Page 37 of Safe With Me

When she fell back onto the mattress, he clasped her hand. “I—”

His phone buzzed again. “I better get that.”

“I guess.”

He picked his cell from the nightstand. “Pax Barry.”

“Pax, this is Nick Redmond. I have some news about the lawsuit—it’s a delay but workable…”

When he clicked off, Pax shook his head. “Goddamn it.”

Steph moved over him. “What did he say?”

“The motion to dismiss failed. He’s requesting the witness statements and any depositions taken. Those are going to be hard to hear.”

“I’m sorry. I can see why you’re upset.”

“Hell, Steph. How many more things are going to go wrong in my life?”

“I don’t know. But I do know I’ll be right beside you when they do.” She brushed his lips with hers. “Because I’m falling in love with you.”

* * *

The night before the clinic opened for business, Steph and Pax went down to the building. It was Halloween and who knew what tricks would happen if the place was unoccupied?

“Should I turn the alarm back on?” Pax asked when they got inside.

“No, I don’t think so.” She opened the cloth bag she brought with her. “This is full of candy. I think we should give it out if we get any trick or treaters.”

She was in a good mood. He hadn’t replied to her declaration of love last night. He wanted to but had little to offer her.

“Pax?”

“You brought candy?”

“It’ll be fun and it’s good community relations. We can see on the dash cam who’s at the door.” Cameras were a recent addition to the security system.

“Let’s do it. I’ll let the night guards know. Give me the bag.”

It was getting dark when Pax jogged out to the security car parked across the street. One of the guards rolled down the window. “Anything wrong, Dr. Barry?”

“No, Derek. We’re going to give out candy to the trick or treaters.” He opened the bag. “Have some.”

“If you say so.” He took a handful. “I hope you have fun.”

Pax started back when a car came to a halt on the other side of the street in front of the clinic. Two men got out. Huh! He crossed to them. They each wore eyepatches and billowy shirts. “Enzo and Miles, what’re you doing here?”

“We came to check out your place on Halloween.” Enzo was the bigger of the two but they were both huge.

“What areyoudoing here at night?” the other asked. Poor Miles. He had a face like a bulldog.

“Steph and I came down to occupy the clinic on Halloween. In case of pranks. She wants to give out candy to any trick or treaters.” He held out the bag. “Want some?”

Miles grinned. His teeth were yellow and one was gold. “Hold on.” He went to the battered sedan and opened the back door. Out slid a cute little fairy. “Anika? Well, hello.”

The girl said, “Trick or treat.”

Miles patted her head and Pax held out the bag. “Take as many as you like.”

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