Chapter Twenty-Three
Sean watched her from the doorway for a long time before turning and walking back to the men.
“Do you think the headache was because of her purse?” Jace asked.
“It’s too coincidental, don’t you think?” Sean said. “She finds a liquid that makes her sick, and then she can’t find her medicine. And that was the second time she thought she had it with her, and it wasn’t.”
“Fuck,” Mack said. “The only one I can see who has a motive is that bitch who works there with Ava you were telling me about.”
“I agree, but this is taking things farther than I ever thought she’d go. Yes, she resents Ava, but to do something you know would cause physical harm to someone is criminal.”
“How do we find out if she’s the one?” Jace asked.
“I’m not sure yet.” Sean wiped a hand down his face.
They finished the meal and cleaned up.
“I’m going to bed so I can keep an eye on Ava.”
“I don’t blame you, man,” Mack said and slapped his shoulder. “If I had someone like her, I’d treat her like a fucking princess.”
Jace snorted.
“What?” Mack asked.
“You might try to, but you’re too much of an asshole to have it happen a lot. Our woman is going to have to be tough to deal with us.”
“Fuck you. I’m a nice guy.”
Sean grinned and shook his head. “This is my cue to go. Night, guys.”
He walked into the bedroom, shut the door, and moved over to stare down at Ava. She was sleeping soundly, which she needed. He wondered about the next day and how she was going to handle work.
He walked into the bathroom, pulled out his phone, and called Dirk. He told him what was going on. Sean would call him the next day if he was needed.
His next call was to Darian. He told him about the situation.
“Damn, this sucks, man. I’m sorry. What can I do?”
“I need someone who can work for Ava the next day or so.”
Darian chuckled. “I know just the person. Ms. Paulson can come in when needed.”
“Who’s that?”
“She’s the retired librarian, the one Ava took over for. The woman has more energy than I do,” Darian said. “I think she misses the library, too. I think she’s someone Ava could ask to help if she needed a vacation or a day off.”
“That’s great. I don’t like the idea of letting Phyllis be in charge.”
“I agree. I’ll call Ms. Paulson right now. Call if you need anything else.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem,” Darian said and hung up.
Sean got ready for bed and slipped in beside Ava. He arranged her on her side and then pulled her into his arms.
He closed his eyes and breathed her in.