Page 46 of Redemption's Inferno

Warren looked thoughtful. “I’ve had him checked every way I know how…fairly spotless record. A few small incidents here and there, but in a 30-year career, that’s to be expected. No ties to terrorist groups, no gossip about affairs, no investigations, nothing like that at all.”

“So as far as we can tell, he’s a good guy and genuinely cares for my mum?” Chains looked almost disappointed.

Warren nodded. “Sorry, mate—no reason for you to beat anyone senseless.”

“Well, there’s always a need for that,” Chains chuckled. “Just doesn’t seem that it’s Nate’s turn.”

“So now what?” Emilie asked.

“We go back to Mum’s, relax a few more days and then visit the Browns.”

“And then back to America?” Warren asked, taking a bite of his soufflé and smiling as though he’d just tasted heaven. “Mmm…taste buds were a bit off during chemo but they’re back!”

“Will you come visit us in Las Vegas?” Emilie asked. “I’d like very much for you to meet Simone and my other friends. The weather is glorious and you’d get some of your color back.”

Warren met her warm gaze. “If my health continues to improve, you have my word I’ll come for a visit. I can’t promise anything right now—too many ups and downs and I’m more comfortable in my own bed with my own doctors just a phone call away.”

“Of course.” Emilie squeezed his hand. “But you’ll come when you’re better?”

“You couldn’t keep me away.”

* * *

The trip home was uneventful and everything was calm at Dolores’ house as well. Nate had moved some of his things in while they were gone and they appeared to be as cautious and unprepared to be living together as Chains was about being in a serious relationship. The two men went out of their way to point out their failings as boyfriends, earning cheeky grins and giggles galore from the women. Dolores looked a decade younger, Emilie thought as she watched her moving about the kitchen, putting away groceries. Her eyes were brighter, her step lighter and her smile was almost girlish. Emilie couldn’t help but wonder if she had that same look, but when she looked in the mirror she only saw the same woman she’d always seen; pretty, but always a little bit reserved, with a sadness behind her eyes that never completely went away.

“You’ve been quieter than usual,” Dolores said to her one day after they’d returned from London. “Are things not right with Darryl?”

Emilie turned in surprise, the spoon she was using to stir the pudding she was making pausing in her hand. “No, not at all. He’s doing everything I could possibly ask of him.”

“But?” Dolores leaned against the counter and raised her eyebrows. “Come on, love, I know what’s been happening, how your engagement was fake but now you’re quite chummy together… Why don’t you look like a woman falling in love with a wonderful man?”

Emilie sighed, looking down and absently stirring the pudding. “Because I’m pregnant and the baby isn’t Darryl’s.”

Dolores was shocked into momentary silence. “Pregnant? With your ex-husband? Does Darryl know? How far along?” The words seemed to tumble out one after the other once she’d collected her thoughts.

“It’s complicated.” Emilie told her about her promise to Jamie and how Chains was okay with it. “But I’m afraid it will change once reality sets in…once I’m actually showing, with a big stomach and mood swings and all that. Not to mention later, with a new baby at home and me exhausted, not interested in sex, completely absorbed in a child that’s not even his… What then?”

“First off, this child will have not one, but two fathers, who are interested in being in its life. You also have your mother spending a great deal of time there so she can enjoy her grandchildren, not to mention a nanny—doesn’t Simone have a nanny?”

Emilie nodded. “Yes, but I don’t want another woman bonding with my newborn… Once the child is a bit older, like Simone was, it’s different, but in the beginning, I need to be the main caregiver.”

“Is this a rule?” Dolores gave her an innocent stare.

“What?” Emilie frowned.

“Is this a rule, that you have to be the primary caregiver in order to bond with the child? What about women who go back to work six weeks after birth? Those children are left with sitters and daycare providers almost immediately—like Darryl was—and those mothers do just fine. Yes, they may miss a few things, but that’s life…you could miss those things by having the flu or visiting a sick relative. Give yourself a break, love. Darryl’s a smart man and he knows what to expect. If he thought it would be too much for him, he wouldn’t have started this.”

“I hope so.” Emilie pulled the pan off the stove and set it aside to cool. “I never imagined I’d have feelings for him but now that I do, I don’t know how I would be able to go back to just being friends.”

“There’s a lot more than friendship in your future with my Darryl,” Dolores squeezed her arm. “Trust me on this. Now, tell me—”

“Excuse me, ladies.” Nate came into the room, his eyes on Emilie. “I spoke to my friend with the police in Ashbourne—the Browns are willing to see you. Tomorrow at 11:00.”

“Oh, God.” Emilie sank into the nearest chair, a wave of dizziness washing over her.

“It’ll be all right, love.” Dolores quickly sat beside her, gently rubbing her back. “You’ll see. Those people gain nothing by hurting you—and it wasn’t your fault. The autopsy was very specific.”

“I know,” she whispered, her mouth dry. “It’s just so hard. I can picture him just lying there, completely still, his skin so cold…what if they ask about that?”

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