Page 86 of Sighs By the Sea

Maggie

The morning sun peeks through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I lie in bed, my eyes heavy with exhaustion. The thought of going to work feels like an insurmountable task, my body aching for just a few more hours of sleep. I’ve only just gotten back home after hours at the hospital with Harry. Thank God he’s going to be okay. He punctured a lung, but surgery went well, and he’s expected to make a full recovery, albeit a slow one.

Grayson, already dressed, comes into the room with a mug of steaming coffee. “Morning,” he says, his voice annoyingly chipper.

I grumble a response and grab the drink, feeling like a caffeine-seeking zombie. It smells perfect, and I gulp down some, even though it burns my tongue. Ah, pain—now I know I'm alive.

“Are you going in today?” he asks.

I nod. “I have to. They got plates on the van, and I want to follow up on it ASAP.”

After taking another drink, I look at him. “Are you gonna be okay here alone? I know last night probably freaked you out.” I hate that our first night was plagued by the shooting. Deep down, I know it was Don. I feel it in my bones. Maybe Harry doesn’t know it yet, but I’m certain he saved Grayson’s life by approaching that van.

“I'll have help today,” he says, a hint of mystery in his voice.

Before I can inquire further, the doorbell rings through the quiet house. Grayson smiles knowingly and goes to answer it. I get out of bed, trying to smooth my hair down before wandering into the living room. George is watching some cartoons, but when he sees me, he sprints over.

He collides with my legs. "Oof, morning, little crime fighter." He’s still clinging to my leg as Grayson lets two people into the house.

Standing in my foyer is Henrietta, radiating a very unappreciated chipper energy. She has glasses low on her nose and a giant bag slung over her shoulder. Her gray, curly hair is cut just above her shoulders. Behind her stands a massive, bald man, imposing like a buffalo but with a calm demeanor. I blink in surprise, trying to process the unexpected visitors.

George releases his grip on me only to run over to Henrietta. “Gam gam!” he yells.

Grayson points to her. “Maggie, you remember Henrietta, Tommy’s mother and our unofficial grandma. This is her bodyguard, Mack.”

“Yes, of course. Hello again,” I say, immediately regretting my stiff, formal words.

But Henrietta wastes no time, throwing her arms around me. “Oh, baby, you look so tired. You should climb right back into bed.”

“Erm, I need to work,” I say, trying to fight the urge to take a nap right then and there.

Henrietta clicks her tongue. “Ugh, I guess that can't be helped.” My face flushes, but Grayson only chuckles. He seems to be enjoying the show Henrietta is putting on. “Well, don’t worry, baby. I’m going to take care of everything here.”

“Is she serious?” I suddenly blurt out to Grayson. The bear-looking man behind her laughs, and I turn around. “You know I’m a cop, right?” I ask him. He holds up both hands, but the smile remains.

Grayson grabs my arm and tells Henrietta he’ll be right back. He pulls me into the back room. “Sorry, she just kinda takes care of things. You should let her.”

“Let her, Gray? I barely know her!”

“Trust me, Mags. It’s for the best. We need help, and she is eager to give it. I honestly think she likes all the drama.” From my brief interaction at the Wishes for Waves event, I'm inclined to believe that's true.

I cross my arms against my chest. Asking for help isn’t something I do often. “Really, you’d be helping her out,” Grayson says.

Though I have no idea what she has planned, I roll my eyes. “Fine.” Grayson kisses my cheek and opens the bedroom door.

When we’re back in the living room, I put on my biggest smile and hold out my hand. “Sorry, I’m just tired and surprised. Thanks for coming on such short notice.”

Henrietta waves a hand, already moving to the kitchen to start cleaning up the breakfast mess that must have been from Grayson and George. “Don’t mention it, baby. One of my kids needs me, I’m there. You want something to eat before you go? I can whip up a quick frittata.”

“That sounds great. Will that scary guy be eating too?”

Mack laughs. “I’m good, Enri.”

As Henrietta starts pulling out ingredients, she clicks her tongue. “I’ll need to go shopping.”

I sit at the kitchen table and put my forehead in my hands, chuckling a little. I like to think of myself as a superhero, but Henrietta is on a whole different level. Moving so quickly, she's practically a blur to my sleep-addled mind.

“Sure, Henrietta. I can give you some money for it,” I say, though internally, I’m still a little shaken by all the kindness. George comes to my side, showing off a new picture, and I pull him into my lap.

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