Chapter 19
Reesa
It had been such a long day that it felt good to finally be at our hotel. We’d gone directly to the hospital from the airport, and with crossing so many time zones, we were both ready to relax. While Finn took a shower to wash the travel off him, I decided to unpack. It wasn’t that I wanted to or needed to keep busy, but the temperature in Boston was much cooler than Tabiq. It was autumn here, and though I was entranced by the beauty of the changing leaves, it was time to put on more layers.
I hadn’t even noticed the weather change until we left the hospital - probably because my hands had already been trembling with nerves and excitement to see them all. Even though Jasper said he would need help, he seemed to have it all under control. He had put little Aniya in her crib and then had helped Alissa get around the room when she needed to move. I was starting to realize now that he needed my emotional support more than a physical one.
My cell phone rang. It was Jasper. My gut twisted in a knot. “Hi, is everything all right?” I asked.
“Yes. I’m just calling to apologize to you and Finn.”
“For what?” I asked, puzzled.
“When I asked you to come, I hadn’t been thinking of what that meant for you. I know what you have on your plate. Even when you don’t tell me what’s going on, Logan and Alex do. Your coming here meant everything to me, but I can’t ask you to stay. I…we…understand that you need to go back. No matter how much we love having you here, Tabiq needs you.”
“I’m glad I came. Meeting my sweet, beautiful niece was worth the trip. But you’re right - there are things I need to handle back home.”
“I’ll tell Alissa you said goodbye, and I promise, when Aniya is a little older, we’ll come for an extended visit,” he said.
“I’d love that. Thank you again for understanding. You’re a really good brother.”
“It seems like Finn understands as well. I don’t know him, but what I’ve seen of him, what I’ve heard - I like. I wasn’t sure how I felt about another foreigner taking over to run the hospital, but I believe you’ve made the correct choice,” he said. “But where does that leave the two of you?”
I wasn’t prepared to discuss that, not even with my brother. Until Finn gave me his decision about the job, there was no point in giving it any thought.
“I’m not sure. Right now I have to think about what is best for Tabiq. And as you said, there’s a lot that needs my attention.” Time to change the subject. “Speaking of that, I really have a few things I need to check on. I’m sure you do, too. I love you, Jasper, and I’ll see you in Tabiq.”
“Love you too, Reesa.” We hung up the phone.
Don’t think about Finn. Even though I might need him, he doesn’t need me.
That was the truth. He already had everything he needed. All I would do is upset it all. That didn’t mean I wasn’t holding onto a sliver of hope that he was going to accept the job.
Focus. Think about Tabiq.
Ever since I started traveling to find someone to fill the position at the hospital, I’d been noticing some very concerning changes. Even my security staff seemed to have taken a major step back. At times I wasn’t even sure if they still worked for me.
With Finn around so much, I enjoyed the fact that they weren’t hovering over me all the time. But with Finn leaving, I didn’t feel as safe as I should. If I mentioned that to him, he’d probably do something stupid like decide to stay just for my protection. That’s not why I want him at my house. If he’s there, it’ll have to be because he cares for me and wants us to be together. Not out of some obligation.
I listened for the shower, confirmed that the water was still running, and composed a quick text to Bennett.
I’LL BE RETURNING TO TABIQ. ARRIVING SOMETIME TOMORROW. CAN WE SPEAK PRIVATELY? I HAVE CONCERNS AND MIGHT NEED YOUR HELP.
If Jasper didn’t trust Bennett so much, I’d never have reached out to him like this.
He saved my brother. I’m just hoping to stop whatever is going on, before he needs to save me too.
Just the thought that someone could be after me sent chills throughout my body. I remembered how they got to Jasper. They used Alissa to hurt him. Oh, God. What if they use Finn to control me?
I had been so worried about what people might think regarding my image and dedication that I overlooked another possibility - one that scared me to death.
Adding to my text to Bennett I said, THIS MIGHT BE URGENT.
He replied, DO YOU WANT TO TALK NOW?
Just then, Finn left the bathroom, a towel wrapped low around his waist and beads of water dripping from his hair. This was not the time to speak to Bennett.
TOMORROW WHEN I RETURN. I’LL TEXT YOU.