“I know. It’s my hang-up, nothing to do with you guys. I love all of you. And I’m really sorry I’m such a hassle.”
“Maeve,” Sampson said warningly.
“Eat, Maeve,” Immy urged.
And she did, because she’d be an idiot to waste Immy’s mac and cheese.
“What were you guys talking about when I came in?” There was silence and she glanced up, staring around at them all. “What is it?”
“We need to talk about your safety,” Sampson stated. “We have no idea who this guy is and whether he’ll come for you. Isaiah is wiping all trace of you coming here, but we don’t know if he’ll figure it out. Can you think of anyone who paid you special attention? Did you reject anyone’s advances?”
“No, I can’t think of anything like that,” she replied.
“I’m going to look into everyone who lived in the same building as you,” Isaiah said. “If you could make me a list of any names?”
She nodded.
“Would it be better if someone went out there?” Abe asked.
“Maybe,” Sampson said. “Then they could interview anyone with a red flag.”
Interview or interrogate?
“I could do that,” Isaiah said.
“Book a flight out tomorrow,” Sampson ordered.
“If Isaiah is going, though, who is staying here tomorrow with Maeve?” Abe asked.
“Why? What’s going on tomorrow?” she asked.
“I will,” Sampson said.
“I don’t need anyone to stay with me,” she stated. Even though the idea of being alone terrified her.
“But you’re part of the auction,” Immy said to Sampson.
“What auction?” she asked.
“I need to be here,” Sampson said. “Someone has to look after Maeve.”
“I’ve been looking after myself for a long time.” Sure, not always effectively, but still.
“Couldn’t we leave Andy here?” Jenner asked. “If you’re going to be at the auction, Sampson, then I won’t need him.”
“I don’t want to leave just Andy,” Sampson replied with a frown.
“I’ll stay,” Abe said. “I’m not needed at the auction.”
“Guys!” she said sharply, smacking her fist down on the table. Ouch that hurt. And it knocked her glass over, spilling chocolate milk everywhere. The glass rolled off the table, shattering on the tile floor.
Oh no! She was such an idiot!
“I’m so sorry, Jenner!” she said hastily, moving onto her knees to start picking up glass. A sharp shard pierced her finger, but she stifled her cry of pain.
“Maeve, what are you doing?” Jenner asked. He walked over and helped her up.
Immy rushed to get a brush and pan. Abe took it from Immy with a firm shake of his head as she tried to clean up the mess. Jenner carried Maeve to the island, setting her on it.