“Paul and I aren’t together in this?—”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Paul left, and I don’t know where he is.” He didn’t recognise her. But he forced himself to remember that the shock and pain had to be too much for her. He shouldn’t judge her for that. “You lost your father today. I know how you feel.”
“You know nothing.” She sagged her shoulders as if she’d lost energy. “I don’t know why you hate us so much, but we didn’t deserve any of this.”
“I don’t hate you. How can you say that?” He stretched out his arm to touch her, but she stepped out of reach, hugging herself.
“Go away. Take the money. I don’t care. I don’t want to see you again.”
His vision darkened at the edges, and his legs seemed to have turned into rubber because they didn’t work properly. Ifthe evidence the police had found had not convinced her that her father would have never listened to her, and that Keith had done the only decent thing possible, then he didn’t have anything else to add. He understood her sorrow, but he couldn’t have lied. He’d protected children who would have lost a loved one, as it’d happened to him. Violante needed time. She wasn’t herself today. But he would do as she asked. He released the bars inch by inch. With each step he took away from her, his heart broke a little.
He returned upstairs. His chest hurt so much he was surprised it didn’t bleed. He walked through the crowd, not caring about the shoves from strangers and loud voices.
Maybe Paul had been right about Keith wanting to be a hero. Not that he’d expected Violante to sing his praise, but her hate hurt. Although she had a point. He hadn’t thought, not for one second, to talk to her first. It wouldn’t have made a difference, but he should have talked to her before going to the police. Too late now.
He left the police station without anyone stopping him. Who cared? If the constables needed him, they would find him. Rain drizzled, soaking his jacket. He shoved his hands in his pockets and started down the pavement, not knowing where to go. Never mind. The only home he’d ever known didn’t exist anymore. The only friends he’d ever had hated him. He was alone again.
“Keith,” a familiar, grave voice said from behind him.
Turning around, Keith gazed up and held his breath. “You.” He checked the street, ready to bolt away should Sir Howard attack him.
Sir Howard stood in front of him in all his arrogant authority and fine coat. He removed his tall hat and bowed to Keith from the waist. The shock nearly caused Keith to laugh.
“I have no words to express my deep gratitude for your courage.” Sir Howard’s face was ashen, but his voice remainedstrong. “Thanks to you, my family…” He sucked in a shaky breath. “My wife and children are safe. My guests’ children are unharmed. The police found twelve barrels filled with French gunpowder hidden in my cellar, but the Fenians had planned to bring more. Just those twelve barrels would have destroyed my house and killed everyone in it. I will always be in your debt.”
Of all the things happened so far, Keith hadn’t expected that. “I simply did the right thing, sir.” Although it had destroyed his life and Violante’s.
“The right thing is always the hardest.” Sir Howard straightened, his expression softening. “As it is admitting one’s mistakes. I treated you beastly. You had every right to keep silent and let the Fenians kill me. Despite the way I behaved towards you, you saved my family. Why?”
“Because the Fenians killed my mother. Because I couldn’t live with myself if I had let them kill again. Because your children are innocent.” He exhaled. “Sir, I don’t hold grudges against you. I’m not fond of you.” He had to be honest. “But I don’t hate you so much that I want to see you and your children dead. You owe me nothing. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He didn’t bother bowing and resumed his aimless walk.
Sir Howard wasn’t finished though. He stepped in front of Keith. “I will show you what gratitude means and make amends for the pain I caused you. I’m sorry it took my family being in danger to understand that. But a lesson learnt is a lesson earned, and I’ve learnt from my mistakes.”
Keith didn’t know what to say but had an idea of where the conversation was going. “I don’t want your money.”
Sir Howard frowned as if offended. “Money? That would be like putting a price on the lives of my daughter and son. I’ll do more than give you money. I’ll give you a future.”
