Chapter Twelve
Vera could not sleep. She had finally admitted that she loved Joan Ferguson.
For so long, she had denied it. She had denied it even to herself.
She had tried so hard to fall in love with a man. But it had always been unsuccessful.
Everyone, man or woman, paled when compared with Joan.
Vera no longer cared what people thought. What her mother would think.
She just wanted to revel in love, in her love for Joan. But things were not that easy.
She was not a free woman. And Joan had a vendetta against Vera.
All afternoon Joan had been distracted.
Despite her shift ending hours ago, she still sat in her office watching the protection unit on CCTV.
What did the two women talk about? It was something Vera wanted to keep from her.
What is Vera’s little plan? What secret did she share with Westfall.
“Vera?”
Vera feigned sleep. Joan knew, though, that her little mouse was awake.
“Vera,” Joan called a little louder.
“What? What time do you think it is?”
“Vera, can we talk?” Joan was irritated but held her feelings in check.
“What is it?”
“Why did you call Westfall in today?”
Vera hesitated. Should she confess her feelings for Joan? No, Joan would only see them as weakness.
She would use them against her, to torment her.
“What is it to you?” Vera tried to sound defiant.
Joan had opened the door and entered the room. She had on her black gloves.
Vera suddenly felt exposed and very afraid.
“You are pathetic,” Joan smirked, “if you think you can keep secrets from me.”
Vera was silent.
“Accidents happen,” Joan continued, “I think you would be saddened if your friend had an unfortunate accident.”
“No!” Vera shouted, “you wouldn’t dare.”
Joan slapped Vera and sent her reeling.
Tears start to trickle down her bruised cheek.
“Why?”
“I am asking the questions,” Joan sneered.
“I told her that I am in love.”
“Ha,” Joan tried to sound sarcastic but the revelation was too unexpected, “a lot of good that will do you. You will not leave here any time soon.”
“But the person I love is here too.”
Joan was seething. Vera must be talking about Jake Stewart, the bastard who used her and got away with it.
“You pathetic creature. He used you. He prostituted himself.”
Vera was astonished by Joan’s outburst. How could Joan, who was so perceptive, be so obtuse.
She slapped her and again.
Vera, in tears, shouted “It’s you. I’ve always loved you!”
Joan fell back against the wall as if pummeled by an unseen assailant.
“Joan!”