She sat opposite him.
“My stepmother says she’s going to accuse me of stealing documents.”
Matthew placed his cup down.
“Did you take anything from the house?”
“No.”
“Then we’ll deal with the accusation if it comes.”
“You make everything sound simple.”
“No. I make sure we deal with one problem at a time.”
Elena looked at him carefully.
“Why are you helping me?”
He did not answer immediately.
“Because someone who has been hurt deserves the opportunity to decide what happens next. And because your stepmother’s business dealings may involve something much larger than your family.”
“So I’m useful to you.”
“Your information might be useful. That doesn’t mean your safety depends on it.”
She lowered her eyes.
“I don’t know how to trust anyone anymore.”
“Then don’t trust me yet.”
He returned to his report.
“Watch what I do. Decide for yourself.”
It was the first answer anyone had given her that did not demand something in return.
