Page 3 of Deadly Holiday
“Is everything set to go, then?” Celina asked, bouncing a wiggly Via. The baby wanted to get down and test out her crawling skills, but there were far too many people in the room for that to happen. Celina just hoped she could keep her occupied enough until the event started, then she would be hanging out with Jett in his playpen by the crafting table.
A flicker of worry crossed Amber’s face. “Yeah, I think so. Just a few loose ends I need to tie up.”
“Anything I can help with?”
Amber hesitated, and the worry knotting her brow deepened. “It’s not about the party. Just a patient, or a former one I should say.”
Celina swallowed, a knot forming in the pit of her stomach. “Did the child…pass?”
“Not yet, but she has acute lymphoblastic leukemia and was scheduled for a bone marrow transplant tomorrow.”
Why did she get the feeling there was a ‘but’ to this story? “Wasscheduled?”
“Her father took her out of treatment a few days ago.” Amber blew out a sigh. “She’s only six and was undergoing the pre-surgery regimen when he checked her out AMA. There wasn’t anything we could do to stop him, and I fear without treatment, she could be in grave danger. I’m really worried about her—I’m wondering if she’ll even make it through Christmas.”
The doctors at Aslan worked tirelessly to deliver the very best care to their patients, and it burned Celina to hear a parent would endanger their child by checking them out against medical advice. Amber wouldn’t be able to tell her specific patient details due to privacy laws, so she didn’t even bother to press for more.
Celina put a hand on her friend’s shoulder, giving a squeeze. “I’m so sorry, Amber. I know how much you love each and every one of your patients. If there’s anything Cooper and I can do, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Amber covered her hand, squeezing back. “Thanks. Sorry for putting a damper on things, I just can’t shake the disappointment over losing her.”
The cafeteria doors swung open and the West Coast Director of the FBI stepped inside. Victor Dupé was as charming as he was imposing. His jet black hair was always combed perfectly, he had a trim goatee that emphasized a strong jaw and cheekbones, and wore a suit like a second skin. In charge of all of the California taskforces, he personally handpicked his teams, all the way down to the support staff. He was also the only person Cooper hadn’t arm twisted into helping out tonight, so Celina was happily surprised to see him there. He closed the distance between them, nodding and speaking to various folks on his way to see Via.
“Victor, so nice you could come.” Celina smiled serenely as he pressed a kiss to her cheek and smiled wide at Novia. She stared up at the large man, her little eyes wide in her angelic face. Celina had to bite back a laugh, well imagining how imposing a man like Victor must seem to the seven-month-old.
“I heard the hospital was in need, so I came with checkbook in hand.” He patted his front suit pocket.
Celina introduced him to Amber, and though her sadness still lingered as she shook Victor’s hand, she managed a smile. “That’s generous, thank you so much.”
The fake smiled faded and Celina followed Amber’s gaze to a well-dressed, middle-aged woman across the room. “Um, Celina, would you mind showing your friend to the raffle table? I think Olivia is handling monetary donations. There’s someone I really need to speak with.”
Sensing her friend’s urgency, Celina nodded, shooing her away. “Go, do what you need to. I’ve got this.”
Olivia Fiorelli was next to the raffle table, and her eyes instantly lit up when they turned Celina’s way. Celina had recently met the US Marshal over lunch with Amber and had taken an immediate liking to her. She had a smile that lit up her chocolate brown eyes, and a voice that held a touch of New Jersey accent. According to Amber, Olivia’s Italian-American family had mob connections, but she had broken ties with them a long time ago.
With Novia once again wiggling in her arms, Celina leaned in to give the woman a quick hug. “Olivia, it’s so nice to see you again.”
“You too!” she exclaimed, though her eyes were on Victor.
The director seemed captivated by the pretty brunette as well, which was surprising since she couldn’t remember the last time Victor had looked at anything but work with that much interest.
“Victor Dupé, I’d like to you meet Olivia Fiorelli.”
Victor’s larger hand swallowed Olivia’s, and the pair mutely stared as though the only thing they could see was each other.
Hmm.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Director Dupé,” Olivia said. “I’ve heard a lot about you through the grapevine.”
“I hope it wasn’t all bad.” Victor flashed a most charming grin, propping a hip against the table so he could lean in closer. “I do have my good moments.”
Celina blinked. Was heflirting? It was hard to imagine the hardass director even knew how to. Had Celina not seen it with her own eyes, she never would have believed it.
Where was the mistletoe when you needed some?
“It was actually quite good, promise.” Olivia laughed softly. As if suddenly remembering Celina and Novia were still there, she tore her gaze from Victor’s, her cheeks turning slightly pink. “Amber told me you were helping out tonight, Celina. I’m so glad you guys could make it. Princess Via looks absolutely adorable.”
Novia gurgled her approval of the compliment, babbling something at Olivia no one could understand. Celina laughed, brushing the top of the baby’s silky hair with her lips. “I think Via said thanks.”
The doors to the cafeteria opened again, and more people streamed inside. Celina glanced at the clock. Yikes, it was almost time for the party to start. “Looks like I better get Via over to Emma and Jett before the kids start coming in.” She paused, looking between the pair. “Victor was interested in giving a donation, so I’ll leave him in your capable hands. Can we catch up later?”
“I’d love that.” Olivia nodded, her cheeks still pink as she smiled at him. Knowing when she wasn’t needed, Celina decided that was definitely her cue to go.
“Director.” Celina nodded to Victor and gave Olivia a little finger wave before making her way to the crafting table to get Novia settled in for the night.
It was time for the fun to begin.
