Agnes said, "So, you're with my big brother now?"
Patton chuckled, "Of course, I'm loyal to Mr. William. He's treated me like family, and I'd do anything for him."
Agnes probed, "So, whatever my big brother asks you to do, you'll do it?"
Patton, brimming with pride, replied, "Mr. William only asks for good things. Thanks to his support, I've made a good living over the years. So yes, whatever he needs, I'm on it."
"What about my other brother? How's he treating you? Albert’s Arms is under his control now, right?"
Mentioning Kearney made Patton frown. A flash of anger in his eyes was quickly replaced by an unmistakable fear.
Patton reluctantly said, "Mr. Kearney's been... decent to me."
Agnes sighed on purpose, "My brother Kearney has always been that way. Sometimes I can't stand how he throws his weight around either."
Her words struck a chord with Patton. He excitedly set down his coffee mug, "Miss Agnes, you're telling me! That Kearney, always acting tough because he's second in line. I don't get what Albert was thinking. Albert’s Arms rightfully belongs to Mr. William. He may be abroad now, but he'll return someday. And Mr. Kearney? Acting like he owns the place, ordering everyone around, ruthless. Many are angry but afraid to speak up."
After his rant, Patton seemed to realize he might have overstepped. After all, Miss Agnes and Kearney were siblings, and he owed them both respect.
Worriedly, Patton added, "Miss Agnes, please, don't let Mr. Kearney hear about this."
Agnes smiled, "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Heartstrings on Fire