Page 56 of Against the Clock

“Yeah, I’m working a half-day today.”

“Why?”

“So I can help take care of you and Rosie.”

“I don’t need help, Mike.I’m fine.Really.”

“You’re exhausted, Quinn,” Roman said gently.

“So?”

“How are you supposed to take care of a sick child when you’re so worn down?It would be good for you to rest too.”Mike added.

“I do it all the time and have since she was a baby.”I folded my arms and narrowed my eyes defensively at him.

“That’s not what I meant,” he blew out, running a hand through his hair.“I know that you’ve been doing it since she was born—and you do an amazing job.I just meant that this time it’s different because...well, you know....”

“Because someone is trying to kidnap my daughter, and I might be too tired to fight them off if they try?”

“Exactly.”Roman’s voice was hard but not harsh.“We can’t take any chances right now, Quinn.So please, just let us help you.”

“Fine,” I sighed.It wasn’t the worst idea in the world; I just hated that Mike would have to miss work because of me.“I guess missing half a day at work isn’t too terrible.”I smiled at my brother and then added, “thank you.”

“Good, well, I’m glad that we got that settled.Roman is going to run to the store to grab some groceries, and then when he gets back, I’ll head to the office.After that, I’ll run by Mom’s and grab the laundry, but she said to let her know if you need it before then, and she can run by here and drop it off.”

“Wait,” I said, holding my hand up.“What do you mean when Roman gets back?”

“I called in today too.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Quinn....”My name was a warning on his lips, and I knew better than to fight it.

“Fine.But make sure to pick up some more coffee while you’re out.I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”

I yawned and headed over to the other end of the couch and curled up next to Rosie, lifting her legs to rest on my lap so she had enough room.It was warm in the apartment, but suddenly, I felt chilly, so I grabbed a blanket from the floor beside me and covered up.

Roman gave a quick nod before slipping out the door and closing it behind him.Mike poured himself another cup of coffee before getting a phone call that he rushed to the bathroom to answer.Alone in the peace and quiet, I closed my eyes and laid my head against the cushion.

I had no idea how long I had been asleep before Mike gently shook my shoulder and woke me up.

“Hey, sorry to wake you, but I need to head to the office, and Roman isn’t back yet.Will you be okay for a little bit on your own?”

“Yeah, of course.We’ll be fine.”I looked over at Rosie, sound asleep and gently snoring again.

“Okay.If you need anything, call me on my cell and keep calling until I answer.I mean it, Quinn—anything at all.”

“I’ll be okay, and I’m sure Roman won’t be gone much longer.”

He glanced down at his watch and then checked his phone.

“I thought he would be back already, but apparently, it’s taking longer than we thought.I sent him a text message, but he hasn’t gotten back to me.”

“I’ll have him reach out as soon as he gets back.”

“Okay.”He looked at Rosie and me again, seeming to struggle with his decision to leave.

“Go,” I coaxed, shooing him away.

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