Page 212 of Cheater

Flotsam and jetsam means she’ll bring things to occupy us. Alannah has always been immensely good at distracting you when you need it most.

It’s forty-five minutes later and I’ve had no choice but to phone Derek.

He doesn’t answer, so I send him a text message.

Hope everything is okay there. Sorry to bother you, but Alannah came to keep me company and Ken isn’t allowing her past the gate. Can you have a word with him?

I didn’t bother bitching Ken out when he wouldn’t let Alannah in. He wasn’t rude about it, simply said he’d only open the gate on Derek’s orders.

I don’t get an answer to my text, but just two minutes later, Alannah is allowed in with a stern look from Ken, who I’m pretty sure communicates silently that he will make sure I don’t leave.

As if I’m going to cause any problems when Derek’s mother just died.

It’s about four hours later, and Lan and me are in the family room, curled up in front of the fireplace. The snow is falling and we’re in the midst of a chick flick marathon. She brought four DVDs, nail polish and remover, a deck of cards, and a bunch of junk food with her.

I get a text message, so I reach for my phone with a sinking feeling.

Carson Shields: Hello, Chloe. Mr. Steele is out of surgery and in serious but stable condition.

I read it aloud to Alannah, then reply.

Good news. Thank you for the update.

Alannah and I ponder whether or not Derek will come back tonight. She decides to stay the night and says she doesn’t care if he comes back – she’s in my life and she’s not about to hide from him.

I don’t hear anything else from Carson. And I don’t hear anything at all from Derek.

Alannah has to leave by nine in the morning to go set up for her cousin Claudia’s baby shower. I feel bad because I’d normally go with her, I know and like Claudia and I’m so happy she’s having twins after trying for four years to get pregnant. Alannah tells me she already signed my name to her gift as I hug her goodbye.

“Be safe. Be smart. I love you,” she says softly.

“Same, same, and love you more,” I tell her, hugging her tight.

Not even ten minutes after she goes, my phone rings.

DS Cavalier calling.

I guess it’s time to change his display name.

“Hello?” I answer, feeling shaky.

“Keep the house alarm armed,” Derek says tersely. “Kenny is staying there to keep you safe until I get back.”

“Pardon?”

“He slept in his car last night. He’s switching out with one of his people so he can go home and shower, but then he’s coming back. He’ll stay parked outside until I get there.”

“Why, um… why? You don’t have to think I’m about to cause any problems while you’re dealing with what you’re dealing with, because I-”

He cuts me off. “It wasn’t a car accident. It was a hit and run. They were coming out of a restaurant when they got run down. Don’t know if it was an enemy or if it was random. Keep the alarm on. Stay home. Ken said she left. Is she coming back?”

“She has plans today. How’s your dad?”

The line sounds dead, so I eventually call out, “Hello?”

“Still unconscious,” he answers.

“I’ll say a prayer for him. My mom sends her best for your dad and condolences for your mom.”

---