Free The Sapphire Pendant by Dara Girard Page A

Don’t say that.” Her words were like a lost echo in his mind.
    “Why not? It’s true.”
    “Because it hurts your spirit.”
    “Really?”
    “Yes, really.” He gave her back her hat. “And you’re here because you’re visiting me. Nobody needs to know you ran away.”
    “Okay.”
    “Why don’t you take a shower before going to bed?”
    Ace backed away from him, embarrassed. “I must smell pretty gross, huh?”
    He gave her a lopsided grin. “We all smell gross once in a while, but don’t wash your hair yet. When Ms. Rose comes, she can help you with that.”
    Kenneth showed her where she would stay and the toiletries. When she was ready for bed, he tucked her in. She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m so glad I’m here with you.”
    He held her close for a moment, inhaling the clean scent of Ivory soap, wishing he could repeat the same sentiments. If only he could offer her more than her father did. He loved his niece, but she posed a problem: a painful reminder of things he couldn’t change, a reminder of a past that would always haunt him. And the possibility that he might not be good for her. He kissed her forehead. “Go to sleep.”
    She rested back on the pillows and did.
    Kenneth went to his bedroom and moved a game piece on his chessboard. He had been playing himself for two months and seemed to be at a standstill. He stared at the board. What was he going to do with her? School was closed for the summer, and she wasn’t sociable enough for camp. There were camp counselors somewhere, still recovering from their encounter with Ace Preston.
    He had to find someone to look after her while he was at work. Ms. Rose was busy enough. He couldn’t put an extra burden on her. He would have to tell his assistant to find someone, someone discreet who wouldn’t use this family situation to their own advantage, someone who could take Ace’s tricks…but most of all, someone kind, someone she could trust. He turned off the light and climbed into bed. He would speak to Ms. Mathew tomorrow.
    * * *
    “I blew up in his face like a volcano. I can’t seem to help it,” Jessie complained at breakfast two days later. The summer’s warm breath seeped through the open window of the breakfast nook where the three sisters ate. The morning sun peered through like a stray cat, while the overhead fan gave a gentle wind and enhanced the smell of chamomile tea and blueberry pancakes.
    “Could you pass me the salt?” Michelle asked Teresa.
    Teresa gave it to her. “Could you hand me the butter?”
    “Sure.”
    “These eggs are delicious.”
    “Thanks.” Teresa went on to discuss the ingredients she had used.
    Jessie watched the dull exchange for a moment, then pounded her hand on the table, rattling the dishes. “Isn’t anyone listening to me? I’ve got a problem.”
    “The problem is that destructive temper of yours,” Michelle said, calmly salting her eggs.
    Jessie narrowed her eyes and clenched her fist. “I don’t have a destructive temper.”
    Michelle sniffed. “Right, and I’m Cleopatra. Everyone knows the Clifton sisters have tempers.” She raised her teacup, as if offering a toast. “It’s our claim to fame.”
    “He’s a fraud.”
    “That’s not the point. You need him to fall for you, and you’ve already lost time. You’ll have to ask for a job. I think a couple of administrative positions have opened up.”
    “Work for him? No way.”
    Teresa poured syrup on her pancakes, then took a bite. She chewed thoughtfully. “You need to have an excuse to see him.”
    “He’s the reason you were fired, so he owes you a job,” Michelle said. “I heard that he has a position he must fill. I didn’t get the details, but it sounded interesting. Just say you’ll take it.”
    “Yes. This is a great opportunity. Try not to lose your temper, and something good might come out of it.”
    Jessie frowned. “Like what?”
    “You might get employed again, instead of hanging about here,”