Page 138 of An Unholy Affair
‘He said he knocked and got concerned when he heard “cries that sounded like pain”.’
Jack squeezed his eyes shut, trying not to lose control. ‘If he was concerned about your safety, why didn’t he call out? Ring the police? Eveline, he’s full of shit. Please tell me the Bishop isn’t taking any of this seriously?’
‘He’s going to gather more evidence about the other issues, then let me know next week if it’s going any further.’ She wiped her eyes and sniffed. ‘I just feel so violated. Every time I think of him looking at us, I feel sick.’
‘This is all my fault.’
She raised her head, her face streaked with tears. ‘No, Jack it’s not.’
‘Yes, it is. If I hadn’t come back, none of this would ever have happened. He’s doing this to you because of me.’
‘No—’
‘He is. He tried to get me kicked out of Foxbrooke Haven the other day. Accused me of being “sexually inappropriate” with residents and supplying them with drugs and alcohol.’
‘I know,’ Eveline replied softly.
She knew?But why didn’t she say anything? Did she think it might be true?
‘Erica told me. I didn’t want to say anything to you because…’
He tensed.Because you think I would do that? You know I’ve got a problem with alcohol?
‘… Because it was nonsense, and I didn’t want you to pay any more attention to it than you had to.’
‘But don’t you see? When attacking me didn’t work, he came after you. This shitshow is my fault.’
‘No. And this is why I didn’t want to tell you. I didn’t want you to worry—’
‘Why can’t I worry? Why—’
‘And think you were to blame.’
‘But I am!’
She got off his lap, pulling a handkerchief from her pocket and blowing her nose.
‘Jack. The way your parents treated you when you were growing up was not your fault. Simon Little’s cruelties and presumptions are not your fault.’
‘Presumptions? What do you mean?’
She froze. ‘Um, nothing.’
The hairs on the back of Jack’s neck rose, prickling his skin. He got to his feet, his hands forming fists. ‘Did he say anything to you?Doanything?’
Guilt followed by panic flashed across her features and his pulse rocketed.
If he’s laid so much as a finger on her, I’m going to fucking kill him.
‘No, Jack, no, Simon hasn’t touched me.’
‘Does he have a key for the rectory?’
She nodded.
Jack pulled out his phone and fired off a text to Finn.
Jack: I know it’s the weekend, but it’s urgent. Eveline needs new locks on the front and back doors of the rectory. Will explain why when I see you. Can you help? I’m meant to be at the Manor now doing the final prep, so if you can’t help let me know and I’ll think of something else. Thanks, mate.
