’t so sure they were on the same page. He knew Gregory would spin a situation to suit his opinion and get what he wanted.

“I can see why that would trouble you.”

“You remember how close we always were? She was curious about every aspect of my business. Both sides of it, if you know what I mean.”

“I remember,” Danny said, having already decided he would wait until he’d heard Jael’s side to form his own opinion on the matter.

“She was engaged and helpful,” Gregory continued. “She had insight that I came to rely upon, and she has obligations to fulfill.”

“Obligations?”

“To me. To her family. To the future of everything. I need to shut down the foundation. Whatever it takes. And…” Gregory leaned forward so he could lower his voice. “There’s more going on than she’s telling me.”

“In what way? Do you think she’s getting caught up in something illegal?”

“You know how she was raised. You know the things she’s been involved in.”

Danny had an idea, but he didn’t know for sure how much of her father’s business back then she had participated in. “She’s had an unusual upbringing.”

“The things she’s seen and done. Those battered women don’t know the meaning of the word pain. But Jael does.”

Danny’s jaw tightened, but he wouldn’t allow himself to speculate. Gregory could mean anything. It was clear he was emotional about the issue so would likely exaggerate in an effort to get his point across.

“Maybe she believes it gives her insight into these women’s situations,” Danny suggested.

“Or maybe she gets some kind of pleasure out of other people’s pain.”

“Is that what you really believe?” Danny didn’t buy it for a second.

“Honestly, I don’t know. All I want is for things to go back the way they were. I’m getting old and don’t know how many years I have left on this earth. Is it too much to ask to want her back where she belongs? To want her to be with her own people where she’ll be safe? I need to know she’ll be looked after when I’m gone.”

“You mean Christopher?”

Gregory’s eyes narrowed. “You have done your research.”

“I heard a whisper there will be a wedding soon.”

“I wish I was as confident as the rumors. It’s the perfect match, but so far Jael can’t see it. She’s resisted, and it’s all because of that foundation.”

“Are you sure that’s the reason?”

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