Page 106 of Asher's Assignment
“I’m just making sure you’re all right. You went into Esther’s room, sat in there for about fifteen minutes, and when you came back out, your eyes were red-rimmed, but you looked more determined than ever to find Lennox.”
“I am. Not just for what he did to Esther. The man needs to be stopped.”
“I know that.”
“Then go back inside and let me do what I do.”
“You sit behind a computer screen and find information. You don’t go out in the field, Ash. That’s more my thing.”
“Yeah, well, you can’t right now.”
She crossed her arms and shifted, annoyance pinching her features. “I don’t regret getting pregnant, but it sure is an inconvenience.”
That brought a slight smirk to Asher’s face. “In any case, I’m not doing fieldwork right now.” Not yet. “I need a phone.”
“Why didn’t you ask me or one of the others to take you? Why hire a car?”
“I didn’t want to take you away from your family. And the others all went back to Esther’s to get some rest.” He lifted a shoulder. “Uber seemed the easiest and most considerate way to get what I need.”
She rolled her eyes and huffed, letting her arms fall back to her sides. “That’s dumb. Cancel it. I’ll take you.”
“I can’t.”
She frowned. “Why not?”
“I used your laptop to book it, and it’s still upstairs with your parents.”
The stare she laid on him made him feel a bit like a bug under a microscope. His brows drew together, and he stared back. “What?”
“For a smart man, you sure can be stupid.” She took her phone from her pocket and shook it at him.
“Why are you waving that at me?”
“Because you can log into your Uber from this.” The look of incredulity on her face morphed into concern. “Are you all right? I mean, you can have a brain disconnect from time to time, but this is a little much.”
“I’m fine.” He plucked the phone from her fingers and logged into his Uber account. “Maybe I need a little sleep.”
“And food. Have you eaten?”
He paused, fingers hovering over the screen as he tried to remember the last time he’d had a meal. This morning. The gruel Lennox brought. “I had breakfast. And that snack you brought me earlier.” The boost of energy and brain power from the small bag of trail mix she’d brought him had long since worn off.
Edie sighed. “You need Esther in your life. Just to keep you alive.”
He grunted softly, not agreeing with or denying what she said. Some days, it was probably true. He’d made it to the ripe age of thirty-three without her, though.
“Come on.” Edie tugged on his shirtsleeve.
Asher nodded, focused on the phone screen. “Yep. Hang on.” He hit cancel, then confirmed it, before logging out. “All right. Ride’s canceled. I’m at your mercy.”
A wicked grin graced her face. “Careful, Asher. I know Esther conned you into wearing that unicorn suit, but I’m the sister with the truly devious mind. And pregnancy has made me cranky.”
“So, we’re stopping for ice cream, then?”
She tipped her head back and laughed. Asher chuckled, the lightness of the moment easing some of the tension in his body. There had been few light moments lately.
“Fine. Twist my arm.” Edie grinned. “But you’re buying.”
That comment made him pause. He closed his eyes and groaned.
