Page 121 of Asher's Assignment
“Wonderful.” Esther’s shoulders fell. “Well, at least I’m homebound for the foreseeable future, so guarding me will be simple.”
“True.”
“Are Leah, Connie, and Rob safe?”
“Yes. Stroud got the Marshals involved, since Connie’s parents were murdered in another state. They’re in protective custody.”
“Good.” She’d heard Rob had been released from the hospital, and she’d gotten a homemade card from Leah. She hoped the police could track down Lennox soon so the family could go back to a normal life.
“How are they handling Leah’s doctor’s visits?”
Audra’s forehead wrinkled. “I’m not sure. Probably through telehealth visits. Stroud mentioned something about a medic being part of their detail—and not just for Leah. Rob needs extra attention right now as well.”
Esther blew out a long sigh. “I really hope this ends soon. That family has been through enough.”
“I agree. Which is why Edie and I—and Asher took your hospitalization as an opportunity to wire your house from top to bottom with surveillance and security.”
A deep frown formed on Esther’s face. “What? Is that?—”
“Don’t even start.” Audra cut her off. “It can come down after we catch Lennox. I’m sure Ford can repurpose the equipment somewhere else. It might not be a bad idea for us to have a security system we can use when needed.”
Esther’s mouth pursed, but she didn’t argue. “Fine.” She wasn’t happy about having her home turned into a fishbowl, but she understood the need. It wouldn’t be permanent; they’d eventually catch Lennox. Right?
Fifty
The ache shooting through Esther’s belly and hips threatened to take her out. While she was glad she was no longer basically bed-bound at the hospital, she’d done entirely too much moving around for her first day of freedom and was now ecstatic it was time for bed. She wanted nothing more than to stretch out and not move for the next eight to ten hours.
Wearing her softest, loosest pjs, she left the bathroom and made her way down the hall to her bedroom, using the wall for support. She rounded the corner and paused, eyeing the ten feet of open space between her and the bed. It was maybe five steps without support, but it felt like miles. Her body was utterly done.
Heavy footsteps on the stairs made her look over her shoulder. Asher appeared at the top of the steps.
“Hey.” He hovered near the stairs, a hesitant look on his face. He’d been keeping his distance all afternoon and evening. Ever since her outburst. She wasn’t sure if she’d offended him or if it was his way of respecting her wishes. Either way, it bugged her. She just wanted things to go back to the way they were.
“Hey. Help me to bed?”
Without a word, he walked forward, then put an arm around her waist, holding lightly onto her hip while he gripped her opposite hand. Esther leaned into him, letting him propel them across the room. With a wince, she sank onto the mattress and brought her feet up.
“Do you need anything else before you go to sleep?”
“Yes. You.”
A slight widening to his eyes was the only emotion that crossed his face. “Esther…”
She rolled her eyes and let out a little chuckle. “Not like that. I can barely walk. I just want you here with me.” She patted the sheets beside her.
“Oh. Are you sure? I wouldn’t?—”
“Asher, get your sexy, nerdy ass in this bed.”
Fire roared to life in his eyes, turning the light brown depths the color of rich caramel. “For the record, I’m not tired yet.” He reached for the collar of his shirt.
“Good. I’m not either.”
He froze, then dropped his hand. “Essy, this isn’t?—”
“Don’t finish that sentence. I know what you’re going to say. All I want to do is talk and snuggle, Asher. That’s it.”
He blew out a breath, holding her gaze for a moment. “What about Edie? Wasn’t she sleeping in here with you while I was missing?”
