When Midnight Comes (Novella) by Handeland Lori

Author:Handeland, Lori [Handeland, Lori]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2010-06-14T21:00:00+00:00

Jack ran through the streets of the city, joy filling his heart. He had at last earned enough money to buy a second rooming house. Little by little he was making his way in the world. Someday Jack Keegan would be the richest man in Manhattan. Then no one would dare call him an Irish nobody again. He had but to work hard and never veer from his course. That was the wonder of America. Hard work was rewarded. Those who knew what was important prospered. And Jack knew what was important in life—money, position, success. He would have them all one day soon.

He burst into the boardinghouse and pounded up the stairs, then let himself into the small room he shared with Lucia, surprised not to find her at home. Though he had returned earlier than usual, he had never known her to venture out this late in the day.

Jack removed his coat, frowning at the distant rumble of thunder. Where was she? Perhaps he should go searching before the storm hit.

Quiet voices from the other side of the door caught his attention. Wasn’t that Lucia’s voice? And the voice of a man? The joy in Jack’s heart began to fade, though he could not put his finger on why. Who was she talking to? Where had she been?

Jack strode across the room and opened the door—just in time to see Timothy Monihan kiss Lucia full on the lips.

Jack froze. He could not breathe, could not think for the fury coursing through him. How dare Monihan touch her? She was a child. A child who was Jack’s responsibility.

“Just what the hell d’ ye think yer doin’, Monihan?” he growled.

The two sprang apart, guilt plain upon their faces. Lucia would not look at him, staring instead at the hem of her blue gown, which peeked from beneath her ankle-length cloak. Monihan was not so shy. After the initial flush of embarrassment across his cheeks, he raised his chin, grabbed Lucia’s hand, and looked Jack right in the eye.

“I’m doin’ nothin’ I should be ashamed of doin’, Keegan. Unlike you.”

Jack, who had been staring at their joined hands, a physical show of unity that made him realize this was not the first time they had met, nor likely the first time they had kissed, returned his gaze to Monihan’s. Lucia made a soft sound of distress, which she silenced when Monihan pulled her closer to his side.

“And what might I have t’ be ashamed of?”

“Keepin’ her here with you. Ruinin’ her reputation by livin’ in sin.”

Jack’s mouth fell open. He had never heard such insanity in his life. Before he could answer, Monihan continued. “She swears yer not but brother and sister. Still, no one believes her but me.” He glanced at Lucia, and some of the anger in his face faded as love took its place. “I love the girl and I believe whatever she says. T’ tell ye true, I do not care if she’s known ye. I do not care if she loves ye.

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