Her finely shaped nostrils contracted and her eyes hardened.
“Of course I do. What has she…?”
“Your brother and she were lovers, weren’t they?”
He saw her flinch.
“But, Sean, that’s ancient history now. Why bring it up?”
He abruptly got to his feet and moved away from her, his hands behind his back; a set, hard expression on his face.
“Maybe it’s not so ancient. Now look, Gilda, before I say anything more about Johnny, I want you to understand our position. I don’t have to tell you I’m crazy about you, and I’ll do anything for you. Always remember that. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. Oh, mere have been plenty of the other type, but with you, it’s different. You mean more to me than anything else in life. We are going to get married soon. As you know, I am in control of the administration of this City. It’s important to me that I should remain in control. Politics is a dirty game, kid. Everyone is on the look-out to cut someone’s throat. The quickest way to upset a political machine is to dig up a scandal that is big enough to hit the headlines. Then the voters take notice. Do you understand?”
She sat on the arm of the chair, her hands clenched tightly between her thighs; still, white-faced and frightened.
“Yes, Sean, but what has this to do with Johnny?”
He faced her.