She looked at Nick. “Why did you call Mom, Nick?”
“You told me how close you two are. I figured it was best that she knew. It was her idea to come home.”
Noreen nodded.
Eve transferred her gaze to Nick. “I’d offer to give you two some alone time, but that’ll have to wait until she has a long nap.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Nick said jokingly. He kissed Noreen’s head—her skin was warm—and reached for the remote.
The blinds closed to dim the room. Even the skylights had shades.
Out in the living room, Eve collapsed on the couch and N ick into a chair. “Damn it, Eve, it’s killing me to see how battered she is.”
“Me, too. That prick. I hope he goes to jail for a long time.” She yawned.
“Why don’t you go take a nap too.”
“All right. I’ll use the second bedroom, closest to her, if that’s okay.”
“Sure. I’ll stay out here and make some phone calls to my office.”
“See you in a bit.”
Nick dropped down onto a stool in the state-of-the art kitchen and took out his phone. The snow hadn’t let up and he reminded himself to turn up the heat.
He hadn’t given work a thought except to call his assistant and leave a message that he would be out of the office for a few days. He punched in the number.
“Redmond Associates. Rina Smith speaking.”
“Rina, it’s Nick.”
“Are you all right?”
“I’m sorry I was so cryptic on the phone that night, but a…woman who means a lot to me was attacked. It was horrendous. For her privacy, I can’t give details.”
“Just tell me how she is.”
“Much better today. I’m here at her house. I’m going to take a couple more days off, but if any client needs me, alert Jacobs. Ask him to cover for me.”
“Of course. One thing, though. There was an urgent call from Anthony Johnston.”
Nick stiffened. “He’s no longer a client.”
“I know. But he’d phoned twice and he wouldn’t talk to anybody else. What should I do?”
“I’ll send him a text.”
“Best wishes to your friend, Nick.”
“I’ll tell her.”
Nick dropped down on a stool in the kitchen. Two years ago, Nick had taken a call from Anthony Johnston when he turned his back on his son…and Scotty died. No way was he going to talk to him again.
* * *
Noreen awoke to less pain. She was a bit woozy but actually felt strong enough to sit up on her own and breathe easily. She sipped some water and thought of what had happened to her.
The guards had been outside across the street, as Jackson had ordered round-the-clock security for the clinic. But she called and told them she was on her way home.
