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TREY CLOSED HIS eyes to block out the outraged expression on Kelly’s face. She obviously didn’t like the idea of hanging around. Hell, he didn’t want her here, either. He’d hoped to be rid of her, but what choice did he have when Donna recommended she remain?
Jason needed her.
“Just in case what?” Brian asked. “I think we need to be clear here.”
“In case Jason becomes agitated that his mother is gone again,” Donna said. “You’ve seen how he reacts when Kelly attempts to leave. His personality is extremely fragile because of everything he’s been through. We don’t want to push him into a full-blown episode of hysteria. From what I saw earlier, he was very close, and that could be quite damaging, perhaps take years to recover from.”
“I have to agree,” Brian said. “I’ve never seen any child react the way he did when we tried to separate him from Officer Jenkins.”
“What concerns me most is how he stiffened his limbs,” Donna said. “That’s a symptom of catatonia. We want to avoid pushing him into such a dangerous state.”
Remembering the sight of Jason’s rigid body when he tried to separate him from Officer Jenkins, Trey stared into his wine. What was happening to his son? Even with all his resources, he was helpless to prevent Jason’s downward spiral.
“Come on, guys. You can’t expect me to stay here,” Kelly said, her gaze shifting around the table.
“I know it would be a tremendous imposition, but couldn’t you remain just one night?” Donna said. “I’ve done it several times, and this villa is quite comfortable.”
“You can stay in the guest room you used earlier,” Trey said. “I’ll place my staff at your disposal.”
“No way,” Kelly said. “I have to work tomorrow.”
“I’ll have Hans drive you to your station in the morning.”
“Roll call is at ten a.m. What if Jason isn’t awake by then?”
Donna smiled. “You obviously aren’t familiar with little boys. I’m certain he will be up long before that.”
Kelly shook her head. “But what if we’re just putting off the inevitable? What if he gets hysterical when I leave in the morning?”
“We’ll deal with that possibility then,” Donna said.
“Will you be here to do that?” Kelly demanded.
“Yes. Trey has asked me to return to evaluate his condition.”
Trey nodded when Donna shot him a smile. Thank God for Donna. Anything to convince the cop to stay. He understood she had a life, but how could she refuse to help a frightened child? Was she heartless?
“If Jason doesn’t settle down, my recommendation will be to treat him in-patient,” Dr. Carico said. “I’ve consulted several colleagues, and they all recommend institutionalization. Trey wants to avoid that at all costs.”
Kelly released a sigh. “Yeah, I get that.”
“When she was alive, Jason’s mother left him with nannies all the time,” Trey said, relieved Kelly appeared to be softening. He couldn’t force her to stay, and he’d already insulted her once by offering payment. “I think he’ll understand your need to go to work.”
“Did his mom work?” Kelly asked.
“Not after we married, but she attended a lot of luncheons.”
Kelly’s mouth tightened. “This is nuts.”
“He’s a scared, confused little boy,” Trey said. “And I’m only asking for one night.”
She shook her head and stared at the cheese tray. “I’d have to swing by my apartment in the morning to get my uniform.”
“That’s not a problem,” Trey said. “Like I said, whatever it takes.”
“All right,” Kelly said, throwing up her arms in surrender. “I’m not convinced it’s the right thing to do, but I’ll stay.”
“Thank you,” Trey said, putting as much meaning into the words as he could muster. “Please feel free to make yourself at home while you’re here.”
The cop looked interested in that idea, but before she could ask a question, Maria appeared at the door to the dining room, uncharacteristically twisting her apron in both hands. Jason’s condition was hard on everyone in the house.
