Page 54 of Wistful Whispers

“What do you need me to do?” I’ll do anything to spare the Blacks from facing Caldwell.

“Be yourself,” she says, almost too quickly. “I need you to be as clear and factual as you were with me a few weeks ago. You don’t need to dramatize anything. You need to be honest. Direct.”

“Okay.” I don’t hesitate.

She pauses, and when she speaks again, her voice softens. “Thank you, Seamus. I’m fighting so hard to keep you out of the crosshairs. This is still high-stakes. I need you to be ready.”

“I am. I want this over. Tell me when you need me.” I nod, even though she can’t see me.

“It’ll probably be within the next few days.”

“The sooner the better.” I practically beg. I want this over.

A beat of hesitation. “You’re sure?”

“I’ve been carrying this around long enough.” I slap the counter. “Let’s finish it.”

“Okay. I’ll text you some options as soon as I know them.” There’s another pause.

She’s ready to hang up, I can feel it. Back to business. Keeping things on script.

Hell, I’m not done. I can’t resist.

“Marcella.”

A beat. “Yes?”

“I can’t stop thinking about you,” I admit.

Silence.

I lean against the counter, my pulse kicking up. “I know I’m not supposed to say this to you. I know we’re supposed to keep this professional. The thing is, I haven’t been able to stop—imagining.”

“Seamus…don’t.” She sighs softly—frustrated, conflicted.

“You don’t feel it?”

“Not the point.” She’s firmer now. “This case is important. You’re a witness.”

I nod, swallowing the lump forming in my throat. “Right.”

“I need to get back to work.” She dismisses me. “I’ll follow up when I have a date from opposing counsel.”

She’s about to end the call.

“Wait.”

Another beat.

I let the words come out before I can talk myself out of it. “Do you think about me?”

The silence on the line expands, taut.

Then, barely audible—

“Yes.”

One word slices through me.

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