Passions in the North Country (Siren Publishing Classic) by Summer Newman Page A

broken his word.”
    Jenny didn’t know what to say. For a long time she just sat with Miriam, trying to comfort her simply by being there, but, sensing her discomfort, Miriam appreciated the gesture and did not want to upset Jenny with her personal problems. Sensing her discomfort, Jenny felt it best to change the subject. She knew the hotel was also an object of concern for Miriam, yet she thought it better to talk about that than something as emotionally wrenching as her husband’s death.
    “I know you’ve been worried about the hotel,” Jenny said, “but everything will work out. I’m sure it will.”
    Miriam, apparently eager to get her mind off Terry, seemed glad to change the subject. “I hope you’re right. And I hope you can help us here.”
    “I’ll do what I can, but even if I left, the hotel will be a great success.”
    “And what if it isn’t?” Miriam cried emphatically, then shook her head. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve got so much of my life wrapped up in this hotel that I couldn’t bear to see it fail. It’s the only thing that never let me down.” Her lower lip quivered. “Even my boy has let me down.”
    Jenny had not wanted to get too deeply involved. When she first came, she thought she might stay a couple days and then go somewhere else. But now she was being drawn into the world of the hotel, into the world of its personalities, into the world of Miriam, Terry, Henry…and Devon North. To further complicate matters, Miriam was asking for a commitment, possibly a longterm one. Jenny was confused. But Miriam looked so helpless and in such desperate need that Jenny felt terribly sorry for her.
    “Promise me you’ll stay and help us,” Miriam requested.
    “I promise, Miriam,” Jenny said, swallowing hard. “I promise I’ll do the very best I can.”
    The moment she finished speaking, Jenny realized that when Miriam said “us”, she included Devon North. He was the man that Jenny had just pledged to work with, for better or worse. If he had his way she would not be in Newbridge, but it was too late now. Jenny had given her word. It would not be easy and she would have to fight Devon, yet unless he ordered her to leave, she would stay.
    For Miriam’s sake.
    At least until the hotel got on solid financial ground. Yes, she would do it for Miriam, for Miriam alone. And when she thought about it, she could work behind the scenes. She did not even have to come into contact with Devon. Once she had done her best, she would be free of her pledge and could get on with her life.
    Her life?
    What life?
    She had no life. She was a fugitive running from the threat of death. She had no real job, no future, no anything except a room and a world full of expectations. Some life that was.
    Who would change places with her?
    Jenny made tea and sat down at the table with Miriam. They talked for a long time. After a while Jenny leaned against the door and looked out the window. She studied the backyard, smiling at the recollection of Devon clearing it for her. She could almost see the garden now. The glorious flowers, the strategically placed bushes, the bird bath…
    The shrill ring of the telephone interrupted Jenny’s thoughts. Miriam was about to pick it up when she began to sway. Jenny rushed toward her as Miriam grasped the table, lost her balance, and fell to the floor with a loud thud.
    “Oh, my God!” Jenny shrieked, kneeling at the unconscious woman’s side. She looked absolutely lifeless. “Miriam! Miriam! Wake up!”
    Miriam didn’t move.
    “Help!” Jenny called frantically, her face frozen in shock. Her mind would not work. “Help!” she called weakly, as if trying to awaken from a nightmare.

Chapter 5
     
    “Help!” Jenny called out to no one in particular. She was shaking uncontrollably. “Help!”
    Danny Goodwin, scraper still in hand, rushed into the room. “What happened!”
    “Miriam collapsed, Danny. Call an ambulance!”
    Danny frantically grabbed the