Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Herbert shot to his feet, gripping Sallie's arm tightly. His voice was sharp with anger. "What do you think you're doing?"

Jessica blinked water from her eyes, finally realizing that it was Sallie standing there.

Sallie winced-Herbert's grip was bruising her wrist.

She scowled, twisting and pulling, trying to wrench herself free. "You brute! You're hurting me. Do you even know who I am? Get your filthy hands off me!"

"I don't care who you are," Herbert snapped. "Apologize to her. Now!"noveldrama

His temples pulsed with fury, and a pang of guilt gnawed at him. How had he let his guard down enough for someone to bully Little Mute-Jessica-right in front of him?

Jessica scrambled to her feet and hurriedly signed to Herbert, her hands moving fast. "Let her go. She's Timothy's sister."

Herbert's grip loosened just enough for Sallie to yank her arm free. She immediately raised a hand, winding up to slap him.

Jessica stepped in to stop her.

But Sallie's slap landed squarely-on Jessica instead.

The blow was sharp, fueled by her anger, and bright red marks appeared instantly on Jessica's pale cheek.

Sallie froze, staring down at her own hand in a brief, panicked daze. She hadn't meant to hit Jessica.

Herbert's self-control snapped. Even behind glasses that lent him a bookish air, there was a roughness he couldn't hide. He hated the idea of ever raising a hand to a woman, but if anyone hurt Little Mute-not even Timothy's sister would get a pass.

Jessica saw Herbert tense, ready to step forward. She quickly grabbed his arm, pleading with her eyes, telling him not to.

Herbert pressed his tongue to his cheek, barely containing his anger.

Sallie snapped out of her momentary guilt and, seeing how close Jessica and Herbert seemed, any trace of remorse vanished. "Jessica, don't forget-you're Timothy's wife! He leaves the country for a few days and you're out here flirting with some random guy? Have you no decency?"

Herbert's fists clenched at Sallie's venom. He turned to Jessica, voice low and steady. "Little Mute, is this how his family always treats you?"

Jessica didn't want to make a scene, or let Herbert realize just how bad things were for her in the Lawson family. She'd brought this trouble on herself-she didn't want to drag Herbert into it.

"Oh, how touching," Sallie sneered, shooting Jessica a sideways glance, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Herbert looked ready to explode.

Jessica saw the warning signs in his face and quickly signed to him, "Herbert, I'm sorry. Please, just go. I'll make it up to you, I promise-let me buy you dinner another time."

He hesitated, about to protest. But then, wary of Sallie butting in, he replied in sign language as well. "She's got the attitude of a spoiled princess. If I leave, what if she bullies you again?"

Jessica shook her head, her fingers moving in earnest. "It's fine. I can handle her. Please, Herbert, I'm begging you. Just go."

Her beautiful eyes pleaded with him, full of distress.

Herbert understood. The two of them had met for dinner, and she'd chosen The Silverthread Eatery-a place known for romantic dinners and perfect views of the fireworks. Most couples came here for dates, just like he had. When Jessica picked the restaurant, he'd immediately called ahead to sponsor the evening's fireworks show.

Now, with Jessica's sister-in-law catching them together, of course she'd get the wrong idea.

No wonder Jessica was desperate for him to leave. Clearly, Timothy still mattered to her.

All he could do was urge her to take care of herself, and tell her to call him if she ever needed anything.

Sallie watched them sign back and forth. Herbert could speak, but he was also fluent in sign language—and he understood every gesture. Sallie's elegant, frosty features twisted in deeper anger.