Page 89 of The Heartbreaker (Chandler Brothers 3)
“We need to talk, Mr. Chandler,” she said in a no-nonsense tone, one he was sure she used with her children and husband with success.
Too bad he wasn’t in the mood to comply. “Shouldn’t you be at the hospital with Sloane?”
“You don’t mince words or waste time with hellos. I respect that.” She laughed, obviously undeterred by his forthright question.
Because of his mood, he’d abandoned etiquette and immediately regretted being curt with Sloane’s mother. “Excuse my manners,” he said, rising. “Please sit down.” He swept the air with his hand, gesturing to the chairs in the room.
She shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ve sat during our traveling. I’m happy to stand, if you don’t mind?”
“Can I get you something to drink instead?” He pointed to the old refrigerator and side-by-side liquor cabinet his father had installed during his tenure here.
“No, thank you.” She gripped the wooden handles of her clutch bag and met his gaze. “We have business to discuss.”
He swallowed hard. If that business included how he’d hurt Sloane, he didn’t need the lecture. He could still see the pain in her eyes and feel the reluctant but determined good-bye in her kiss.
And if Madeline wanted to discuss how he’d failed in his bargain with her by not keeping Sloane safe—well, he didn’t need that particular lecture either. He’d beat up on himself enough.
He rose and paced his office, determined to get this discussion over with as quickly as possible. “What can I do for you?”
“First, I’d like to thank you for keeping your end of our agreement. I respect a man of integrity and honor.”
Chase stopped in his tracks, turned, and stared at the woman, certain he’d lost his mind and his hearing. When he caught sight of what seemed like a warm, genuine smile gracing her lips, he figured his sight had gone too. Yet, he detected no sarcasm to Madeline’s words or expression.
“Excuse me?” He narrowed his gaze, attempting to figure out what was going on. “Have you forgotten that your daughter is lying in a hospital room right now because of me?”
She placed her purse on his desk and leaned against the old wood. “Unless you fired the gun, and I know you did not, I suggest you get rid of the blame you’re carrying. Robert and Frank were determined to get to Samson. There wasn’t anything anyone could have done to prevent what happened. Including you.”
Easy for her to say, Chase thought. She obviously didn’t have all the facts. Sloane had probably spared her.
“Now let’s get down to business before the rest of the journalists figure out what’s really happening. I owe you an exclusive and I’m determined to keep my word.”
His stomach cramped with guilt that she’d still want to give him their family story after all he’d done. “I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t feel right accepting the exclusive,” he said.
Had those words really passed his lips? Had he just turned down the story of a lifetime? The story he’d wanted at any expense? And why did doing so feel so damn right?
Madeline shook her head, determination blazing in her eyes. “Don’t be a fool. There are dozens of reporters who’ll take this story and run with it, no questions asked. This is a career-making opportunity and you’ve earned it. Why turn it down now?”
Chase walked up beside her, taking her hand. “You’re a kind woman, Madeline, but you know as well as I do, I should have been with Sloane when she was shot. At best, I might have been able to prevent it. At least, I would have been there.”
She arched one delicate eyebrow. “Did I ask you to glue yourself to Sloane’s side or merely to look out for her? Which I hear you did quite well.”
Was that a sly smile she possessed? And why did it remind him so much of Raina at her meddling best? Chase shook his head. “I blew it.”
“Guilt is a wasted emotion in a lifetime of uncertain duration,” Madeline said as she expelled a frustrated breath. She picked up a yellow legal pad and pen, then turned, handing him the writing utensils. “Right now I suggest you listen and take notes. Then later you can examine why you’re so hard on yourself. After which, you’d better damn well get over it. My daughter deserves more than a man who’s wallowing in the past.”
Despite it all, Chase wanted to applaud her performance.
“Now.” She sat down and crossed her legs, her feminine movement at odds with her harsh, determined words. “My husband will be here soon to add his side to the story, so it’s time for you to take notes.” She leaned back in her seat, glancing pointedly at his laptop. “Unless you’d prefer to record things?”
Chase chuckled. “You ought to meet my mother.”
“I’m sure we’d get along extremely well. And there’s plenty of time for introductions. Another day.”
