Page 42 of Day Shift

As soon as Atticus parked, I opened my door and stepped out, drawn to the vehicle like a magnet. “That’s a gorgeous car,” I remarked, running my fingers lightly over the hood, appreciating the smooth finish.

Atticus followed me over and ran his hand over the back fender with a fondness that made Samantha snort. “This beauty is fully original,” he said. “Haven’t changed a thing since I got her except for maintenance items.”

Samantha rolled her eyes. “Oh, she’s definitely the other woman in our relationship. Once, Bethany and I took her for a spin to the grocery store. Thought Atticus was going to stroke out when I told him.”

From the garage, I watched as Conan pulled into the driveway and parked. I was still holding the bouquet he’d given me. I wanted to ask why he’d stopped visiting, but I shelved that thought when he got out and walked toward me. Now wasn’t the time for that discussion. He crossed over to the other side of the garage, joining us by the Firebird.

“Thank God nothing happened to his precious car,” Samantha continued. “That might have crossed a line I could never uncross.” Her tone was light, but there was a thread of sincerity that told me how much the car meant to Atticus.

After admiring the Firebird for another moment, we walked across the garage and into the door leading to the main floor of the home.

The instant the door swung open, a blur of fur and energy—Murphy, the shih tzu puppy, I guessed—tore around the corner. As we made our way further in, I watched him zip from one end of the living room to the other with such excitement that his little paws barely seemed to touch the ground.

“Look at him go!” I laughed, scooping him into my arms as he was making another pass. His curly tail wagged furiously, and he licked at my face as if I were made of his favorite treats. While I held him, I wondered if I had a pet waiting somewhere for me, missing me. The thought was unsettling. Thankfully, it didn’t resonate with that place in my mind where my memories were stored. It would kill me to find out I’d abandoned a furry friend.

Conan grinned, watching us. “He’s got endless energy, doesn’t he?”

“He’s just the cutest thing ever,” I said, scratching the dog behind his ears. He settled contentedly into my arms.

Conan and I followed Samantha and Atticus into the open living room kitchen area, which was as vast and beautifully appointed as the outside suggested. The spacious living area with large windows framed magnificent views of the dense trees surrounding the property and the bay behind the house. The decor was elegant yet inviting. It was the type of home I’d love to have one day.

“I can see why you chose this place. It’s absolutely stunning,” I said to Atticus, who seemed pleased with my reaction.

“It’s safe, quiet, and yeah, it has enough tech to keep the bad guys at bay,” he replied, his voice carrying a hint of something darker.

Samantha nudged me gently, giving me a reassuring smile. “And it’s got plenty of room for guests, so make yourself at home. Follow me, and I’ll show you to your room.” With that, she led me upstairs. The hallway was lined with black-and-white images that seemed carefully chosen, pieces I recognized but couldn’t put names to.

After a brief tour of the upstairs, she showed me to the guest room, which was on the opposite side of the house from where she and Atticus slept. “You’ll have plenty of privacy here,” she said. It was a beautifully decorated room with a plush king bed and a view of the bay.

Crossing the room, she opened the closet. My suitcases from the hospital were already there. She then pointed to the en suite. “You should have everything you need in here, but let me know if you’re missing anything.”

She returned to where I was standing and picked up a gorgeous little bright blue bikini that was lying neatly folded on the bed. “I hope you like it,” she said, holding it up. “Thought we could celebrate the solstice, the full moon, and your liberation tonight with dinner and a swim.”

She handed me the bikini, and I held it out in front of me, shimmying my shoulders. “Ooo, it’s a sexy little thing. Thank you. I love it. Maybe I’ll get my memories back tonight if I do some kind of pagan ritual dance under the moon,” I joked, and we both burst into laughter.

“You never know,” she said. “Magic is more common than you’d think on nights like this. There’s always more babies born on full moons than at any other time.”

“Whatever it takes to get my memories back, I’ll do it. One of the docs told me that since I’ve been getting some of them back as I experience familiar things, it’s a good sign that they may all come back.”

“Well, then getting out of the hospital environment and back to a normal life should really help you. I’m guessing having the charges dismissed today will take a huge load off your mind too.”

“Oh God, you have no idea. Just going through the booking and arraignment process was a humiliating ordeal. I can’t imagine how awful it would have been to go to jail.” I shuddered just thinking about it.

“I’m so glad it all worked out for you. I know all too well how life can throw us some wild curveballs. I never imagined in a hundred years that I would get tangled up with the mafia. Six months ago, my life was turned upside down, and thankfully, I had some good people come to my rescue. These Thorin brothers are special men,” she said in an appreciative tone.

“I still can’t believe all that happened to you. It sounds like something straight out of a movie. I’m so lucky to have had you guys—especially you, Sam—come to my rescue.”

“All right, all right, enough of this serious talk. How about you go ahead and change out of those dress clothes?” Samantha suggested. “Those have got to be miserable. I’m just gonna throw some shorts over a swimsuit. I’ll meet you back downstairs when you’re ready. We’re keeping it super casual tonight, just dinner by the pool.”

Once I was left alone in the room, I took in my surroundings. An overwhelming sense of gratitude washed over me. Samantha and Atticus had given me a safe haven. Their kindness was more than I could have asked for when I needed it most.

As I changed into the swimsuit and pulled on a pair of shorts, I made a silent promise to pay them back somehow for all their generosity and help. They had been so welcoming, and they’d never asked for anything in return. For the past month, I had felt like I was caught underneath an ocean’s rolling wave, but now, I could finally breathe.

I made my way downstairs, still adjusting to the idea that I’d be staying in this beautiful, sprawling house with people who, just weeks ago, were strangers to me.

The laughter and chatter ahead pulled me in. I paused before entering the kitchen, soaking in the energy of the pre-dinner chaos radiating from the room.

“Hey, Angel! Come join us. We’re just getting the food organized!” Samantha called out, her hands full of colorful veggies destined for the grill.

---