Page 85 of Her Only Hero

He rubbed his chin in thought. “Absolutely it does, but now we have to figure out how it’s significant. We still can’t rule out a confidentiality breech. Or blackmail, like you had mentioned.”

“The question is, for what gain would confidentiality be breached? Or who is blackmailing whom? These may be theories we need to investigate further.” My mind spun.

Aram remained cordial. True to his word, he wasn’t overtly flirting or making a move. But he looked at me in an intimate way and coaxed forth intimate memories. On the outside I resisted, but inside my body and mind were softening, betraying me. The comfort and familiarity I once had with him surfaced. I couldn’t run from it anymore or pretend everything I had felt for him stopped the day he left. My feelings for him never ended. I had buried them deep inside so I could move on.

There. I finally admitted it.

“June? Are you all right?”

It was best to make my exit.

“Yes, I’m fine. How about we take time to think more about all of this?” I shut the laptop and removed the stick. “It’s after eight. I better get going,” I said. “Thank you so much for dinner.”

“It was lovely having you. I will go through these sheets again and see if I can disclose anything.”

I grabbed my purse and went to the front door. “Thanks again, Aram. See you at work on Monday.”

“Good night, June.”

I walked to the car and waved as I drove away. My muscles relaxed. It had taken almost two years to recover from the most aching love loss I’d ever known, and I was grateful how Aram and I had become friends without maintaining any breakup bitterness. But I’d moved on and become entwined in a greater love. My fulfilled heart brimmed with optimism and absolute contentment about my future with Patrick.

But then why did a feeling of unrest, or a sense of incompletion, tug inside of me?

Chapter Thirty-Seven

On my drive out of Aram’s neighborhood, my cell phone rang. I saw the number and smiled.

“Hey, Patrick.”

“June, where are you?”

I gulped. Come what may, I would keep no secrets. “On my way home. I was just at Dr. Hamid’s house discussing the case.” I dared not breathe.

“Oh, really? You’ll have to fill me in later. Look, my house alarm went off, and I’d prefer it if you stayed clear. Could you turn around and go back to the doctor’s place? You’ll be safe there.”

“But it’s getting late. Can’t I just go to my duplex?”

“That would be a negative. Want me to call Dr. Hamid and put in the request?”

“No, no,” I said quickly. “I’ll turn around and ask him. I’m sure he’ll understand. He’s been very helpful.”

“I’m relieved to hear that. I’ll keep you updated.”

I pulled a U-turn, parked in front of Aram’s house again, and turned off the engine. On second thought, I would just wait in the car until Patrick called.

Aram’s light was still on, so I assumed he hadn’t gone upstairs for the night yet. For about fifteen minutes, I waited and tried to ignore the fact I needed to pee—all that water and wine. I’d go to a donut shop and wait there for Patrick’s update. I started the car and noticed Aram’s front door opening. He stepped outside.

With nowhere to hide, I turned off the motor and got out of the car. In the shadows, I hoped Aram didn’t see me cringe as I walked to up to him.

“Hi. Me again,” I said.

He looked confused. “Come on in,” he said. “Did you forget something?” He shut the door behind me.

“Patrick’s house alarm went off, and he asked me to stay here until it’s investigated.”

“Patrick’s house? You’re living with him?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

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