“We’re all fine,” I said. “It was just an adventure, I guess. Trying to help a dog. I know it sounds weird coming from me.”
“That’s one way to put it,” he said. “Especially since you religiously avoid anything with fur, claws, feathers, or hooves. And yet somehow, they all gravitate toward you anyway.”
“Which is deeply unfair,” I said. “I do not like being an animal magnet. I think they sense weakness with me.”
“Or a good heart,” he replied. “But taking a protective stance over a golden retriever? That’s a big step even for you.”
I looked down at the empty spot on the couch where Ginger had sat with me. “She was different.”
“How?”
“She wasn’t just attentive, Slash,” I said. “She was aware. Deliberate. And whatever they were doing to her…it didn’t feel right. None of it did.”
Slash exhaled slowly. “So, you’re still checking into the lab.”
“I am,” I admitted. “Just making sure everything’s ethical. On the up-and-up.”
“Of course you are,” he said. “Need any help?”
“Not at the moment,” I said. “But I reserve the right to ask if I need it.”
“That’s your right, cara. Always. You need not ask.”
His words warmed my heart. “Thanks, Slash. I mean it. How was the man party last night?”
“Epic, as Beau is fond of saying. The chocolate cake was a hit, and yes, I saved you a piece. By the way, your brothers spent the night at the house, as did Finn and Hands. Xavier and Elvis made it to Xavier’s house, since they live in the neighborhood. Everyone here is still asleep, though.”
“Knowing my brothers, it doesn’t surprise me. Now, Finn and Hands…well, you guys must have partied hard.”
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t categorize it as a party. But poker can take a lot out of a man—or a woman, for that matter. What’s on the agenda for you girls today?”
“Definitely some resting,” I said. “It was a long night. I plan to continue digging into the lab, and we may take a drive to clear our heads. We’ll be back tomorrow afternoon as planned.”
“Sounds good,” he said. “In the meantime, try not to protect anything else. Seagulls, for example.”
“Seagulls aren’t birds,” I protested. “They’re criminals.”
He laughed. “Text me if anything feels off, okay?”
“I will.”
When I hung up, Gwen was watching me. “I only heard your side, but you played that straight.”
“That’s the idea,” I said. “No need to alarm the cavalry.”
“Well then, I’ll make sure Elvis thinks I’m sleeping and eating well.” She glanced down at her engagement ring and smiled.
“You are eating and sleeping well,” I said and then corrected myself. “Except for last night. Anyway, you know how to handle him, so do your thing.”
“If he ever wakes up to call me,” she said and I snorted.
Barbie looked up from her laptop, which she’d connected to my network. “Your Slash sounds like a good guy.”
“He is a good guy,” I said smiling.
Barbie grinned and we got back to work. I continued to dig into Tango Bio. Elvis finally called Gwen just as Gray returned from the gas station talking on her cell to Hands. After Gray hung up, she confirmed all was well with the situation and he didn’t suspect anything was amiss.
A few minutes later, Xavier woke Basia from her nap and they chatted. Eventually everyone finished their calls to their significant others, using soft voices, carefully chosen omissions, and reassurances delivered just convincingly enough to pass. When we regrouped in the living room, the air felt steadier.
