Page 47 of Valor on the Move
“Clearly the kid was upset about something. I thought he might burst into tears when they were cutting the cake.”
“Yeah.” Shane shrugged, as if he wasn’t dying to know what had happened with Christian to upset Rafa so much. He told himself he just wanted to know if Rafa was okay. It was just normal human kindness and concern. Nothing more. Because it can never be more. I shouldn’t care. I can’t care.
“I just think…sometimes the way he looks at you? I know he’s got a girlfriend, but I dunno. He wouldn’t be the first protectee with a crush on an agent. Might only be a hero worship thing. I’m just saying you need to be careful. Don’t encourage it.”
Too fucking late for that. “You’re right. Won’t happen again.”
They drove on silently, Shane eager to get this night over with.
“So, um…” Alan laughed humorlessly, rubbing his face. “Don’t feel that you have to, but I know Jules would really love it if you came tomorrow morning. I figure we can catch a nap before we start work, since we’re on second shift. And if you can’t make it, don’t worry.”
Shit. He’d totally forgotten. Here I am with my head up my ass when Al’s kid is dying. “Of course I’ll be there. Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Thanks. I don’t know why they’re even doing this breakfast. It’s the neighborhood group. Not that I don’t appreciate them trying to raise money for Dylan. I do.” He sighed heavily. “It’s just so much if we have any prayer of trying this treatment. Even if it was in the States and not Sweden—the treatment itself is going to be so much money. Too much to ever raise. Unless old Trump wants to chip in. Then we might have a shot.”
“I’ll be there bright and early. I’d love to see Dylan and Jules. It’s been too long.”
“Okay. You’re a good pal.” He tipped his head back and closed his eyes. “Thought that party would never end. Celine just doesn’t know when to stop, does she?”
Shane chuckled. “Her heart will go on.”
“And on, and on, and fucking on.”
They laughed, and he gave Alan’s shoulder a quick squeeze. Shane had to remember that there were people with problems much bigger than his inappropriate little attachment to Rafael Castillo. It was time to get over it and put it out of his head for good.
The sun peeked out from behind a bank of white clouds, gleaming off the colorful streamers and balloons festooning the large backyard. Shane scanned the clumps of people and headed over to where Alan and Julianna stood talking with guests.
“You remember this troublemaker from Albany,” Alan said to his wife, nodding to Shane.
“Hey, Al. Jules, it’s great to see you.” Shane hugged her briefly and kissed her cheek. She was a tiny thing, barely reaching Alan’s shoulder. Dark circles that makeup couldn’t cover shadowed her eyes.
“Shane. It’s wonderful to see you. I was so glad to hear you and Al were partners again. You’re keeping him out of trouble?” She winked at her husband, tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear.
“More like the other way around.”
The couple Alan and Jules had been talking to introduced themselves as the hosts of the party, and pointed out the breakfast buffet and silent auction items lined up on a table under the shade of an old oak. The woman gave Jules a squeeze before she and her husband circulated with the other guests. Children shrieked and chased each other near the vegetable garden.
Shane tried to pick out Dylan. “Is that Dylan playing the water balloon darts?”
“It is. He’s a lot bigger than the last time you saw him, huh?” Jules smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
The boy was indeed much taller, although he was noticeably gaunt, and his sandy hair was thinning. “He’s looking good. How is he feeling?”
“Much better than last month,” Alan answered. “He’s okay for now. We’re thankful for that. Not sure for how much longer, but I guess there are never guarantees, are there?” As he watched his son, the ache in his gaze made Shane want to comfort him. What could he say?
Jules seemed to read his mind. “It’s okay. We’ve heard all the sympathy and platitudes. It is what it is. We’ll fight it with everything we’ve got. It’s all we can do.”
Shane reached into his pocket. “I brought him an Amazon gift card. I don’t have a clue what kids are into, so I figured he could pick what he wants.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to do that.” Jules waved him off.
“I’m happy to. And of course I’ll donate.”
Jules opened her mouth and then shut it. She took the card and put it in her pocket. “Thank you. Everyone’s been so generous. Cathy and Bob organized this party, and hit up their friends for silent auction items. It’s so kind.” She blinked rapidly, and Alan rubbed the back of her neck. “Ugh, I’m a mess today. Enough about us. Shane, tell me all about you.”
