Page 78 of Vain

“Never Daniel, though. And they never said it when he was near. They knew their boss man had a crush on her.”

“That was common knowledge?”

“I believe so. I think the only person that never realized was Miss Carson herself.”

“Yeah, I think she was hurt more than anything else when she realized. I guess it became harder for him to hide once I was here.”

“Anyone can see you are gone for Miss Carson. The difference is that she is gone for you, too. That made Daniel very jealous. He was mad a lot before he was fired.”

“Mad enough to hurt Matilda?”

He hesitates before shrugging. “I want to say no. He has had a long time to hurt her but didn’t. I do believe in his head that at least he cares for her, maybe even loves her.”

“But?” Because I can hear the hesitation in his voice.

“But I’ve seen the stories. My wife is obsessed with the crime channel. The man who professes to care always causes the most pain.”

I blow out an exasperated breath. “Ain’t that the truth. And people wonder why women would choose the bear.”

“Sorry?”

“Doesn’t matter. Did you see Daniel at all after she fired him?”

He taps his chin in thought. “He came by several times to talk to his team, but I would not let him through the gate. I called up and had his team come to meet him here.”

“Good. Tilly doesn’t want him anywhere near her right now.”

“I understand. I haven’t seen him since his team was fired, though. I would need to ask Phil if he has seen him on the day shift at all.”

“If you could find out, that would be great. Anyone else who sticks out in your head?”

“Mr. Greyson is angry a lot. He does not like Miss Tilly being in danger.”

“None of us do. And the police just aren’t taking anything seriously, though I’m hoping if nothing else comes out of today, it at least gives them a kick up the ass they need to investigate further.”

“Me too, Mr. Church. I would point them in the mother’s direction first.”

I tip my head. “Can I ask why?”

“Have you met her?”

I snort at that. “Once.”

“It was enough, yes?”

“More than enough.”

“She comes around at least once a week trying to gain entry. She has promised to have me fired and call the police, same with Phil, but I’m just following Miss Carson’s orders.”

“You’re absolutely doing the right thing, turning her away.”

“I know. She is just full of spite. I don’t know why she comes when she seems to really dislike her daughter.”

“Because Hattie’s claim to fame is her daughter. And she doesn’t like it one little bit that Matilda wants to follow a different path than the one Hattie laid out for her.”

“She doesn’t care if Miss Carson is happy, does she?”

“No, happiness does not matter to Hattie unless it’s her own.”