Page 25 of Enduring Promise

“Shame about the barn,” he said, his voice devoid of genuine sympathy.

“But I suppose these things happen.”

Hillary exchanged a quick glance with Claire before responding. “It was terrifying,” she said, her voice steady. “The fire moved so quickly. We were lucky to get the horses out in time.”

Michael shrugged, his hands slipping casually into his pockets. “Life’s unpredictable,” he said, his tone dismissive. “You can’t control everything. But that’s why we focus on the things we can control. I tend to believe good things happen for people who do the right thing. And bad things happen to people who don’t.”

“Karma’s a bitch,” Hillary said coolly. “But I do like to see people learn that lesson the hard way.”

CHAPTER 25

Russ strode back into the house, his steps echoing against the marble floors as his mind churned with restless energy. He hated leaving Hillary and Claire alone with Michael, but he trusted Hillary enough to know she wouldn’t have sent him away unless it was necessary. Still, the thought of Michael’s smug face and his dismissive tone set Russ’s teeth on edge.

He scanned the room, spotting Sophie near the dining hall. Her hands were full, carrying linens, but she paused when she noticed Russ approaching.

“Sophie,” Russ said, his voice urgent enough to have her eyes going wide. “I need you to make up a room for Michael. I’m sure he’ll assume he’s welcome to stay, but he cannot stay in the same room as Claire. That’s not negotiable.”

Sophie’s lips rose into a small, amused smile, which caught Russ off guard. “That won’t be a problem,” she said, her tone reassuring. “There is no way Madame Fournier or Claire’s grandmother would allow such a thing. An unmarried woman sharing a room with a man? Unthinkable under this roof.”

Russ raised an eyebrow, a mixture of relief and disbelief crossing his face. “That’s... archaic,” he muttered. “Controlling, even. But I suppose in this situation, it’s a blessing.”

Sophie nodded. “It’s just the way things are here. They’re very particular about maintaining appearances. Dr. Hale will be placed in the west wing, far from Claire’s quarters.”

“Good,” Russ said, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “But listen, Michael is not to be trusted. He’s dangerous—not in an obvious way, but in a manipulative, calculated way. You need to do whatever you can to keep him insulated from Claire without making it obvious there’s an issue.”

Sophie’s expression sobered, her playful smile fading as she took in Russ’s words. “I understand,” she said firmly. “I’ll ensure that Dr. Hale has everything he needs, but I’ll also make sure Claire has space. The valets assigned to his room will be told that he should not be permitted to stray. We’ll keep a watchful eye.”

Russ gave her a small nod of appreciation. “Thank you. And if anything feels off, anything at all, you come find me or Hillary immediately.”

“I will,” Sophie promised. “Is she alright? What exactly is going on?”

“A game of chess,” Russ replied. “Except we’re blindfolded, one hand tied behind our back and the clock is ticking.”

“Sounds impossible.”

“We’ll find out I guess.”

As Sophie headed off to prepare Michael’s accommodations, Russ lingered near the staircase, his gaze drifting toward the garden doors where Hillary, Claire, and Michael had disappeared. He couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at him.

“Is he who we have to worry about?” Madame Fournier asked, one hand on her drink, the other on her delicate string of pearls.

“Yes.” Russ answered flatly. “He is the danger she’s been trying to avoid.”

“And he burned down my barn?” She raised a sharp brow.

“Most likely. Or he had someone do it.”

“Trying to send a message, I presume?” She smiled boldly. “Well, message received. He’s a coward and fool. I can make short work of him.”

“I don’t doubt that you could,” Russ replied, his eyes casting down. “But Claire is too intertwined with him. Any knee jerk reaction and she’ll be in serious trouble. Give us a chance to insulate and protect her first.”

“Fine.” Madame Fournier nodded. “But once that’s done, he’s mine to handle.” She sipped her drink and gave a little wave to a guest passing by. “Also I do have an update for you on your situation.”

“You’ve heard news?” His heart leaped. Was this over? Had there been arrests?

“Seven people have been arrested. Not the one man they were looking for, but they are hoping these arrests lead them to what they need. In a week you’ll be heading home to give statements and prepare as a witness. Things are moving in the right direction.”

“Anything on Topeka? I know if they haven’t arrested her father yet, they won’t take her back to Texas will they? It won’t be safe.”

---