Page 90 of Against Ebony Irish Seas

“Everything was starting to turn around,” she whispered, her fist pressing against his heart, where his own hurt throbbed. “I was feeling like we were closer to me bringing Greta home. Now…”

He’d guessed as much. “Maybe you should go visit her and do those news shows while the others and I address these vicious rumors.”

She pressed back, swiping at her eyes. “The people saying them aren’t going to change their minds. Jamie, I’m putting your reputation at risk.”

“It will survive this, seeing as they’re wrong.” He took a breath. “It’s vicious gossip, some of the worst this village has seen. But we’ll keep reminding people about why we built that wall and gate out there, why we sent a child away to protect her, and get them to focus their energy on what really matters. Making sure everyone’s safe in this town. As for the rest of it, we’re going to remind people it’s your art and not your parents’ that is coming to Caisleán. I’m sure there are other points, but I can’t remember them. We should go for a drive,mo chroí.”

She laid her head against his chest again. “I just want to curl up in a corner and hide, and I hate that.”

“So do I. But we’re stronger than that.”

“I don’t feel very strong right now.” She rubbed her nose. “It’s really ironic, you know. I came to Ireland for a fresh start and to level up my art. I figured I’d found a quiet community for Greta to flourish in. I’m not so sure that’s true anymore. But Jamie, you’ve been the most unexpected surprise of all. Whatever happens, I love you.”

He didn’t like how she was sounding. “And I love you. More than all the stars in the sky. This will blow over. No one in Caisleán will want to live in a place with this kind of hate. People will help us stop it.”

She wrapped her arms around him. “I hope so, Jamie. I hope so with all my heart.”

He did too, and as he held her, he promised himself he would keep believing that. For both of them.

But when he arrived at school the next morning and found Margaret waiting for him at his desk, sitting inhischair, he could feel his promise slipping from his grasp as he beheld her stiff and disapproving face.

“Jamie, I’ve decided to suspend you from school on the basis that you are not putting the children’s welfare first, as well as on grounds of immorality.”

His whole body rocked back in shock, and then a greasy and oppressive sickness wrapped around him like a burial shroud. “You have to be kidding! Those are vicious lies. I’m a good teacher, a respected one—”

“Not lately,” she said, holding up a bound report and slapping it on the desk in front of her. “It only takes one slip to make a bad fall, as I’ve detailed in my report, which I am referring to the county Education Officer, per the rules. We will begin the formal process addressing your performance. You have ten days to respond through the regular procedures. Should you not be able to address our concerns, we will forgo the creation of an improvement plan and execute the firing process.”

His ears were ringing as his rage peaked. “Fire me?”

“Jamie, I am deeply disappointed in you and your actions of late, and they leave me no choice.” She crossed her hands over her chest and seemed to look down her nose at him. “You are to leave the premises now before the students appear, and you are advised not to speak to either them or their parents. I bid you good day.”

He stood there as her icy demeanor filled the room. The set of her shoulders conveyed her determination to have him out. After three years of working together, Margaret Doyle intended to sack him, just like that. He’d never had a problem with her before now, but there had been warning signs. His mother had never gotten along with her. Indeed, she was one of the reasons his mom had been happy to retire a few years early from the school. “I wouldn’t have thought you would be among the gossips.”

“I wouldn’t have thought you’d conduct yourself in such a manner,” she said with a scoff. “But men are easily led where women are concerned, aren’t they? As an educator, it’s something I’m aware of. A man’s nature. Now, again, I ask you to take my report and leave. Students will begin arriving soon.”

He stalked over and picked up the report. “You will have my reply shortly.”

She smiled tersely, rose, and turned her back on him. He stood in his classroom, hoping it wasn’t the last time. His handwriting was on the chalkboard, and his spare raincoat hung on the back of the door. He walked over to it and plucked it from the hook, the shape capturing his attention. She might as well have buried that hook in him with all the accusations she’d laid at his door.

He left the room and walked down the hallway, his footsteps echoing against the walls as he departed.

When he reached his home, he couldn’t find the energy to leave his car. Rex barked beside his window. How was he to tell Sophie of this?

When she opened the front door and stepped out, her concern was etched in her face. He pushed himself out of the car and faced her.

“My principal has filed a report for my termination,” he said, his voice like sandpaper.

Her face crumpled and she shuffled forward until she could touch his face. “Oh, Jamie, no!”

Then he folded into her, this time letting her hold him as his world fell to the ground and shattered.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

Bets’ research into overcoming small-town gossip mocked her.

“You know, I’ve lived here for almost forty years, and this is the first time I’ve researched what to do about gossip even though I’ve been the subject of plenty, especially back in the day.” She glanced over to where Linc rested in his new armchair with his eyes closed. “Do you think that means I’m stupid or just desperate?”

He gave an audible snort. “Probably a little of both. There’ve been plenty of people who’ve thought they knew my business well enough to spread it around. I used to write it off as a hallmark of success. Now I’m rethinking my position. Some people are cruel to the bone. Does your list have anything good on it?”

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