“You made it clear with your words and by seeing another woman that you’re not serious about me.”
“I was serious about you. I still am. But we can’t be together.”
She watched his face go from concern to sadness. And it made her mad. “Don’t you dare do that, Finn! Don’t look sad. You were the one who stopped anything more between us.”
“I can still be sad about it.”
“Not in front of me. I’d like you to leave.”
“I will. Rest today.”
“Just go.”
When he walked out the door, Elise burst into tears.
Then she got sick to her stomach again.
* * *
After he met with the police, and before his meeting with Heath at Kirkland Security, Oliver drove—reluctantly—to his mother’s house. The news of the bombing had been on TV and he had to tell Rosalina Ricardi that her son was in danger. If only she’d beof some support for him…but she’d make this all about her, as she always did.
He pulled up to the small house in a westside suburb of Rockford. Each time he came here, he wondered how he’d ever become somewhat normal after growing up in this repressive home.
Entering the house, he called out, “Mama, I’m here.”
Soon, this small woman in her trademark housedress came into view. “Ah, my boy.”
“Hi, Mama.” He gave her a warm hug. She smelled like talcum powder.
“Did you come for a visit?” Her rheumy eyes widened. “What’s wrong?”
“I have to tell you something. Let’s sit at the kitchen table.” The Formica topped furniture was where all important talks happened. “I’ll have some coffee.” He knew better than to try to pour it himself.
She mixed it with cream, too, then filled her cup and sat.
As soon as she did, he blurted out, “Our new offices at the Harmony Healing Collective were bombed early this morning.”
His mother made the sign of the cross. “Jesus, Mary and Joseph.”
“The police are investigating and I’m sure they’ll find the perpetrator. I didn’t want you to see it on the news-which she rarely turned on—or hear it from a neighbor.” Which was more likely. “And one of my colleagues and I have an appointment this afternoon to hire a professional security guard at our place.”
She lifted her chin and shook her head. “You must move back home with me now.”
“What? No, Mama. I’m not moving home. There’s no evidence that we’re in danger as individuals.”
She slapped her palm over her chest. “Oh, no, my heart. It is palpitating.”
This was one of her favorite tactics to manipulate him. “Just take some deep breaths.”
She scowled when she realized he wasn’t buying this.
“Have you closed this place, the collective?”
“Yes. And since I didn’t lease my studio on Main Street again, I’m off for a few days.”
“Spend them with your mother.”
“I’m sorry I can’t.” He glanced at the clock. “But I’ll stay for a bit. Is there anything I can do for you?”
