on the map for reporting accurate, timely and responsible news on a story that addressed so many necessary issues. By coming forward, Kelly would make Evan a hero in her eyes for protecting her and his son from the man who would tear their world apart for revenge, or worse, for control of their lives.
Oh, God. How could she possibly protect Matt from the fallout? And what about the other innocent people who would be affected by her accusations? There was only one answer. Take each situation, head-on. When she had all the players in place, she would sit down with Matthew and give him his first lesson in growing up.
First thing in the morning, she would call Madeline Campbell. Madeline deserved to know the truth. What she would do with the information was her business, but Kelly had done a huge disservice to the woman, who had been more than an employer, by remaining silent. Just admitting that fact to herself lifted a weight she’d been carrying for all these years. By the grace of God she would find the courage to speak the right words and put her world back on track.
She had a marriage to save. Her own!
* * *
FROM WHERE SHE KNELT in the end pew, Kelly spotted Madeline Campbell entering the side door of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Madeline dipped a finger into the holy water font and crossed herself. As Kelly had done, she stood for a moment to let her eyes adjust to the softened light. Afternoon mass was about to begin. Tourists and locals began filling pews, making the cathedral look like Grand Central Station.
Kelly had used her stolen moments before Madeline arrived to send some hearty prayers to the Divine. Her task would not be easy. Yet she felt more serene now that she’d decided to tell her story out loud. For real—with the hopes of gaining blessings from the senator’s wife. She’d already lighted a candle for Herby George to watch over her for the next hour. All her bases were covered.
She stood. Madeline spotted her. A petite woman, she’d changed little in seven years. Perhaps thinner. Her loose brown hair fell at her shoulders, those large, sea-blue eyes still held youth, her lips were lined perfectly in her favorite soft coral color that complemented her complexion. Kelly always saw Madeline as the perfect match for the charismatic Buzz Campbell she admired before the assault. Madeline was lovely. Intelligent. Genuine. Always quick to smile. Only now, she regarded Kelly warily as she approached.
“Madeline, how good to see you.”
A small smile broke on her lips. “Hello, Kelly. My, you’ve grown into a woman.”
She shrugged. “I grew up fast. You haven’t changed a bit.”
Kelly hadn’t explained much to her about why she wanted the meeting. She’d been surprised when Madeline agreed to see her today. Perhaps she had a gripe with Kelly that she’d been wanting to air for all these years.
Kelly reached a hand out. “Can you forgive me for running out on you like that, Madeline?”
To her surprise, Madeline pulled her into her arms and hugged her hard—a bit awkward since Kelly now stood a few inches taller than she. “I’ve missed you, Kelly. There is so much I have to say.”
“Oh, me, too, Madeline. Thank you for coming.”
Madeline let go. She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, a habit she’d always had. “I saw a coffee shop across the street. Let’s grab a table while half of New York is packed in here.”
Kelly took a last swipe of holy water and crossed herself before leaving. She’d need all the help she could get.
Two coffees between them, the women appraised each other. Kelly stirred her coffee even though it was black then stopped herself. Her stomach burned from nerves. She wanted to start this conversation but search as she may, she couldn’t find the right words.
Madeline broke the silence. “Kelly, I came to see you so quickly because there is something I’ve wanted to say to you for a very long time.”
She inhaled a deep breath. She was about to get blasted. “No doubt Dean Porter’s interview with the senator gives you reason to see me now.”
Madeline frowned. “No. Kelly, please let me finish. This is very difficult for me.”
Kelly found herself blinking. “Wait a minute. I’m here to tell you something that is very difficult for me.”
Madeline grabbed her hand. “Kelly, I knew Buzz assaulted you the day you left.”
Kelly stilled. “What?”
Madeline’s gaze began flying around the room