Ablett gently carried Blanche to the bed, settling her with her head resting on his arm. “Close your eyes,” he murmured, his voice a soft command.
He sat at the edge of the mattress, lowering his face toward hers. “Janet’s right outside listening,” he said quietly.
How long was she going to insist on calling him Director–General? The thought annoyed him more than he cared to admit.
His warm breath brushed across Blanche’s flushed cheeks, bringing a deep red embarrassment to her face. She spoke in a small, delicate voice, “Ablett… is she gone?”
Ablett pulled the covers up over her, his large hand tracing her back through the thin blanket, giving a barely–there, soothing pat. “No, she’s still there. Sleep now,” he told
her.
She’d barely slept the night before, and after the injuries and exhaustion of today, dark circles shadowed her eyes. She was spent.
Blanche tried to stay awake, but with Ablett’s hand gently patting her back in a slow, steady rhythm, she drifted off almost instantly.
Once she was fast asleep, Ablett brushed aside the loose strands of hair clinging to her face, watching her for a long moment before carefully shifting her further onto the bed and tucking her in.
He slipped out of the room. Rebekah was waiting outside the door.
But there was no sign of Janet.
So it had all been a bluff to get Blanche to rest.
“Hey, is… is Blanche-” Rebekah started.
“She’s asleep,” Ablett said, motioning for Rebekah to follow him into the living
room.
“Is she really okay?” Rebekah’s face was still pale; she’d seen Eddy carry Blanche out of the café, soaked in blood. The image haunted her.
She’d only caught up with them because her brother’s plainclothes officers had intercepted her outside.
Ablett didn’t answer her question. Instead, he asked, “Are you still seeing him?”
1/3
Rebekah dropped her gaze, avoiding his eyes. “I want to apologize to Blanche. If she’s sleeping, I’ll come by tomorrow.”
“Rebekah, he’s using you to get close to her.” There was a trace of helplessness In Ablett’s voice. “Why does it have to be him?”
She looked up, stubbornness flickering across her face. “Why does it have to be Blanche for you?” she shot back. “The way you feel about her–that’s how I feel about Eddy.”
“You won’t marry anyone but her, and I won’t marry anyone but him,” Rebekah said, her tone defiant.
Ablett was silent for a moment before replying, “You’re an adult now. When it comes to feelings, I’ll respect your decisions.”
“But if he ever hurts her again, I won’t stand for it.”
“He won’t,” Rebekah promised, though the worry lingered in her voice. She was terrified of a showdown between her brother and Eddy, torn between them. “He told me today was the last time he’d talk to her. There won’t be another.”
“Get some rest, okay? Tomorrow I’ll go with Blanche to her wedding dress fitting. I’ll take care of her. I swear, what happened today will never happen again.” Guilt edged her words.
Ablett only nodded in response, his face unreadable.
He retreated to the living room, poured himself two strong cups of tea, then returned to his study, settling behind a mountain of paperwork.
Blanche slept soundly through the night, not stirring until dawn.
She woke groggy, rubbing her eyes, and was surprised to see a curtain had been installed, dividing the room.
A curtain? When did that get there?
Through the fabric, she could glimpse Ablett’s silhouette at the desk, speaking in low tones with his secretary. Outside, the small courtyard buzzed with noise.
Last night’s trending news hadn’t just let everyone know Ablett was getting married–it had spread word throughout Capitol City’s elite that he was back.
Whether it was sycophants looking to curry favor, would–be allies, or political opportunists, everyone seemed desperate to squeeze their way into the McCarthy family’s good graces.
2/3
13:45
Chapter zou
Blanche slipped out of bed and headed for the bathroom. The secretary quietly left as she emerged dressed in a fresh dress.
Ablett stepped through the curtain, entering the room. “Mr. Jordan needs you for something,” he told her, his tone protective.
With so many people around, he didn’t want anyone disturbing her peace.
He tucked a loose strand of hair behind Blanche’s ear, his gesture gentle and natural. “You’ve got your wedding dress fitting this afternoon,” he reminded her. “Rebekah will pick you up, and Mom will go with you.”
13:45
