Free Undaunted Love (PART TWO): Banished Saga, Book 3.5 by Ramona Flightner Page B

you could but were unsuccessful. If I hear differently, your standing in society and your perception as a discreet, reliable banker will be destroyed. Do we understand each other?”
    “That’s not all I will lose. I’ll lose esteem in Mr. Montgomery’s eyes, and he’ll take his profitable business elsewhere. I gain nothing from your terms, Mrs. Chickering.”
    “What you gain, Mr. Searle, is the ability to continue as a banker in this city. To continue to live in that monstrosity of a mansion on Commonwealth Avenue. To hold your head high as a man worthy of esteem. For, if you cross me and carry out your plan, you will be forced to leave Boston. And be thankful to run a five-and-dime shop in Tulsa.”
    Mr. Searle blanched as he met Sophronia’s fiery aquamarine eyes. “You’re an unnatural woman.”
    “You think words like that will dissuade me from my goal? Do you believe that men haven’t said words like that for years, in an attempt to keep me in the place they believe I belong? You don’t know me at all if you believe I’d heed anything you say.”
    Mr. Searle leaned back in his chair, a gentle creaking sound rending the air. “You ask for more than you can imagine, Mrs. Chickering.”
    “I ask for you to act with the honor you claim you have.” Sophronia squinted at him when he appeared lighthearted after he sat in contemplation for a few moments. “I expect you to dissuade any of your minions from acting in your stead. Simply because you do not act does not free you of your responsibility as the manager of this bank.”
    After a tense moment, Sophronia smiled with feral intent. “You know the influence I have attained through the years among those of good standing. As well as the knowledge of your … peccadilloes, shall we call them. It would be a shame for those to come to light.”
    Mr. Searle frowned again, his momentary joy doused by Sophronia’s threat. He met her eyes, subtly nodding his head and smiling wryly. “Fine. I will meet your terms. Not because I agree with you or believe in having any dealings with women. I will agree because I want to continue to work here in Boston, and my Bertha would loathe Tulsa.”
    “I’m glad we are in agreement. Good day to you, Mr. Searle.” Sophronia rose and marched from the room without a backward glance.

CHAPTER 7
    “JEREMY?” SAVANNAH SAID as she opened the workshop door that squeaked as she pushed it open. She looked toward the workbench, but he was nowhere to be seen. She bit her lip, on the verge of leaving when she heard a gentle snore from the pallet near the stove.
    “Jeremy,” she whispered as she walked toward him. He appeared restless in his sleep, a frown on his face. She reached out to brush a lock of black hair off his forehead and gave a small yelp as he gripped her wrist.
    Savannah screeched as Jeremy opened wild, unfocused eyes. He reared up, grasping her shoulder with his other hand and tumbling her onto her back. He loomed over her, gasping. “You won’t succeed this time.”
    Savannah shivered at his low, menacing voice and wriggled in an attempt to break free from his punishing hold. “Jeremy, please.” Tears formed in her eyes, and, in an instant, she was released.
    He pushed away from her, a look of dawning horror on his face. He rose, moved toward the table and sank onto one of the benches. “Savannah. Holy God, Savannah.” As he lowered his face into his hands, his shoulders shook.
    “Jeremy? What happened?” She straightened her gray-blue jacket, setting the plumed hat that had tumbled off her head onto the table, and approached him, caressing his back.
    “I’d think you’d run screaming from this room, thinking good riddance to be done with the likes of me.”
    Savannah pulled out a chair and sat next to him. “Never. You told me that you had demons. I never realized they were as great as my own. Forgive me.”
    She leaned forward and clasped his face with her hands, forcing him to look up to meet her