Page 37 of House of Soot

I look at her in confusion. “What dealings?”

She tugs me to the side and scans the area as if she doesn’t want anyone to hear. “You know. That article that came out a while ago that hinted that the Keans may have been involved in shady deals and the disappearance of a family.”

I’d forgotten that. I’m not so naïve not to know that the Keans’ business practices could be questionable, but what corporation doesn’t lie, cheat, and exploit the law? But I can’t believe they’d make a family disappear.

“That was a while ago. Why would that be an issue now?” I ask.

“Because of all the increased trouble.”

My emotions are playing tug-of-war. Should I feel less safe because of all this or more safe because of the additional security being put in?

Over in the foyer, I spot Blaise conferring with Mr. Patterson. His presence among the security team settles something in my chest. Whatever threats are out there, we have good people watching over us.

“I don’t think we need to worry.”

Debbie laughs. “You don’t. Not with your badass boyfriend keeping you safe at night.”

I gape at her. Does she know he slept in my bed?

“Heard he got a promotion.”

My cheeks warm. "He was just doing his job." But she's right. I do feel extra secure having Blaise here.

She tilts her head. “You’re not upset that Ronan is engaged?”

“No.” And I’m not. “I’ve got something better.”

“Yeah, you do, girl.” Debbie waggles her brows.

We return to the kitchen to discover others contemplating about the uptick in trouble and linking it to the article. I make a mental note to find the article and read it again. I wonder who the reporter interviewed and why that person would tell such lies? Perhaps it’s a part of all the trouble we’ve been having. The Keans are big on reputation. Perhaps this assault isn’t just to harass them at home but also to ruin their standing in the community.

Maybe I could call the reporter and tell them all the wonderful things the Keans have done. I’m a nobody, but that is what would make my story all the more impactful. The Keans don’t owe me anything, and yet, they gave my mother a job when the Ifrinns died. And they gave me my mother’s job when she got ill and allowed us to stay.

I’ll ask my mom her thoughts, and if she thinks it’s a good idea, perhaps I can bring it up to Mrs. Kean. Or Ronan. I owe them so much. The least I can do is stand up for them against this terrible onslaught of false rumors and attacks.

16

BLAISE

After my appearance this morning, I sneak away, making an excuse about checking a section of the property. Slipping away unnoticed will be harder now that I’ve been promoted, but I know Ronan and Hampton are in town at the office, so I’m counting on my absence not being noticed.

The woods beyond the property shield me from the Keans’ surveillance cameras. I move swiftly now, no longer needing stealth. Flint's motorcycle idles along the road, right on schedule.

He scoots forward on the seat to make room for me. "Cutting it close."

"Unexpected security meeting this morning." I climb on the back of his bike, and we race off to Phoenix’s place.

I’m barely in the door when Ash is on my ass. "Any progress on getting closer to Ronan?"

"Got a promotion. He's keeping me closer now." I sink into a chair, happy to take a load off for a moment. “They're still throwing a party… Ronan’s engagement to Hannah O'Donnell. I think it will be a good time to hit.” I pull out building schematics I lifted from security and set them on the table.

“Hannah O'Donnell?” Flint asks. “I’ve been hearing grumblings that O’Donnell isn’t happy with Hampton. Never has been, actually.”

“All the more reason to have an arranged marriage. Anyway, I'll be coordinating guards for the party."

Ash studies the blueprints, his finger tracing potential entry points.

“They’ve got bigger balls than I thought,” Phoenix says. “I’d have thought they’d cancel the party.”

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