Page 16

JENNA

M y morning is normal. Well, except for the waking up next to Blaise part. I could definitely get used to that.

I prepared my mother’s tea and helped her get ready for the day.

“I half expected Mr. Tine to be here this morning,” she says, watching me over the brim of her cup. Did she hear us last night? I’m mortified by the thought.

I rein in my embarrassment. “Would that be a problem?”

“Awkward, maybe. I know you’re a grown woman and need to live your life, but you’re still my baby. It’s hard to think of your being sexually active.”

It’s hard to have my mother think of my being sexually active.

But at least now I know she’s okay with Blaise staying over.

Maybe he could move in. No. I can’t get ahead of myself.

Yes, I love him. Yes, I’d love for this relationship to stand the test of time.

But I also recognize there is a lot I don’t know, a lot he doesn’t seem to want to share, and that requires that I put the brakes on a little bit and not rush this thing.

When I finish with breakfast, I head toward the main house.

When I arrive, I see Keira and little Brigit, the Keans’ god- daughter, having breakfast. I wonder if the Keans will send them away for their safety.

I get the sense Keira wouldn’t mind leaving.

I don’t sense a closeness between her and her parents. But she is fond of the girl.

Before I can say my good mornings, I’m called to a house staff meeting. I join my colleagues in the grand hall, my shoulder brushing against Debbie's.

“What’s going on?” I whisper to her. She spends more time inside the house and is privy to more gossip than I am working in the garden.

“I think it has to do with the attack the other day.”

Mrs. Kean takes her place at the front of the room and we all quiet down.

"Recent events have made it clear that we need to implement stricter security measures,” Mrs. Kean states. "Everyone will receive new ID badges by the end of the week. These must be worn at all times."

I remember Blaise saying he thought the attack was more to cause trouble than harm, but the Keans are treating it more seriously.

I’m glad. It seems to me that things have been escalating.

I don’t want to live in danger, but I don’t have other prospects for work that will help me take care of my mom.

I spot Blaise standing at attention near the door, his face unreadable. Our eyes meet for a moment, but he quickly looks away.

Mr. Patterson, the manager of house security, steps forward. "We'll be installing additional cameras and implementing random bag checks. No exceptions."

A murmur ripples through the crowd. Susan from housekeeping raises her hand. "Even for those of us who've worked here for years?"

"Everyone," Mrs. Kean confirms, her gaze scanning the crowd. “Even if you live on-site or on the grounds. I know these changes may seem extreme, but they're necessary for all our safety."

"Department heads will review specific protocols with their teams," Mr. Patterson continues. "Anyone found in restricted areas without proper clearance will face immediate termination."

The managers' faces are grim as they nod along. Even Debbie, who usually has a smile for everyone, looks severe. Something about their expressions makes my stomach unsettled. Why did Blaise play down the attack when clearly, it triggered big changes?

“We’ve canceled the breakfast for Saturday. However, we’ll be hosting a celebration the following Saturday. I’d hoped to announce this under better circumstances, but we’ll be celebrating Ronan’s engagement to Hannah O'Donnell.”

My gaze jerks to Debbie’s, who looks as surprised as I feel at the announcement. I didn’t even know Ronan was dating.

“I thought the Keans and O'Donnell’s were having issues,” one of the maids says to the woman standing next to her.

“What better way to fix family feuds than an arranged marriage?”

Arranged marriage? Really? That still happens?

“Is it safe?” one of the underbutlers asks Mrs. Kean.

"Absolutely. Despite all these changes, our events will proceed as planned."

I’m concerned too. On the one hand, they’re locking us down like Fort Knox, but they’re still going to entertain. I’m not sure what to think.

"We refuse to bow to intimidation tactics." Mrs. Kean's chin lifts. "The Kean family will show Boston society that we remain unshaken."

Ronan appears in the doorway, tall and imposing in his tailored suit. My old feelings are dormant at the sight of him now. He takes his place beside his mother, and they share that same steel-spine posture.

"The guest list has been thoroughly vetted," Ronan adds. "Security will be doubled.”

"The gardens must be perfect." Mrs. Kean's gaze finds mine. "Miss Hart, I trust you'll have everything ready? That little stunt a few days ago scorched some of the bushes near the entrance.”

“I’ll clean it up and plant something new.”

"Good. Also, I’d like you to help with the kitchen and serving staff. I’m more comfortable with you doing it than bringing in outside help."

“Of course.” I’m pleased that she trusts me.

"Hampton and I expect nothing less than excellence. This party will remind everyone exactly who the Keans are."

I catch Blaise shifting his weight by the door, his jaw tight.

When our eyes meet this time, there's something dark in his expression that I can't quite read. Is he upset that people are being invited in, making his job of protecting the Keans harder? Except he indicated the attack wasn’t that serious.

"That will be all," Mrs. Kean says with a wave of her hand. "Return to work. We have a celebration to prepare for."

I trail behind Debbie as we exit the grand hall. The new security measures should make me feel safer, but I actually feel more unsettled. At least the Keans are taking real steps to protect us all.

"Can you believe this?" Debbie whispers. "Bag checks? Like we're terrorists or something."

"After what happened with the explosions, I’d rather be safe."

"I guess." Debbie shrugs. "But random checks? New badges? Feels like overkill."

"Remember the break-in last year? And now the explosions. Someone's clearly targeting the family."

"True." She glances around before leaning closer. "Think it has anything to do with those rumors about Mr. Kean's business dealings?"

I look at her in confusion. “What dealings?”

She tugs me to the side and scans the area as if she doesn’t want anyone to hear. “You know. That article that came out a while ago that hinted that the Keans may have been involved in shady deals and the disappearance of a family.”

I’d forgotten that. I’m not so na?ve not to know that the Keans’ business practices could be questionable, but what corporation doesn’t lie, cheat, and exploit the law? But I can’t believe they’d make a family disappear.

“That was a while ago. Why would that be an issue now?” I ask.

“Because of all the increased trouble.”

My emotions are playing tug-of-war. Should I feel less safe because of all this or more safe because of the additional security being put in?

Over in the foyer, I spot Blaise conferring with Mr. Patterson. His presence among the security team settles something in my chest. Whatever threats are out there, we have good people watching over us.

“I don’t think we need to worry.”

Debbie laughs. “You don’t. Not with your badass boyfriend keeping you safe at night.”

I gape at her. Does she know he slept in my bed?

“Heard he got a promotion.”

My cheeks warm. "He was just doing his job." But she's right. I do feel extra secure having Blaise here.

She tilts her head. “You’re not upset that Ronan is engaged?”

“No.” And I’m not. “I’ve got something better.”

“Yeah, you do, girl.” Debbie waggles her brows.

We return to the kitchen to discover others contemplating about the uptick in trouble and linking it to the article.

I make a mental note to find the article and read it again.

I wonder who the reporter interviewed and why that person would tell such lies?

Perhaps it’s a part of all the trouble we’ve been having.

The Keans are big on reputation. Perhaps this assault isn’t just to harass them at home but also to ruin their standing in the community.

Maybe I could call the reporter and tell them all the wonderful things the Keans have done.

I’m a nobody, but that is what would make my story all the more impactful.

The Keans don’t owe me anything, and yet, they gave my mother a job when the Ifrinns died.

And they gave me my mother’s job when she got ill and allowed us to stay.

I’ll ask my mom her thoughts, and if she thinks it’s a good idea, perhaps I can bring it up to Mrs. Kean. Or Ronan. I owe them so much. The least I can do is stand up for them against this terrible onslaught of false rumors and attacks.