Page 36 of Behind These Four Walls

Isla didn’t show the slight deflation of her body or the sigh of relief she eased out slowly. Was that all? Isla had seen the building where thestaff lived when they were on duty rotation. Not even guest housing, though. Staff. This woman was a real nasty piece of work.

Holland gasped, her mouth dropping to her chin. She was appalled and embarrassed. “Mother, Isla’s a guest. What do you mean she’s staying in staff housing? You can’t put her there—she’s a guest.”

Brooke barely batted an eye. “She is not.” She finally looked at her daughter, her gaze softening slightly as she took her daughter in. She shook her head as if she felt bad for her child, as if she weren’t the one causing the issue. Then she returned to Isla, everything about her rehardening. “We can’t make exceptions, even if what she does falls under Special Projects, and even if she helped you in a pinch. And I hope, Isla, that mentioning how you helped out my daughter will be the last drop you will milk of that whole situation. That cow has dried up,” she said.

“Oh, but, Mrs. Corrigan,” Isla said, her voice sweet, innocent, and seemingly deferential, “I haven’t mentioned that at all. It’syouwho keeps bringing it up, and frankly I’m a little embarrassed by all your attention. Oh, hey there! Are you part of the welcoming committee too? Geez, you guys are really too much. I’m overwhelmed by the hospitality.”

Brooke had been revving herself up, incensed by Isla’s audacity. She pointed a finger at Isla, ready to fire back. Maybe even kick Isla out and ban her for life, damn what Victor had instructed, but her retort was quickly swallowed when she realized there was now an audience of two, and Isla had addressed them. Bennett and Myles were standing off in the corner and observing the exchange.

Bennett leaned casually against the stone railing, clearly entertained, as if he were watching a live performance. Meanwhile, Myles was in what Isla deemed his own uniform of dress slacks, shirt, and vest, since it was the only way he seemed to wear his suits. She wondered what he wore when he relaxed ...ifhe even knew the wordrelax. He watched them inscrutably, unreadable—she couldn’t tell whether he was enjoying the confrontation, like his younger, carefree brother, or if he, too, couldn’t tolerate her, like his stepmother.

Isla kept her composure, channeling the fake charm she’d perfected, if only to needle the woman. Perhaps this was the best way to get Brooke to crack and find out how she might have played a part in Eden’s departure. Because Isla had a feeling that Brooke had definitely had something to do with it. Brooke was too nasty not to have wanted anyone who didn’t come from her out to clear the competition. That was why Isla was in staff housing instead of in the main house. To shame her. Put her in her place. To drive Isla out. Of course this woman would think this an insult. The staff housing looked better than many of the homes Isla had lived in.

But Brooke didn’t know who she was dealing with. Isla was ready for whatever this woman had to offer. Still, she toned down her enthusiasm to a manageable level. She wanted to come across carefree and awestruck.

Isla addressed Holland, who was stressed beyond words, making Isla feel immediately sorry for her behavior. She’d have to make sure not to needle Brooke when Holland was around. Holland couldn’t handle it. Holland reminded Isla very much of Eden, highly sensitive, and that drove Isla to squeeze her hand into a fist at her side from the guilt. Holland and Eden would have been the best of sisters.

Isla said, “It makes perfect sense for me to be in staff housing.” She was interrupted when Bennett cursed in surprise. The brothers had missed the part of the exchange that had gotten them all to this point. Myles straightened, his hands still in his pockets. But he was clearly upset and struggling with whether to say anything.

“Iamhere to work. I shouldn’t forget that.” She dropped her eyes, sneaking a tiny look through her lashes to gauge the room. Brooke seethed but held her tongue. Holland looked like she wanted to wrap Isla in a huge hug. Isla couldn’t see the brothers, but they were still watching.

“The accommodations you’ve put together for me will be more than enough while I do this. And it’s farther out on the grounds, so I get to enjoy the property more as I walk around conducting my interviews.”And launching my investigation,Isla thought. “I even get to check out your solarium, Mrs. Corrigan. I hear it houses some of the most beautiful, exotic plants around.”

“And deadly.” Myles spoke up, surprising them all.

Isla agreed wholeheartedly. “Oh, definitely. Beautiful and deadly. I’m sure that’s why they’re flourishing so well under your care.”

Isla couldn’t help it. It just slipped out. It was like Myles served, whether he meant to or not, and she volleyed. She’d do better. Next time.

Holland gasped, eyes going wide again. The girl was going to need eye drops with all that eye widening she kept doing. If Brooke’s expressions were any indication, she’d be shoving some of her deadly plants down Isla’s throat. But she didn’t matter. Bennett emitted a low whistle and stifled a laugh, his face reading as impressed. That could work for her. He signaled his approval, and, satisfied Isla could manage Brooke, he left as quickly as he’d materialized.

They were left with uncomfortable silence hanging over them like a rain cloud about to burst. Tense air crackled between them as Isla waited for Brooke to continue her pissing match.

Finally, Brooke plastered on a tight smile. It looked like it pained her to have to do it, and Isla wondered why she even bothered pretending politeness with Isla. Maybe it was a rich-lady thing.

“Well, I’m glad you’re ... enthusiastic about the arrangements.”

Isla dipped her head graciously. “Absolutely, whatever makes it easiest for everyone. And I am very grateful, for what it’s worth.” Isla realized she meant that. Not because of Brooke but because it was really Holland’s kindness and Victor wanting to shake things up on his own terms.

Brooke nodded curtly before turning on her four-inch heel with the red sole. Even though she was shorter than Isla, Brooke still managed to look down her nose at her. Isla decided being this nasty was a talent. “Holland, please show Miss Thorne to staff housing. Make sure she gets settled, hmm?”

“I look forward to speaking with you more in depth later!” Isla called out as Brooke left them, reentering the house with Jackson in tow.

Holland threw Isla an apologetic glance before heading back down the steps with her to the waiting golf cart that would whisk them away to Isla’s new neck of the woods.

Chapter Thirty

At the bottom of the steps, Mae waited in the driver’s seat of a golf cart with Isla’s luggage already in the back seat. The people here were efficient at their jobs.

She begged off Holland’s offer to accompany her to her quarters and help her unpack and get settled, and deflected Holland’s apologies for her mother’s behavior.

“She just needs some time to get to know you,” Holland offered, trying hard to be sincere.

Holland and Isla burst out laughing when Mae sighed, mumbling something inaudible—something about hell freezing over—and started up the cart, cuing Isla that they needed to go.

“I can go, really.” Holland couldn’t stifle her big yawn. “I’m sorry. I had practice earlier.”

“Get some rest,” Isla urged, turning Holland around and gently pushing her toward the steps. “I’ll be fine on my own. And—” Isla made sure Holland was focused on her. “Thank you for helping me get here. For everything. You don’t even know me.”