Lily murmured something quietly to Maisie, who retorted, The Dr. Sophie show, of course. My God, this town has enough dirty secrets and public scandals to fill the shows programming for weeks! But the ninny they have working in PR not only wouldnt listen to me, but told me to stop calling or shed contact the police! Maisie tossed her long dark hair over her shoulder and scowled darkly.
Peter gritted his teeth, mentally applauding the Dr. Sophie shows PR rep for recognizing a kook when they heard one and having the guts to stand up to Maisie. Not too many people in Honey Creek did. She was, after all, a Colton, and Coltons held a great deal of power in the town.
He knew he should ignore Maisies outburst as most of the other library patrons were, but watching Maisie Colton was a little like watching a train wreck. Despite knowing better, you just cant look away.
In hushed tones, Lily tried to calm Maisie, but she bristled and railed at Lily, Dont tell me what to do! This is a public building, and I have every right to be here and speak my mind.
Mary edged up to the front counter to give Lily backup, and Peter groaned. This could get ugly.
Mary spoke quietly to Maisie, and, as hed predicted, Maisie rounded on his sister in a heartbeat. He heard a hateful, derogatory term thrown at his sister, and hed had enough. Turning briefly to Lisa Navarre, Peter said, Excuse me. I have to go. He hustled up to the front desk, where Maisie was bristling like an angry cat, flinging insults at Mary.
Walsh slut like your sister! Lucy ruined my brothers life the instant she hooked her talons into Damien and seduced him. I pity poor Jake Pierson. You damn Walshes are all the same! Maisie huffed indignantly.
Peter stepped up behind his sister, not saying anything but drilling Maisie with a warning look.
And you! She aimed a shaking finger at him. You killed Katie, same as if youd pulled a trigger.
Peter stiffened, bile churning in his gut. Thats enough, Maisie. Go home.
She died having your baby! Or dont you care? Your father sure didnt care how many women he hurt, how many hearts he broke, how many lives he ruined!
Mary gasped softly, and Peter sensed more than saw the shudder that raced through his sister. He stepped forward, prepared to bodily throw Maisie from the library if needed, just as another woman brushed past him to confront Maisie.
Lisa Navarre. Startled, Peter caught his breath, as if watching a fawn step in front of a semi-trailer.
Its Ms. Colton, right? Lisa smiled warmly and held her hand out for Maisie to shake. I dont know if you remember me, but I taught your son Jeremy a couple years ago.
Maisie gaped at Lisa suspiciously, then shook her hand. Yeah. I remember you. Jeremy loved your class.
Well, I loved having him in my class. Hes such a sweet boy. Very bright and well-mannered. I know you must be proud of him.
Maisie sent an awkward glance to Lily, Mary and Peter, then tugged her sleeve to straighten her coat. I am. Jeremy is the world to me.
Lisa smiled brightly. I can imagine. Then, gesturing with a glance to Mary and Peter, Lisa continued. Somehow I doubt hed be happy if he knew youd been yelling at these nice people, though.
Maisie lifted her chin, her eyes flashing with contempt. There is nothing nice about these or any of the Walshes. Nailing an arctic glare on Mary, Maisie added, Im glad your father is dead. One less Walsh for the world to suffer.
Peter had never struck a woman in his life, but Maisie tempted him to break his code of honor. He squared his shoulders and would have moved in on the hateful woman if Lisa hadnt spread her hand at her side in a subtle signal asking him to wait.
Ms. Colton, the town is justifiably upset over the murder of Mark Walsh. Emotions are running high for everyone. I know there is a lot of bad blood between your families, but this kind of name-calling and finger-pointing serves no good. Think about Jeremy. Im sure the last thing he needs is to hear from his friends that you were causing a scene here today.
Maisie crossed her arms over her chest and moisture gathered in her eyes. Their family has caused me and my brother years of heartache. Damien spent fifteen years in jail for something he didnt do!
Im sorry for that, truly. But do you really think Damien wants you adding salt to the wounds now, or would he rather put the past behind him? Lisas calm tone reminded Peter of the tactful way shed handled his tirade earlier in the week.
While he hated to consider himself in the same category as Maisie Colton, he had to admire Lisas people skills. Already Maisies ire seemed to have cooled. Incredible.
Maisie glanced away and quickly swiped at her eyes before returning a less militant gaze to Lisa. Youre right. I just get so mad when
She shook her head, not bothering to finish. Dividing one last cool glare of contempt between Mary and Peter, Maisie tugged the lapels of her overcoat closed and breezed out the front door.
To Peter, it seemed the entire population of the library sighed with relief.