Page 27 of A Thin Line

“Ms. Miller, let’s get one thing straight right now. I realize you are your father’s daughter, determined to try to punish my family for enjoying the riches we’ve earned honestly, but—”

I snickered, especially knowing I was getting under his skin. “I doubt that.”

“You are in the wrong here, and you will refrain from speaking if you can’t find anything decent to say. You know nothing of my family.”

“I know plenty.”

“Enough!” The way he yelled filled the space, making that gargantuan room somehow feel small—but in the very next second, I felt like a gladiator in the colosseum and he was a lion getting ready to tear me to pieces for the fun of it. But he didn’t exactly yell—it was far subtler—and yet the fear that coursed through my veins from my head to my toes was undeniable.

And his deep blue eyes were scary, the pupils large, communicating far more than his words.

All I hoped at that point was that my eyes didn’t show any fear—because I was certain that would be interpreted as weakness, something I never wanted to show around this man.

He took a deep breath as if to compose himself and it was then that I really noticed him. He was wearing a suit similar to the one he’d worn the night before, but this one was dark gray. This close, I could smell cologne and I hated to admit to myself that I liked it. Unlike my eyes, his didn’t display a speck of redness or fatigue—another sign that I’d met my match.

Behind me came a voice and, even though its tone was feminine and friendly, I startled. “Breakfast is ready.”

Whittier’s eyes softened then, as did his voice, and I thought to myself that he was like a modern-day Jekyll and Hyde. “We’ll be right there, Edna.” Before I could turn to look at her, he grabbed my arm and got close to my face. “You can sass me all you like, but I recommend you treat Edna like gold. The choice is yours, of course, but she’s the closest thing to an ally you’ll find here.”

When he let go, I glared. Although he hadn’t exactly hurt my arm, I could still feel his hand wrapped around it, refraining from squeezing it hard. I reminded myself that his reaction was exactly what I’d wanted. I’d hoped to make him get angry and lose his temper—but I wasn’t enjoying the display. He was frightening when he became infuriated.

Still, it felt like a victory that I could do that.

I turned, mustering every ounce of dignity I possessed, and began walking toward the kitchen. The woman named Edna was already gone, so I suspected she hadn’t seen her boss manhandling my arm and losing his temper.

Soon, I was in the kitchen, and I could feel him right behind me, as if keeping an eye on me to make sure I did what I was told. An older woman with light brown hair peppered with streaks of gray stood at the stove arranging food on a plate. Turning, she smiled at me warmly as she walked over to the large table. “Your breakfast.”

“Thank you, Edna.”

“I’ll be right back with your coffee.”

“I’ll get it. This is Annalise Miller, the young lady I told you earlier would be helping around here.”

“Nice to meet you. Would you like some coffee?”

“I’d love some.”

Edna showed me where everything I’d need was and I began pouring myself a cup of coffee. Then she asked, “Would you like something to eat?”

I’d initially planned to refuse all food, but it smelled so good—and my stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t had a bite since lunch yesterday. “Sure. What do you have?”

“There’s sliced pineapple on the table—but I also have scrambled eggs and steak.”

Steak? I’d maybe eaten steak twice in my entire life on special occasions, and this guy ate it for breakfast?

Disgusting.

“And a little toast if you’d like.”

This woman with the kind brown eyes really softened the edges of everything around here, the first kindness I’d felt since my arrival. I found it hard to say no to her. “I’d like a little of everything, please.”

I took a sip of my coffee and my brain lit up. I would never say it, but this coffee was the best I’d ever tasted…apparently the best money could buy. As I relished another sip, Edna asked, “Do you want just butter on your toast or would you like some jam?”

“Butter’s fine.”

“Go ahead and sit down. I’ll be right there.”

I felt guilty that this woman wanted to wait on me when I was in the same position she was—only she was willingly doing her job. I would be working under duress. Still, I decided to be grateful for her kindness, because I figured it would be the only compassion I’d receive in this place.

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