Was it any wonder she loved him?
Epilogue
Life was pretty damned good as far as Sam was concerned. Penelope loved him and the bad guys were behind bars. They might not have stopped Stonefish for good, but they were closer than ever. He placed plastic wrap over the salad he’d made and made space in the fridge for the bowl to fit.
“There’s definitely enough food,” Penelope said.
“Yeah, I won’t start the barbecue before everyone arrives.” He was holding an impromptu house-warming party, part welcome for moving here, and part celebration of life. He’d invited his crew, plus all the Stokes and Dot and Nhiari. The only one missing was Sherlock.
“What’s wrong?” Penelope asked. “Have you forgotten something?”
She read him so well. “I was thinking about Sherlock. I wish he was here.”
“He’s your friend who was injured, right?” Penelope asked. “Have you asked Brandon for help convincing him to visit?”
Sam turned to her. “That’s the problem. I promised Sherlock I wouldn’t tell Brandon. He’s actually Amy’s brother, and he doesn’t want them to know.”
Penelope’s eyes widened. “Oh. Why not?”
“He and Amy are estranged and then he went on a mission where he was injured instead of going to her wedding.”
“That’s complicated. He must regret it. Do you think seeing her would be salt into the wound? If he’d gone to the wedding, he wouldn’t be in the situation he’s in.”
Sam nodded. He’d never really seen it from that perspective. “Yeah, you could be right, but I think it’s time I told them. Brandon’s been asking about him.”
Penelope slipped her arms around his waist. “I understand your loyalty to both of them. I think Brandon and Amy will understand.”
Her words comforted him and his decision solidified. “I’ll tell them tomorrow. Tonight should be a celebration.”
He kissed her and then someone pounded on the front door and walked in.
“You decent?” Brandon called.
“Depends on your definition,” Sam responded and went to greet his guests.
Later Sam tossed the sausages down on the sizzling barbecue as Penelope switched on the music, and Brandon helped himself to another beer. The party was in full swing and Lara was giving Gretchen’s son, Jordan, a tour of the place like she owned it.
Life was pretty sweet.
The only thing which would make it sweeter would be to get Sherlock to move here, and he’d sort that tomorrow. Telling Penelope had been a relief.
His phone rang, and he recognised the number as that of Sherlock’s therapist. Concern flittered over his skin and he passed his tongs to Darcy as he answered. “Hey, Anne. What can I do for you?”
“Sam, Arthur’s in hospital.” Her tone was sombre.
“What happened?” He headed inside, away from the music, grabbing his tablet from the bench to check when the next flight out of Retribution Bay was.
“Overdose,” she stated. “I found him this morning. I’m not sure when he took the tablets.”
Sam froze. “Intentional?”
A pause. “He knew the maximum number of tablets he could take for the pain.”
Sam closed his eyes. He should have dragged Sherlock up here kicking and screaming. He never should have left him alone. “What’s his status?”
“He’s stomach has been pumped and they’re waiting for him to wake. Does he have any family I should contact?”
“I’ll do it,” Sam said. “I’ll catch the next flight to Perth.”
