“We just found out that she has sundowner’s,” Tom explains. “We were looking for an in-home caregiver, but we’re struggling to find anyone that will work out.” His head lowers. “She’s too far progressed.”
“I’m really sorry to hear that, Tom. I wish there was something I could do to help.”
“You’ve done enough, Nick. I appreciate you and”—he looks up at me—“I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Tom Fields.”
“Alyssa Mann. I live next door.”
His eyes widen. “Ah, another neighbor. Great to meet you. I wish it was under different circumstances, but still, it’s a pleasure.”
“It’s great to meet you too,” I say, offering a small smile.
He sighs. “We plan to put the house on the market next week and move her into an assisted living facility close to us,” he says. “We just have to move all the junk. Mom has become a bit of a hoarder lately. I’m not sure where she’s getting all the shit.” He runs a hand back through his hair. “The garage is full of trinkets.”
The dream I had of Mrs. Fields comes to mind. “There wouldn’t happen to be garden gnomes and a red Christmas sleigh among the trinkets? Maybe a wreath or two?”
Tom’s eyes narrow in thought, and he bobs his head. “Now that you mention it, yes. Abby loved the sleigh. Thought about asking Mom if she could keep it.”
I grimace, glancing at Nick.
“There’s been a string of thefts on the street in the past couple months. Lots of reports of missing lawn ornaments and decorations,” Nick says. “My wreath was among those things taken.”
Tom’s eyes widen. “You don’t think…” He groans, head falling back. “Mom was taking those things at night.”
“I’m afraid that might be the case,” Nick admits.
“Will she be arrested?” Tom’s voice is full of concern, and Nick is quick to reassure him.
“Absolutely not. I’m sure any doctor could provide evidence of her sundowner’s, which would be grounds for any case to be dismissed. Besides, we live in a great neighborhood. Anyone who had items taken would just be grateful to get their things back.”
“Nobody would choose to press charges,” I add. “Not knowing the situation.”
Tom’s concern melts away, leaving him to look exhausted. He nods. “I’ll put something on the neighbor group explaining the situation. We’ll make sure everything is returned.”
Nick nods. “That will take care of it.”
“I’m going to head back and help Abby,” Tom says, making his way to the door. “If you happen to know anyone in the market and wanting to move into the neighborhood, please send them my way.”
“Will do,” Nick says, saying good night to Tom and closing the door on this night.
Nick leads me back toward his bedroom, pulling back the covers and helping me to get comfortable. I watch as he tears his black T-shirt over his head, discarding it in the corner. My mouth waters as his gray pants lower to the ground, leaving him in a pair of black boxers that hug him tight, his impressive bulge on full display. I look away, feeling like a voyeur.
Nick crawls in behind me, pulling me against him. “One mystery solved,” he says, placing a kiss on my shoulder. “It’s too bad about Mrs. Fields. I wouldn’t wish that end of life on anyone.”
“Me neither,” I agree. “It’s heartbreaking.”
“No more talk about sad stuff for tonight. I just want to enjoy this time with you before I have to go back to Falls Haven.”
I turn toward him, pressing a kiss to his lips. “I agree.”
“I like you in my bed,” he whispers against my lips.
I sigh contentedly. “Me too.”
So very much.
26
Six of Swords
