7 THE REVELATION
“Who are you, really, Mr. Albareda?”
Mrs. Bassig’s tone told him she wouldn’t leave the issue alone until he answered all her questions to her satisfaction. At his hesitation, Mrs. Bassig’s hands went to her hips. She bristled with authority.
“And don’t tell me you’re her keeper. I can take care of our young patient. She’s staying in my inn. I have offered her employment, she’s more my responsibility than yours.”
Alarm streaked through him at her words. She threatened to cut his access to Anza if he didn’t tell her the truth of who he was, why he was here, and what his connection to Anza was. He needed to tell her an acceptable variance of the truth.
He sighed. “Okay, Mrs. Bassig. You win …” He sat down so he was at eye level with her. “My name is Veren Albareda. Anza
