Empire and Honor (Honor Bound 7)

You hear all the time about pregnant girls who did it just once.

He swung his feet out of bed. As he did, he saw the bloodstain.

Maybe if I left my razor and shaving cream on the sheet the maid will think I cut myself shaving.

[SEVEN]

When Jimmy went in the dining room, Father Welner was there. When the priest saw Jimmy, he quickly stood and went to him.

“Let me have a minute, my son,” Welner said, and took Jimmy’s arm and led him out a door into a corridor.

“I heard what happened. Are you all right, my son?”

“Yes, sir. They missed.”

“I mean, all right about taking the lives of those four men. Are you disturbed about that?”

“Jesus Christ! They were shooting at me. What was I supposed to do?” He paused. “Sorry about the language.”

“You feel you had no choice, is that what you’re saying?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then I’m sure God will understand. Bless you, my son.”

“Thank you, Father.”

—

When Jimmy went back in the dining room, Martha Howell waved him to an empty seat at the table beside her. Marjie was sitting next to the empty seat.

“Are you okay, Jimmy?” Martha Howell asked when he had taken the seat.

“Yes, ma’am, I’m fine.”

“We were wondering what happened to you. You were gone a long time. I was getting worried.”

“I’m fine, Miz Howell.”

“Good,” she said, and patted his hand.

Jimmy felt the sole of Marjie’s foot running up and down his calf.

When he looked at her, she smiled.

“Are you hungry?” she asked innocently. “For some reason, I’m starved.”

There was a pinging noise.

Jimmy looked at the head of the table. Cletus was tapping his knife on a wine bottle.

When he thought he had everyone’s attention, he said, “General Nervo just sent word from the barrier at the foot of the hill. He wants everybody to be on the veranda when his convoy arrives here. I figure that will be in about five or so minutes.”

“What’s that all about, my darling?” Doña Dorotea asked.

“I have no idea, my love. But I treat him the way I treat you. When he asks me to do something, I give him the benefit of the doubt and do it.”

—