After all the problems Kendall’s interference had caused, less than five months ago, her words stunned Fee. “Are you kidding me? You can’t work there again. Christopher forbade it! You’ll get Charlotte and Brooks killed, and you and Johnnie banned.”
“Oh, please,” Kendall scoffed. “Brooks said your brother had the opportunity to shoot him in the head and fired into his shoulder instead. Outlaw isn’t going to lay a hand on any of us. I even hand-picked another attorney to take my place as the club’s co-counsel.”
The moment of truth had arrived. Discovering this information told Fee Christopher had a right to his concern. Despite how much she liked Kendall and felt she was betraying her, she’d pass this along to Christopher.
First, she’d try to talk some sense into Kendall.
“Kendall, I don’t like this. This sounds so dangerous. If you’re going behind his back and talking to a rival club, Christopher will see this as a betrayal. And what will Johnnie say?”
“Don’t you want to know who I chose to take my place?” Kendall asked, ignoring Fee’s question.
“Yes.” The more she knew, the more she’d have to report to Christopher. If Kendall wanted to get Johnnie kicked out of the club and her entire family exiled, that was on her.
“Kyler Charles, whom hardly anyone knows is Charlotte and Brooks’ son-in-law. Isn’t that a brilliant move? Kyler and I are friends, so the choice was easy.”
“Please, be careful. As the head of the family, my brother will forgive a lot of things, but not dealing with a known club rival.”
“Have I misjudged you? This is between you and me. I’d never put my husband or his club in jeopardy.”
“Kendall—”
“Fee, you and I are friends. I’d never share my secrets with anyone, except my husband. This time, not even Johnnie knows.”
“Really?”
Kendall nodded. “I want everything in place before I tell him. He was so upset when Christopher resigned my position.”
“I thought you resigned.”
“No.” Kendall blinked rapidly and her nose reddened. “Christopher did it. He almost came to blows with Johnnie over this.”
What would happen between them once Fee gave her report? God! What other choice did she have? “Your interference caused a lot of mayhem.”
“I understand and I’m so, so sorry. I’d never do anything to risk Outlaw. Please, believe me.”
All over again, Fee’s guilt resurfaced. This was information Christopher needed to know. But everyone in the club seemed untrusting of Kendall. If someone showed themselves as a real friend to her, Kendall might do what she must.
“You haven’t misjudged me, Kendall. I’m your friend. I hope I haven’t misjudged you.” Kendall needed something to do. Something to make her happy. Her career was that something. She’d also mention that to Christopher. “Don’t put my brother and his club at risk.”
“If he’s at risk, then so is Johnnie.” She turned and stomped away. “Check in with Jane to make sure everything is ready for Meggie’s arrival.”
“Fine. Be right back.”
Kendall’s voice halted Fee. “You do understand why I can’t allow you to sit with us?”
In all the weeks Fee had been working for Kendall and excluded from the brunches, this was the first time she’d thought to ask how Fee felt. Maybe, Kendall really did see her as a friend. “Yes.”
“You don’t mind it, do you?”
“What difference does it make? I understand you want to keep this professional. During business hours, I’m only your employee.”
“I promise I’ll make it up to you, but Ella and Jane were sent by Charlotte. She took time out of her busy schedule to find a nanny and a maid for me. I can’t disappoint her by being gauche enough to let my assistant eat with me on the clock. Don’t be mad. She’s like a mother to me.”
“I thought Roxy was like a mother to you.” Fee liked the club enforcer’s mother-in-law. She’d heard about Charlotte Redding but had never met her. If she offered Kendall this type of awful advice, Fee didn’t want to meet her.
“Roxy deserted me to go back to New Orleans, until the end of the summer. She hasn’t once called me to check in.”
That didn’t sound like Roxy at all. She’d taken a special liking to Kendall, so there had to be a reason for her lack of contact.
“You should call her,” Fee suggested. “Something might be wrong.”
“I did call her and she brushed me off. Talked to me less than a minute before saying she was busy.” Hurt crossed Kendall’s features before she tightened her jaw. “I’m used to it. My own mother never had time for me. Why would someone else’s mom want me?”