Page 46 of Trusting Laurence
His heart warmed when she leaned into the hug, returning it with a small squeeze of her own. He placed his lips against her forehead, simply breathing her in. He relished the feel of her warm and pliant in his arms for a little while longer before putting her from him.
“What do you need me to do to help you so we can get out of here?”
Together, they worked in tandem to get her things packed up. It didn’t take long since Tahlia hadn’t accumulated much in the short time she’d been back. Once they had all her things packed, Larry left the room.
There were a lot more people in the small room beyond. The coroner and some of his staff had arrived, as had a couple more agents. He called one of them over to ask for assistance getting Tahlia’s suitcase into his vehicle. They collected her stuff, and Larry shielded her as they left the little suite she’d called home since she’d arrived back in DC.
At the foot of the stairs, she put a hand on his arm. “I need to speak to Mrs. Wilson before we go.”
He nodded. “I’ll put your things in the car and then I’ll join you. You should find her in her living room. I imagine Finn will be finished taking her statement by now.”
“Thank you.”
Tahlia watchedas Laurence and the agent walked away. She felt shaken to the core. She’d been so stupid to believe the man when he’d told her Laurence had sent him to collect her, that he wanted her to meet him at the office. Now two men were dead because she had ignored that inner voice that had told her not to open the door. The man had just been so convincing.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she walked to Mrs. Wilson’s living room door. Stopping on the threshold, she saw Finn on the sofa with the older woman, a comforting arm around her shoulders. The poor woman was pale as a ghost. Tahlia could sympathize. It had been a horrible experience. She saw him encourage Mrs. Wilson to have a mouthful of what she was assuming was the other lady’s favorite herbal tea.
She tapped gently on the door as she stepped into the room.
“Mrs. Wilson?”
The woman looked up at the sound of Tahlia’s voice.
“Oh, my dear. Are you all right?” Her voice sounded frail.
Tahlia rushed to the sofa and took Mrs. Wilson’s hands in hers. “I’m so, so sorry this happened. I’m fine. Are you?”
“Yes, dear. I’ll be fine. They didn’t hurt me. I was terribly worried about you though. They wouldn’t let me up to see you.”
“It’s okay, Mrs. Wilson. I’m fine, thank you. I just need to talk to you a moment, if that’s all right?” Tahlia looked at Finn for confirmation. He nodded. “I feel terrible for bringing all this trouble to your door. Laurence feels it would be better for all concerned if I stay with him so he’s better situated to protect me.”
Mrs. Wilson gently squeezed one of her hands. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. That lovely young man will look after you well. Of that I have no doubt. You’ll be safe with him.”
Tears gathered in Tahlia’s eyes. “I’ll miss you. Thank you, for everything.”
She gathered the older woman into a hug, fighting against the tears.
“My darling girl. I should be the one thanking you. It’s been wonderful having you here. I will miss our time together. I wish you happiness with that young man of yours. All I ask is that you don’t forget this old lady. Come see me once in a while.”
“I promise I will.”
There was a noise at the door. Tahlia turned to see Laurence standing there. Despite all she’d been through that day, she couldn’t help that he took her breath away.
“You ready, sweetheart?”
“Yes, I’m ready.”
She leaned over and gave the other woman one last hug. While she intended keeping her promise to Mrs. Wilson, she had no idea when that would be. “Take care of yourself, Mrs. Wilson.”
“You too, dear. Be safe.”
With one last look around the living room that had been a haven for a short while, Tahlia walked to where Laurence waited for her. Taking his hand, she left without looking back. It simply hurt too much.
17
From his vantage point of the sofa, Larry watched as Tahlia moved around his living room. She studied the few photos he had scattered around. Paid close attention to the few medals and commendation plaques he had on display in a cabinet. It felt incredible seeing her in his personal space. He’d never believed it would happen.
Now that she was here, suddenly everything felt right. More settled. Like she had been the missing piece all along. As she made her way over to the window, he shifted uncomfortably. He didn’t know if the threat had followed him home, and he didn’t want her to unwittingly offer them an easy target.
