Madelene sat on the floor in front of her fire, her chin resting on her knees. She’d finally managed to stop crying and the residue of her tears was drying on her cheeks. The door opened and closed quietly, and Selma settled beside her.
“I’m sorry,” Madelene said softly.
Selma rubbed comforting circles over her back. “No apologies, my dear.”
There was such kindness in Selma’s eyes when Madelene finally looked. With a defeated sigh, she leaned in and rested her head on Selma’s shoulder. “What did they say about my outburst?”
“Nothing. David’s mother told him off for being so forward with you.”
Madelene laughed even as more tears ran from her eyes. “Why does my heart still bleed for him?”
Selma squeezed her shoulders lovingly. “Unfortunately, hearts don’t heal easily. If they did, love wouldn’t mean anything.”
She closed her eyes, her heart aching with despair. “I spent a lifetime dreaming of what it might be like to fall in love, knowing I would never experience it.” She had been so lonely before Simon. “Is this my punishment for not appreciating the life I had before?”
“This isn’t a punishment, love.” She squeezed her again. “Even with this pain, would you really give up the days you had with him?”
Slowly, Madelene shook her head, unable to speak. Simon flashed in her mind. His storm-filled eyes, his smile, his kindness. Before him, no one had ever looked at her. Really looked at her. Simon peered into her eyes and saw her soul. He saw her as a woman. He wanted her as a woman.
Selma pressed a kiss on top of her head. “Gradually, it will get better. I promise. One day, you’ll be able to look back on the time you had with him and feel gratitude and joy, rather than sadness.”
Chapter
Nineteen
After the longest train ride of Simon’s life, they finally handed Warwick over to the people who would see justice served. It should have felt like an enormous accomplishment, a job well done. But for something he’d spent a year working toward, it was, quite frankly, a bit of a letdown. The man was a bloody coward, and on top of that, a bumbling idiot, who had no inkling of the damage he had caused. The worst kind of villain.
But it was done. Now he could finally move forward with his life. There were big changes in store, and Simon was ready for them.
“It’s done,” Timms said, as they walked into the office where Simon had spent much of the last five years of his life. “When are you going to give notice of your resignation.”
“Right now.” A cumbersome weight lifted from his shoulders. He was really going to leave this job.
“Well then, good luck, my friend.” He shook his hand and clapped him on the shoulder.
“It’s been a pleasure working with you, Timms.”
Simon took a moment to gather his thoughts before he knocked on the open door to his boss’s office.
“Do you have a few minutes, Mr. Edwards?”
“The man of the hour! Come in! Have a seat.” Mr. Edwards was the only person who ever seemed to appreciate their work.
Simon settled himself into the chair, feeling both nervous and excited.
“I understand congratulations are in order. Finally got the son of a bitch.”
“That we did,” Simon said with a nod. Pride blossomed in his chest. It was quite an accomplishment.
“I suppose that means you’re leaving us?”
Simon paused. “Does everyone know?”
Mr. Edwards shrugged. “Probably not everyone, but we’re all trained to be observant, so I expect a fair few. You’ve had one foot out the door for at least a year. But are you sure I can’t interest you in a promotion instead? You’ve been an excellent agent, even after your heart was done with it.”
“I’m afraid not. I will finish out the month if you need me to.”
He shook his head. “Get out of here while you can. I’ll make sure there’s a bonus on your final payment for clearing up an unimaginable mess.”
