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together, she inched her way into
the room, as if she were afraid to come in. A nervous energy surrounded her.
Tension crackled through the air.
    She’d
lied to him and hell, yes, he harbored a lot of anger against her, but damn it,
he didn’t want her to be scared of him.
    Might
as well get it all out in the open straight away.
    “I
never thought you’d be one to welsh on a bargain, Miss Richards.”
    Was
that a guilty look he saw on her lovely face when she glanced toward the letter
on the table?
    “I’m
sorry. Yes, I posted the letter to your mother.”
    “You
agreed not to send it. We made a bargain, don’t you remember?”
    “Dr.
Kellerman figured me out somehow. He made me post the letter.” Hattie chewed on
her lower lip. But then, her countenance brightened. “So you’ve heard from your
mother? Is she coming to see you?”
    “I
haven’t read it,” he said, shrugging in the general direction of the letter.
Before the girl could scold him about that, he grabbed the envelope and ripped
it open. It was as he’d expected. “No, she’s not coming. All
that letter did was upset her. She’s got trouble enough to deal with.
She’s got enough on her mind without worrying about whether or not I’ll live or
die.”
    “You’re
going to live, Mr. Morse.”
    “Yes,
unfortunately, I suppose I am.”
    “Are
you really so unhappy in your life?” She shook her head. “Never
mind. I shouldn’t pry. I’m sorry about the letter. I got caught in the
lie, and I’m lucky that Dr. Kellerman didn’t send me away.” Her face screwed
up.
    Willie
sensed the emotions churning through Hattie’s head and heart. How did the poor
girl survive being such an innocent? Reality was so different from how she
wished to see the world. Little wonder something so simple as the truth could leave her confounded.
    But,
since when had truth ever been simple?
    “Yeah,
well, next time, don’t make bargains you don’t intend to keep, all right?”
    “I’ve
learned my lesson. I regret ever making that agreement with you, and I assure
you, it won’t happen again. No more bargains. No more deals.”
    “You
shouldn’t regret it, Hattie.”
    Her
face puckered up. “But you just said…”
    “I know
what I said. All the same, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that
regrets don’t do anybody any good.” His father had taught him that principle.
He had raised Willie to do what he believed in—right or wrong—and not look
back.
    “I see
your point,” Hattie replied, “but when someone makes a mistake, of course,
they’ll regret it.”
    “No. No
regrets. That’s the only way to live.”
    “I’m
not sure I agree.” She sighed. “But what does it matter, really?”
    Willie
studied her, quickly realizing that something more was on her mind. Something that had nothing at all to do with him, his anger, or her
lies.
    “What
is it?” he asked. “What’s wrong?” He shifted about in the bed. His leg ached,
but at least, he still had it, and damn it all, maybe he should be grateful to
still be alive—and in one piece. “Look, I’m sorry I took you to task. You did
what you had to do, and for what it’s worth, I’m glad you weren’t sent away. I
would have missed you.” He looked away, almost embarrassed by his admission.
    A hint
of a smile showed on Hattie’s lips but then disappeared. “Now who’s having
regrets?” The words came out softly and slowly. A sigh followed. “All the same,
apology accepted, and to answer your question, nothing is wrong. I’m quite all
right.”
    She
raised a hand to her cheek and quickly turned away but not before Willie caught
sight of the tears.
    “I
never meant to make you cry.”
    Hattie
shook her head. “It’s got nothing to do with you.”
    “What
is it? Maybe I can help.”
    Hattie
lifted her chin then glanced toward the open doorway. Willie’s gaze followed
hers, but he saw no one.
    “I’m
such a terrible liar. It’s little wonder Dr. Kellerman
saw