Page 103 of Nothing to Fear

“Which could be the guy’s problem.”

“Jeremy’s a social climber,” she said. “He’d be more likely to make friends with Darroch than fight him. Breaking through with the Breckenridges would be a Lotto win for him.”

“You should talk to the police,” Benedict said to Darroch.

A short knuckle tap on the door preceded a tall guy sticking his head around it. Broad, yummy, another Breckenridge? Couldn’t be. He looked older than college age and she’d met all the others.

“Who needs a ride?” Buoy went running over and leaped up to be caught by the newcomer. “Astor, Dougie. Brant, you coming with us? Tripp, you going back to Crimson Palace?”

“I don’t know, are we staying here tonight, Mom?”

The doctor didn’t allow Alice to answer. “I’m sorry, we can’t—visiting time is over, the patient has to rest,” this from the older, more authoritative doctor. “We have to ask all of you to leave.”

“Leave?” Alice said, dismayed, seeking her husband.

“We’ll stay in the city,” Benedict said. “The boys will go home.”

“All of you can go home,” Darroch said. “Sav will call you if there’s anything to report.”

“Sweetheart—”

“You have to get the kids to school in the morning, Mom. We’ll be okay.”

“Okay,” Alice said, touching her face. “If you’re sure. Do you want us to stay, Savanna?”

The doctor was insistent. “Everyone will have to leave.”

“We need answers,” Niddrie said.

“Talk to the police,” she said, keeping hold of Darroch’s hand and coiling his arm around her hips. “Whoever hurt you has to be punished.”

“They shouldn’t be out on the streets,” Acre said. “Want us to call Stone?”

Niddrie opened his arms. “We’re standing right here.”

“You’d rather we question your ability behind your back? ‘Cause I do that too.”

“Boys, don’t fight,” Alice said. “It does no good. We’re on the same side.”

“We think.”

She didn’t have to look to know Niddrie was focused on her.

In case anyone else was unsure, Darroch highlighted it for the room. “Keep looking at her like that and your problem will be right here.”

She leaned in, desperate to soothe. “The partner is always the first suspect. It’s an honor they’re picking on me… unless you have a squad of other girlfriends for them to question.”

When his scowl flew to her, she smiled.

“Only you, baby.”

“I know,” she whispered and rested her forehead on his for a second.

“Please, everyone,” the doctor said. “Darroch has to rest until the drugs are fully out of his system. Let’s give him a few minutes with the police. Then all of you can come back tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Alice said, kissing her boy. “We love you, sweetheart.”

Benedict laid a hand on his son’s forehead, then shifted it to his cheek. “Call if you need anything.”

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