Page 30 of Hart of Vengeance
She growled. “Call Duke. Please!”
“Did you get into another fight?”
“No, but I’m running out of time.”
“Savannah,” I whispered. “Are you being honest with me?”
“Are you kidding me?” She was practically shouting.
I cupped my hand over my phone. “Fights happen in prison. Surely the warden wouldn’t let anyone die.”
She let out an evil laugh. “Why don’t you spend time in prison, then.”
I gripped the phone so hard, I swore I would crush it. “You’ve never given me a reason to trust you.”
“Why the change of heart? Have you been talking to Mallory?”
She was impossible.
“I’m doing the best I can.”
My sister released a long breath. “Are you going to help me or not?” The fear I’d seen on her face came through in every word. Her moodiness was maddening.
If I didn’t help and something happened to her, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. If I did help her, and she was blowing smoke up my butt like she’d done ninety-nine percent of the time, I would go nuts. Either way, I was screwed.
“There’s nothing I can do until I get paid.” I was done worrying about her. I was done tossing and turning in my pathetic dump of an apartment, wondering how to get her two grand. I wasn’t jumping through hoops to ask anyone for help. “You’re just going to have to take care of yourself until then. I have to get back to work. We’ll be in touch.” I ended the call before she made me feel even worse than I already did. With a shaky hand, I set my phone down.
Kelton came out of his office with his briefcase in one hand and his phone in the other. “Jade, I’ll see you in the morning. Please make sure Mr. Cahill’s file is on my desk and ready for tomorrow.”
I didn’t meet his gaze. “Yes, sir.”
He loomed over me. “Is everything okay?”
I blinked, hoping my eyes were dry and my makeup was intact. Then I lifted my head. “Yes.”
He studied me, his blue eyes penetrating me as though I were a witness on the stand in a high-profile criminal case.
I sat up straighter. “I’m fine.”
His deadpan expression was unnerving. “Very well. Call me if something comes up.” He started to walk away.
“Kelton,” I called. “Thank you.”
“For?”
“Hiring me.” I still had a ton to learn, but he’d been open, nice, and patient with me so far.
He angled his head. “No need to thank me. Just keep up the good work.”
I puffed out my chest as a smile broke free. “I will. I promise, I’m fine.” I needed to reassure him, or maybe I needed to reassure myself.
He inclined his head. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
As I stabbed a key on my computer, I made a promise. I wouldn’t take Savannah’s calls while I was at work from then on. My concentration, efforts, and energy needed to be on my job during the workday.
I dove into Mr. Cahill’s file, and within the hour, I had everything done. After I deposited the file in Kelton’s office, I closed down my computer and tidied up my desk.
Mallory came over. “I need to take a rain check. I just found out I have to type up a deposition for my boss before he leaves tonight.” She frowned. “Sorry.”
