Page 49 of Safe With Me

Paxwent back to his office and smiled at Mutt. “How you doing, buddy? Want to go seeSteph?”

Mutt roused and barked his agreement.

Before he could leave, Alice and Jon appeared in the doorway. Jackson’s words came back to him.You called her sweetheart.

He said to them, “I suppose you want an explanation.”

Alice said, “Just a clarification.”

“Stephanie and I are romantically involved. Since before the clinic opened.”

“Ah. Well, that’s okay,” Alice said.

“Are you going to go see her now?” Jon asked.

“Yes.”

“Give her our best.”

Paxstopped at a soup place, then drove to her apartment and parked behind what he assumed was her parents’ Hyundai. Soon, Tony opened the door. “Hey, you’re back.”

“I am. How is she?”

“Okay. Come on in.” He sniffed. “What smells so good?”

“I brought hot soup and bread.”

“I wasgonnarustle something up, but this is better.”

He set the package on the table. “I’d like to go in and see her.”

“Sure. She andFionaare watching a show.”

They both looked up when the door opened.Fionasmoothed down her dress. “We didn’t expect you back.”

“I wanted to check on you,Steph.”

“I’m glad to see you.”

“Are you?”

Fionastood. “I’ll leave you two alone. Don’t upset her.”

“I won’t. I brought soup.”

“I’m hungry. Shall I bring you some, honey?”

“Not yet. I want to talk toPax.”

WhenFionaleft,Paxsat in her chair andStephturned off the TV. “How do you feel now?” he asked.

“Better. Thetramadolworked wonders. I’m a little out of it, though.”

“That’s how that drug works. I won’t stay long.”

“How areyou?”

“I think my heart is returning to a regular rhythm. Are you reliving what happened?”

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