I Would Never Hurt You

* * *

Charles sat down in discussion with St. James and Willowbrook in the Great Room, requesting and receiving the report on their areas of assignment.

"This is the last of it, Your Grace." St. James said, giving him some parchments.

Charles received it and passed it to Albert. "Any deaths?"

"None Sir, injuries were sustained but no deaths."

"None from my regime either." Willowbrook said.

Charles nodded. No one died. Good. "See to it that they are all compensated and make certain they remain tight lipped about this attack."

"Yes, Your Grace." The men chorused.

Suddenly, the doors flew open. Beth marched forward to stand before him, veering around the low table. "How dare you?"

Charles lifted his head to her face. "What?"

"How dare you? I ask."

"Bethany…"

"How dare you?!" She yelled out, breathing heavily. "You make me look like a fool and now you sit there feigning innocence?"

Clueless at her accusations, he looked behind her. Thomas stood at the door with a horrid expression. The ma