Priorities

‘Let me think about it,’ I said. ‘Mick’s still in jail,’ Erin pleaded. ‘He’s not holding up so well. I—’ ‘I said, let me think about it.’ Erin sobbed pitifully. ‘You should go back first. I’ll call you later.’ ‘But…’ ‘Just do what I say.’ Erin was reluctant to leave, but I was firm. She dragged her feet, hoping I’d change my mind. I didn’t. She was a victim, at least in this instance. I might have a moral obligation to help her, but I had other priorities. Call me selfish, but at the moment, nothing was as important to me as Kieran’s safety. I would consider helping Erin only if I could come up with a way that wouldn’t put Kieran in danger. Watching her leave, I had a sudden urge to yank out my hair. Why was life so complicated? All I wanted was to spend my days in peace with my husband. Was that too much to ask? Kieran laid a hand on my arm. ‘Don’t be sad.’ ‘I’m not sad.’ I scrubbed my face with both hands. ‘I just…need to figure something out.’ ‘I…help?’ ‘You did help, by just being