Page 170 of State of Retribution

“That’s not what we said.”

“I heard pancakes.”

The foolishness and laughter continued right up until the moment she sent them off to school with their detail.Her time with them in the mornings had become the highlight of her days.What never failed to amaze her was how every day was a little different from the one before, even if the routine was the same.

They were such a gift, and even as she had that thought, she said a silent prayer for Jameson and Cleo, who would always be close to their hearts as the twins’ parents.It occurred to her that this must be how heart transplant recipients felt… Someone had to die for their dream to come true.

She took that deep thought with her as she went down the stairs to meet Vernon and Q.“Morning, gentlemen.”

“Morning,” Vernon said.“I got your text, and we’re set to take you to GW.”

“Excellent.The former Mrs.Offenbach has asked to see me.”

“Is that strange?”

“Extremely.I’m looking forward to hearing what she has to say.”

Vernon held the back seat door for her.“We’re sending an advance team in to make sure it’s not some kind of setup.”

“I hadn’t considered that possibility.”

“Doomsday thinking is our job.Not yours.”

“And thank goodness for that.Is Jimmy going home today?”

“They released him late yesterday afternoon, and he’s resting comfortably, according to Liz’s update this morning.”

“Glad to hear it.Nick and I want to do something significant to thank him for saving my life.Any suggestions?”

“He would never expect that.He’d say he was doing his job.”

“I know, but we’d still like to do something.”

“I’m sure they’d appreciate anything you did, even as they said it wasn’t necessary.”

“I’ll ask for suggestions from my brain trust—my sisters and Shelby.They’ll know what to get.”

“I’m sure they will.”

Sam sent the three of them a text with her request for ideas.

Something monogrammed?Shelby said.Do we know the baby’s name?

“Is there a name yet?”Sam asked Vernon.

“Austin Michael McFarland.”

“Ah, I love that.”Sam passed it on to Shelby.

I’ll come up with some ideas for you.

You’re the best.

Tracy replied just to Sam.Wanted to tell you that Ethan met with Dr.Christi early this morning and said she wasn’t terrible.Thank you again for the quick help—an appointment this soon wouldn’t have happened without you.I feel a little better just knowing he’s talking to someone qualified.

Glad it’s going well so far.Keep me posted!

Will do.

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