Page 67 of Nothing to Fear

“Getting her settled in,” he said. “I’ll switch to the first guest.”

“I was pleased to hear Ferguson brought you home, Savanna,” Alice said, gliding across to them. “How have you been feeling today?”

“Okay.”

“Ben has a meeting with Detective Chapman on his calendar this week. He’ll expect progress.”

“I’ll get in on that.” Darroch got his phone from his pocket. “You should’ve called me last night, Mom.”

“We managed without you, sweetheart,” Alice said, resting a hand on her son’s cheek. “We were very proud of you today.”

“Yeah. Yeah.” Though it sounded like he was sick of hearing it, his smile told a different story. “I’ll be back in the office next week.”

“I need to usurp some of your time this week.”

“Whatever you need, Momma Bear.”

“What time did you get in tonight?” mother asked son. “We thought you were with Tripp.”

“No, we sent Schmidt to him and stuck with Gus.”

“We?” Alice asked, drawing her eyes from Savvy to her son.

“We had dinner.”

“You did?”

“Look at her brimming with happiness,” Darroch said and bowed to kiss his mom’s head. “I’m easing Sav into it.”

“Everyone’s been so kind.”

“And generous,” Darroch said. “She uses that word a lot.”

“We were so scared for you, Savanna. Thank you for staying with us, we appreciate it. I wouldn’t sleep if you weren’t under this roof. Darroch, sweetheart.” Alice took her son’s hand. “Her safety is paramount.”

“I’m not putting the moves on her, Mom, I swear.”

“He’s being a gentleman.”

“Good,” Alice said. “Because his father is upstairs waiting for me, and scolding his son is not on our agenda.”

“Is his father on the terrace?”

Alice laughed and rested a hand on her arm to kiss her cheek. “A woman can dream. Goodnight, dears.”

She sailed out of the room, closing the door almost soundlessly.

“The terrace?” Darroch asked.

She just shook her head. “Girl talk.”

“You girl talk with my mom now?” He caught her wrist when she started to turn and pulled her back. “I better watch out.”

Relaxing against him, her head fell back as he coiled both arms around her. “Maybe you should.”

“Might not sleep well tonight with you under this roof, just out of reach.”

“I can go home,” she pouted, distracted by his mouth. “If you’d prefer me far away.”

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