Free Regan's Pride by Diana Palmer Page B

just that.”
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    Sandy went to get them some coffee and cake, which they ate with relish. Ted came in just after Sandy had gone to change her clothes and get some suitcases to pack Coreen’s dresses in.
    Coreen was still sitting in the armchair by the window. She flushed when he looked at her. “I was talking to Sandy, not leering at you out the window,” she said with faint defensiveness.
    His pale eyes narrowed. “It’s a hell of a pity you didn’t spend some of that misplaced longing on poor Barry,” he said mockingly.
    Her features grew very still. “He had women,” she said.
    â€œNo wonder, if he had a wife who wouldn’t let him touch her,” he returned. His face held such distaste that she squirmed in her chair. “You tormented him and then you let him get in a car when he’d been drinking,” he said curtly. “I won’t ever forget, or forgive, that. You ended up with nothing and that’s all you deserved. My God, the very sight of you sickens me!” he added roughly, and the contempt in his eyes hurt her for an instant before he turned away and continued on down the hall.
    She didn’t move until he was out of sight. The pain went even too deep for tears. She thought of how it was going to be for another week, before she and Sandy left for Victoria, knowing exactly how Ted felt about her, what he thought, and having to face his scorn day after endless day. She couldn’t take it. She couldn’t take any more. She was going to have to get away now.
    If she waited until Sandy left to pick up her clothes, Ted would probably leave shortly thereafter. Then she could get a cab to the depot and a bus to Houston. She had just enough money for a flight. There was surely a YWCA in Houston, where she could stay. Even that would be infinitely better than here, with Ted tormenting her in reprisal for his cousin’s death. If she’d been stronger, she’d have fought him tooth and nail. But she hadn’t the heart for any more fighting right now. She only hoped she had enough strength to get out of here.
    Sandy, unaware of Ted’s visit, popped her head in the door. “I’m going. Ted said that he’ll drive me over to your house. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Bye!”
    Coreen had wanted to catch her eye and tell her she was leaving, but Sandy was already on her way out the front door. She heard her call something to Mrs. Bird. Two car doors slammed and an engine revved up.
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    Thirty harrowing minutes later, she said a hesitant goodbye to Mrs. Bird, asking first if she could have the loan of the clothes she was wearing, with a pair of Sandy’s shoes, just until she could get her own.
    â€œBut I thought Sandy and Ted were going over to the house to get your things,” Mrs. Bird said, puzzled.
    â€œI’m meeting them there,” Coreen lied glibly. “I justremembered some things I need that they won’t know about.”
    â€œBut, dear, you’re just not in any shape to be trying to do something like this!”
    â€œI’m doing just fine,” Coreen assured her with a gentle smile. “Thank you so much for your kindness. I won’t ever forget you.”
    Mrs. Bird was frowning now. “You should wait. Let me call over at your house and make sure they’re there.”
    â€œIt won’t matter, honestly, I’ll be fine.” She heard the horn and smiled her relief. “There’s the taxi I called. Now don’t worry, all right?”
    Mrs. Bird grimaced. “You’re so pale.”
    â€œI’m a trouper. I’ll be fine.” She clutched her purse closer. It was all she had left of her own right now, all her worldly possessions. “I’ll be in touch.”
    â€œYou’re coming back, aren’t you?”
    â€œI may stay at the house,” she lied. “I’ll see what they think,” she added deliberately.