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I opened my mouth, but Jamie shut me up with a hand signal. “Both of you. I’ll be here all day and Mom and dad will be here later. She insists on feeding you.”

Jamie addressed my unspoken fear - I wouldn’t be able to help Meg if I was asleep or dopey from pain pills. I nodded my gratitude, knowing I could relax because Meg wouldn’t be alone, or unprotected, if the pills knocked me out. I knew Sullivan and his goonies were dead, but I couldn’t stop seeing her in his clutches, knowing one twitch of his finger was all that stood between life and death. The memory was enough to send shivers down my spine.

“Thanks.” I raised my coffee in salute. “Breakfast smells great.”

Jamie told Meg dad had assigned some SSI guys to watch her apartment. “The crime scene techs have finished, so we can go pick up your stuff when you’re ready. Your gun and phone are evidence, so you won’t get those back for a while. We'll get you a new phone tomorrow.”

She shrugged. “Everyone who might call me will know to call Jack.” She chewed on a bite of greasy sausage. “Mmmm. Thanks Jamie, I was starving.” We ate quietly for another minute.

“Well, everyone except my apartment manager. Oh god, I bet he’s so pissed. Do you think he’ll sue me for the damages?” I could hear her anxiety building.

“He can’t. I’ll talk to him to make sure he doesn’t try something shady.” I said, before taking a big bite of my cheesy scrambled eggs.

“Already done. Dad talked to him yesterday after we left the hospital.” Jamie said. “And our guys have strict instructions that no one, not even the manager, goes in without your permission.”

“Thanks.” She groaned. “My apartment is a crime scene. God, this feels like a bad dream…”

“You don’t have to go. We’d be happy to pack up all your stuff and bring it here.” I reached over and rubbed her arm.

“No, I need to go. For one, I have cash locked in the safe. Two, I would rather not have someone from SSI packing up my… personal items.”

“Not a snowball’s chance in hell.” I chuckled. “I’ll be the only one helping you pack your personal items. If you want help, that is.”

Jamie reminded us we needed to give our statements to the Sherriff’s Dept. He volunteered to drive us. Meg looked terrified. She probably still thought she’d get arrested for defending herself. Jamie calmed her. “It’s just a formality. You’re not in trouble. The rest of us gave our statements at the scene yesterday.”

I loved my family every day, but today I was reminded of how extraordinarily lucky I was to have them in my life.

Chapter 53

Meg

Iwoke up to the rich smell of tomato sauce filling my nose and making my mouth water. There were worse ways to wake up from a nap.

Jack mumbled, “Mmm, mom’s famous lasagna, my favorite.”

Mary gave me a big, but gentle, hug when we joined everyone in the kitchen. “I’m so glad you’re home safe.”

I wiped away my tears as I pulled away. “Thank you.”

“Hi Mr. Sheppard.”

“Hi Megan, how’re you feeling?”

“Okay, thanks.” I didn’t want to admit I was sore and tired, though it was probably obvious. I felt awkward around him after everything that had happened at the hospital.He probably thinks I'm a fool.

“Can I help with anything?” I asked, knowing I wouldn’t be much help but needing to offer.

“Sure, you can keep me company while I finish making the lasagna. It’ll give us a chance to catch up.” She turned to John and her sons. “You boys go watch TV or something.”

“Yes, ma’am.” They answered in unison. Jack gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving.

Mary wasted no time reminding me I still had my job at Grannie’s. John must have told her I was worried. I thanked her and apologized for causing her and her family so much trouble. I didn’t want to cry anymore, but I couldn’t stop a few stray tears from falling when Mary reassured me that none of this was my fault. I couldn't believe she could be so supportive after all the trouble I’d caused.Jack got shot because of me.

She changed the subject and told me how happy she was Jack and I had worked things out. “You two are good for each other.”

By the time dinner was ready, I was ravenous enough to eat two small helpings of lasagna and three slices of homemade garlic bread. I would have felt guilty about eating so much, but Jack polished off twice as much and then asked his mom if she’d made dessert. He was thrilled when Jamie and John came back with a pan of brownies and a tub of vanilla ice cream after clearing the table.

Mary invited me to Christmas dinner while we ate dessert.

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