Page 51 of The Desperate Warrior

When lunchtime rolled around, Jules ordered takeout. After her food arrived, she limped into the staff break-room and sat down at a table with Mindy. She opened the plastic container of southwest chicken salad with creamy chipotle dressing.

“I’m so glad you’re back,” Mindy began. “It hasn’t been the same without you.”

“Thank you. It’s good to be back.”

Mindy gave her a once-over. “How’re you feeling?”

Jules shrugged. “Pretty good, considering. The recovery’s slow-going, but at least I’m well enough to be here.”

“What have you been up to?” Mindy took a large bite of her club sandwich and spoke with her mouth full. “Aside from recovering.”

Spearing a piece of lettuce covered in dressing, Jules placed it into her mouth and chewed appreciatively as she composed her thoughts. “Well, my cousin Nikki has been staying with me.”Along with Brock and Luke.She wasn’t about to mention that. It was a topic better left untouched.

“That’s good,” Mindy said warmly. “I’m glad you’ve got your cousin to keep you company.”

“Yeah, Nikki keeps me busy. In fact, she’s throwing a birthday party for me this Friday.”

Mindy’s eyes lit up. “Really? A birthday party?”

Jules nodded. “I was hoping you’d come.”

“Of course,” Mindy said immediately. “I’d love to. When’s your birthday?”

“It was while I was in the hospital.”

Mindy’s face fell. “Oh, I’m sorry. That stinks.”

Jules waved a hand. “It’s okay, I’m good. It’ll be nice to have a party and celebrate. I’m thinking about inviting the whole staff.”

“That sounds great. I’ll spread the word.”

“That would be great. Thank you.”

“Of course.” Mindy picked up a potato chip and began munching on it. “So, what else have you been up to?”

Jules thought for a moment. “Nikki signed the two of us up for a cooking class.”And, of course, Brock and Luke are planning to tag along. That should be interesting—two former Navy SEAL tough guys in a cooking class.

“A cooking class? What kind?”

“Mediterranean.”

“Ooh, that sounds fun.” She gave Jules a juicy grin. “What’re you going to learn how to make? Maybe hummus or Greek salad?”

Jules chuckled. “Probably. I’m not sure yet. The first class is this coming Wednesday.”

Mindy frowned. “You don’t sound excited.”

“I’m not,” Jules admitted with a groan. “It’s just … I don’t know. I’m not in the mood for socializing.” She looked down and stirred her fork around the lettuce and veggies.

“Oh, come on, it’ll be fun. I adore Mediterranean food. Don’t you?”

“Yeah,” Jules said automatically. “I do. It’s just that I’ve got so much on me right now with trying to recover.”

“I totally understand,” Mindy soothed. “Just remember that the cooking class is for fun. It’s not like you’re being graded on it.”

Jules tipped her head. “That’s true.” It was time for her to do a little digging. She lowered her voice and leaned forward. “So … are you still getting that feeling? That you’re being followed?”

A shadow flitted across Mindy’s face, but before she could respond, Jules noticed movement a few tables away. Dr. Asher Winslow was sitting nearby. He glanced up from his sandwich with a curious smile.

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