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“Yeah, it might be more than a minute.”
She hated, hated lying to him. If only she could talk everything out with him, find out why he hadn’t told her Hattie was alive and see if he’d trust her and the solid information about Hattie’s deception, or if he’d side with his family and a murderer.
Her only chance was to send that Snap. Naomi’s husband and people would take care of Hattie. Could they prevail against all the powerful people in this room? What if there was a battle? What if Derek or sweet Kiera or the kind king or any of these other wonderful people got caught in the crossfire?
Her palms were sweating as she pulled her hand free from Derek’s. “I’ll hurry.”
She whirled, and almost ran into Steffan and Hattie.
“I overheard,” Hattie said in a hushed voice. She linked their arms together. “I’ll walk with you. These boys can enjoy each being together, and I can get to know you a little bit.”
Ice pricked at her spine. No! The last thing she wanted to do was be anywhere alone with Hattie Ballard.
She had no response. She was so terrified she literally couldn’t find her voice.
“Thanks, Hattie,” Derek said, turning to his brother with a big smile. “Look at you. Married life looks good on you.”
Derek! She wanted to scream and run for him.
Hattie tugged her toward the door.
Ellery looked around desperately for help. Sutton Smith. He was speaking with the king. King Nolan cared for Ellery, cared for her more than a half-million-dollar car. He’d protect her. He’d help her.
Neither of the men noticed her frantic stare or glanced their direction.
Please help, please help, she begged her Father above.
“I’m so sorry you’re having woman trouble. I hate that. It’s even worse now as we live in back villages where it’s impossible to get supplies.” Hattie’s face was all lit up as they walked out into the hallway and to the stairs. “But I absolutely love it there. I never thought I would. I thought it would be living in the dirt with snotty, sickly children. I was so wrong. The children are delightful and grateful and hilarious, and being married to Steffan…” She sighed. “An absolute dream. He’s the home I’ve always longed for. I could live in the mud with the pigs as long as I was with that man.”
They reached the stairway. Ellery prayed desperately, only half-listening, her heart racing. What could she do? Why was she letting Hattie walk her to her death? Would Hattie stab her once they reached the room? How could she keep the woman out of her suite? How could she survive the next five minutes? Yet if Hattie stabbed her, at least Derek and his family would know the truth and that would keep the rest of them safe. Maybe. What if Hattie somehow convinced them it was self-defense or she’d been ‘framed’ once again?
“Hattie! Elle!” The adorable voice came from behind them. “Can I come with you?”
“Of course you can.” Hattie grinned at Kiera. “Isn’t she the cutest ever? Steffan misses being with all of them horribly. Especially Kiera. I wish it could be different.” A shadow crossed her face.
Kiera reached them. She came in between them and took each of their hands. It was a relief to not have Hattie so close and touching her, but she’d rather endure the murderer’s touch than have her close to Kiera. How was she going to get a Snap out now? She couldn’t leave Kiera alone with the likes of Hattie Ballard.
Ellery had landed in the middle of a nightmare, and she had no idea how to fix everything and keep everyone safe.
Chapter Fourteen
The three of them walked up the stairs, Kiera chatting happily about the wedding and another new sister and Hattie answering as if she were the most benevolent sweetheart on the planet. Meanwhile, Ellery was sweating and shaking and wondering how on earth any of them would survive this day.
They made it down the family hallway. If a guard had appeared, Ellery would’ve screamed out the horror of a murderer in their midst. Would anyone believe her? Getting a message to Naomi would be the key. How could she do that quickly, without letting Hattie hurt Kiera?
They made it to Ellery’s suite. Ellery pushed the door open, and they all walked in. Kiera and Hattie both looked expectantly at her.
“I’ll, um … just be a moment.”
Please, please don’t let her hurt Kiera.
“Don’t worry about us.” Hattie hugged Kiera. “I love being with my favorite sister.”
“Sorry, Hattie. Elle’s my favorite.” Kiera gave an exaggerated wink.
Ellery thought she laughed with the two of them.
Hattie wouldn’t hurt the little girl. She couldn’t. But she’d killed a young lady before.
