Joan’s revelation was the last thing Scarlet expected her to say, but she should have read the signs. She was certain Joan was considering committing suicide, but the idea that her mother was selling her daughter to a man so she could have money never occurred to her. Scarlet moistened her lips and took a steadying breath before saying a word. This was far too important to make mistakes.
“Is he coming tonight, Joan?”
Joan nodded. “He comes every night she’s away.”
Scarlet had excellent hearing, but she had to strain to catch that soft whisper. “You need to tell me his name, baby, and then let me handle it. You’re going to spend the night with Alison. I’m texting her to come get you.” She matched her actions to her words. “You’ll be safe. You don’t have to tell her what’s going on if you don’t want to, but you’ll never have to see that man again.”
“You can’t talk to him, Scarlet. He’s evil. He’ll hurt you.” A shudder went through her.
“You really want to tell me his name, Joan. You’ve wanted to tell someone for a very long time.” That was safe. She was certain Joan had.
Joan was nodding, even as tears ran down her face. The door to the library opened, but Scarlet didn’t dare look away from Joan. She kept her eyes on her, compelling her to answer.
Joan rocked back and forth. “Giles McCarthy.”
She mouthed the name rather than even whisper it, but Scarlet was leaning close and watching her lips, careful not to miss what she was certain would only come once. She sat back, a little shocked. Giles McCarthy was perhaps one of the wealthiest and best-known philanthropists in their town. He gave to every charity and was always the first to be in front of a microphone endorsing a new youth project. He was considered a wonderful man. Everyone liked him. He was single, an eligible bachelor, and often dated some of the most beautiful women in town.
Scarlet didn’t make the mistake of asking Joan to repeat the name or act in any way as if she didn’t believe her. She knew if Joan went to the police and accused the man, no one would ever take her word over McCarthy’s. Joan knew it too. So did Brenda, Joan’s mother. She could take whatever sum he was paying her and continue her lifestyle while her daughter paid the price. Brenda wasn’t the only single mother with a teenage daughter he was reputed to be “friends” with.
“All right, honey. Thank you for telling me. Alison will be here in a few minutes. You’re going home, packing a bag and staying with her. What time do you usually expect him to visit you when you’re alone?”
“He comes at eight,” Joan whispered. “Always at eight. If I’m not there, he’ll be angry, and he won’t give Mom the money she wants. It’s a lot of money.”
“Never mind about that,” Scarlet soothed. “You aren’t going to think about that anymore. You’re going to have a good time with Alison while your mom and Luke are away. I want you to repeat that to me.”
“I’m going to have a good time with Alison while Mom and Luke are away,” Joan said softly, with a little more confidence.
The door to the library opened again, and Scarlet flicked a glance toward it. To her utter relief, Alison hurried in and came straight toward the table. Joan nearly flung herself into Alison’s arms, her face lighting up, although she was crying at the same time. Scarlet stood up as well.
“Joan’s mother is out of town and she would like to spend a couple of weeks with you, Alison,” Scarlet said. “I’m certain that would be all right with you.” She pitched her voice low, but immediately she could see she hadn’t connected with a path to Alison.
Joan had already scooted around both women and rushed to get her backpack and coat from the front desk where she’d left both items, leaving Scarlet and Alison for just a few precious moments. Alison shook her head in protest.
“I can’t take her. If I do, Brenda will have me arrested.”
“She can’t stay there alone,” Scarlet said hastily. “Please, take her. I’ll make certain her mother won’t do that. I swear to you. She’s in danger staying by herself. I believe she’ll harm herself if she’s alone.”
Immediately Alison’s expression changed. She glanced at Joan, and Scarlet could see the indecision on her face. “I’ve been afraid for her,” she admitted. Abruptly, she nodded her head. “Brenda will come after me,” she warned.
“I won’t let you down,” Scarlet promised, looking the woman in the eye. It was the only way she could give her word and hope Alison took her at it. “Take her out of here before she changes her mind.”