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“No, please, I appreciate what you did for him. I imagine he was disruptive—”

“He was scared and alone and anyone who treated him poorly will be rewarded with a lifetime stay in the 8thcircle of hell,” she spits out venomously. I like her. I look at her nametag.

“Veronica, thank you…for your compassion.” And bloodthirst.

She dips her head in acknowledgement. “Mr. Shingleton has also secured a room for you, Lyndell, and Miss Shingleton to stay tonight.”

“Oh, that’s not—”

“You have been through a trying ordeal, take the night to recuperate.” There’s no arguing with her…or Dennis. Or Mary. “However, I have upgraded you to our two-bedroom suite.”

“That’s definitely not necessary—”

“It’s my prerogative.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She reminds me of Mama Mary, only slightly less terrifying.

“Here are your keys. I will have dinner sent up shortly for you and Miss Shingleton and a second dessert for Lyndell.” Dammit, I’m crying again. I sniffle like a little bitch and angrily wipe under my eyes.

“That’s really nice of you.”

Her right eyebrow cocks, as she replies drily, “You seem quite thrilled about it.”

“This is all just a lot to take.” I wave my hands around like a crazy person, but she just grins.

“I know. Why don’t you three go up, relax, and dinner will be up soon. I’m sure the Shingletons will notify you of their arrival.”

“Thank you.” My voice is hoarse, but who cares. This is…more than I could ever have expected.

“Hey, sexy. What are you up to later?” I spin around and stare at the officer who drove us here in shock. My brother was missing for hours and he’s hitting on the hotel clerk?

“If you must know, I’m going home later, pouring a glass of wine, and reading a book…in my tub.” What the fuck is happening right now? I get a little dizzy, ping-ponging between the two of them.

“Alone?” his voice drops a couple octaves as he leans on the counter next to me. I’m uncomfortable. I need an adult…a different adult.

“That depends…on you, officer.”

“I’ll pick you up at 10. I prefer my bubbles to be lavender scented.” With that, the officer taps the counter, then walks back into the restaurant. I stare after him, my brain stuttering at what I just witnessed.

“That’s my husband.”

“Jesus.” I rub my hand over my head and down my face, laughter bubbling up from deep in my chest. “Thank you, Mrs. Officer. Enjoy your wine.”

“Oh, I will.” I start to walk away, but she calls me back. “Ty, your brother…he’s a special young man. And a wonderful friend to our daughter.” The surprises keep coming. “She’s in her second year of the Good Work program at the university.” Leaning over to whisper conspiratorially, she tells me, “They have crushes on each other and it’s absolutely adorable.” Standing back, she slides a card over the counter toward me. “Please call anytime to set something up for them to get together.”

I walk back to my brother and Edee on numb legs. My brain rapid firing as it processes the insane events of the day. I’m tired. Exhausted. Bone deep. Soul deep. Lyn gives the officer his own statement and it makes me furious all over again, but Edee is there to keep me calm. “We’ll talk once he’s asleep,” she tells me while the officer finishes up.

“Give us a call tomorrow once you’ve all had a chance to talk things through. Glad you’re ok, Lyndell. Clara will be happy to hear it, too.” Lyn’s complexion pinkens, his eyes dropping to the table as a slow smile spreads his lips. He DOES have a crush!

Arm over Edee’s shoulder, my other hand on the back of Lyn’s neck, the three of us make our way to the luxury suite. I yawn. Edee yawns. Lyndell yawns so big and long I can see his tonsils. I wouldn’t be surprised if the three of us pass out in the elevator on the way up.

Edee 14.

As exhausted as the three of us are, we’re all too antsy to sleep. Well, except Lyndell, but he’s only fallen asleep a few minutes ago. I sat down on the couch in the opulent living room of the two-bedroom suite we’ve been given after cleaning up quickly and changing into spare clothes from my bag, and eating the food they sent up for us. Lyndell promptly laid down next to me and put his head in my lap. I immediately started running my hand through his short hair, softly humming and it didn’t take him long. His sleep is fitful though. He sucks in sharp breaths every few moments since he's all cried out.

Ty pressed a kiss to my forehead, one to Lyndell’s and then walked into one of the bedrooms while tapping on his phone. The low murmur of his voice, calm and steady, is lulling me into a trance. Or it could be the sheer exhaustion of the day. The game. The fight. Being detained. The running. I hate running, and I ran for Ty and Lyndell. If that doesn’t say love, nothing else will. The anticipation. Fear drains you, even worse after the adrenaline leaves your body. My “get up and go, got up and went” has never rung more true than right now.

Ty’s hand on my shoulder stirs me awake. I don’t know how long I was out, but I can tell you it wasn’t long enough. He sits in the cushioned chair across the glass coffee table. His eyes pinned on me with an intensity I’ve never seen before. No, that’s not true.I saw it earlier, at the stadium. It’s…unsettling. In a good way, if that makes any sense.

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