Balotelli-Bale Series Book #4: THE OTHER MAN PART 1

Chapter 58: Rock Bottom

"...in some cases, rock bottom has a basement..."

Sinclair's POV
"Monsieur, a moment." Taylor beckoned me over.

I'm having breakfast with Keira. She's been a little unwell and she slept in all day yesterday.

"Excuse me ma chérie." I left the table. "What is do important you ruin my breakfast?" I frowned at her..

Taylor is the only personal assistant immune to my tempers and sharp tongue. I have burned through 45 assistants since I came from the navy. Some lasted minutes. Some cried on their way out.

"There was a phone call for Keira."

"Who called?"

"The prison."

I smiled at Keira reassuringly and closed the glass doors leading to the dining room. In the privacy of the hallway,I dragged Taylor aside. "Why?" I asked.

"It's about her brother. There was a prison fight. Her brother was killed."

"Tu es sérieux, ou quoi? Mon dieu!" I exclaimed.

"Oui monsieur. I'm serious."

"That's too much." I sighed. "It's too much for her and the baby. I can't tell her."

"Will you lie to her then?"

I finally got her to eat. She's finally eating something and then I tell her this? If it was the first bad news she was getting then fine. But I can't.

"You tell her." I delegated the responsibility.

"But monsieur! How do I even begin?"

"Give me a moment." She left my presence. I leaned against the wall wondering how to phrase these words. Her reaction to her parents'death scared me. I have to just tell her. There's no other way. "Ma chérie..."

I can't speak. She's staring at me with sad blue eyes, skin so pale you would think her ill. "Yes?" Voice so soft yet so broken and weak.

I took a seat next to her. I took her hands into mine. After this the only thing left for her here will be Nick; that if he still wants her and she wants him. What they have gone through will have a significant strain in their relationship.

"The prison called. I'm sorry ma chérie but your brother was involved in a fight. He succumbed to his wounds."

I felt her hand growing faint. "Oh... Okay." Not what I expected. She withdrew her hand. "Thank you for letting me know."

I stood up when she did and I remained so, watching her disappear down the hallway to the bedroom where she sleeps. She closed the door. I went to it and pressed my ear against the wood. It's quiet. Why is she quiet?

I opened th doors. She's seated on the bed staring outside the tall glass windows. "Keira..."

"Can you accommodate him in the funeral plans? I will bury all of them together."

"I'll let Taylor know."

"I also have to go to another funeral. Jason's."

"I wouldn't recommend that."

"Why not? He was my husband."

"I wouldn't recommend it because of the opinion people have on you."

"You're right.... I forgot about that. I guess there's no need to go to the prion then."

"Maybe later. I'd you want I'll go on your behalf."

"We can go together. I have no more years left to shed. But I wish to be alone with my thoughts if you don't mind."