AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Sixty-one
All the way back to their house, in the rear seat, Roy and Kean talked in low voices, youthful giggles and lower tone chuckles emanating, while Alia thought over the conversation she’d had with Libby. There was something about the woman that intrigued her. No doubt, she’d had a checkered past, but Alia felt deeply that she was also suffering.
In today’s harsh world, most everyone had something they regretted or wanted to forget, and Libby appeared to be a woman who fit into that mold. She only hoped when the time came, she’d make the right decision and give Les a chance.
From the way her face had lit up when he’d come to suggest they take a ride to a beach he knew and maybe hit the waves before he had to open the garage, Alia had decided that whether Libby was aware of his power over her or not, she had no doubts. Les would be a very strong motivation for the woman when making future choices.
Good. Once I go back to my real life, I’ll need a lot of friends to help me get over Sloan.
Thinking of the devil, he turned to break the silence. Ever since she’d warned him about their behavior, he’d been standoffish, almost comical in trying to behave. Except it wasn’t funny to her. She missed his special smiles and easy hugs.
“I’ll set up the barbecue out back and settle Roy and Kean in the yard. We can take turns in the sunroom watching the house. Don needs to be relieved.”
Guilt flooded and she quickly agreed. “I forgot about Don. He’s covered for us a long time. He must be exhausted.”
“Actually, don’t feel sorry for him. I’m sure he got more sleep than either of us did. But it’s time we let him have a break. I’ll make some lunch and you can watch Sam’s house. Then I’ll relieve you.”
She couldn’t argue with him, it made total sense. “I guess that’s how it’s got to be for the next while. Each of us taking turns and sleeping when we can. But you need to take the first break, not me. I actually got a few hours last night. You only had a short nap.”
“We’ll see. Thank goodness Don will be here tomorrow. I have to get back to the garage.”
“How’s the fellow working out that Jack found for you?”
“Truthfully, he’s a genius and being young he’s full of energy. And… he gets along with both the old brats, keeps them from killing each other when I’m not there. I don’t know how he’s managed, but the records are all up to date and the paperwork is correct from what I can see. He’s good with the customers and he’s a great mechanic. I’ve decided to keep him on after I return.”
“I’m so glad. You work too many hours, Sloan. You need to slow down.”
“I know. I’ve just felt so damn guilty after my dad died because I wasn’t here. I knew he’d kept the place running, and without him things wouldn’t go smooth. Roy and Les need to work; neither of them is ready for retirement yet. So there didn’t seem to be a choice. Either I pitched in, orBooker’swould close.”
“But that’s not your nirvana. You miss working for the agency.”
“Yeah, well, shit happens to everyone.”
***
Alia left Kean with Roy and Sloan, and made her way to the sunroom to deliver Don a hamburger before he left. “Sloan says you like it with just mustard and onions.” She passed the aromatic plate over and watched his eyes widen before he took his first bite.
“I don’t know what’s better – the smell or the taste.” She forgave him for talking with his mouth full and went to study the screens they had erected behind the room divider.
“It’s been quiet since they came home last night. Have you heard any discussion yet?”
“Not a lot. Here’s one conversation.” Alia listened with earphones and shook her head. “It’s nothing, just talk about whose turn it was to be nice to Janna and Sam. Neither wants to go and visit with their hosts but they’re arguing that it needs to be done.”
“Pathetic.”
“No kidding. They’re referring to Sam and Janna as Auntie and Uncle, as they should. Yasir wants to read something they got from their meeting last night. Leah agrees to go out into the kitchen, but says she needs to read the information also.”
Alia removed the apparatus from her head. “There’s nothing here.”
“I’d like to get a hold of whatever he’s reading that’s so important.”
“Me too. Maybe Sam can be convinced to check it once they leave again.”
“They’re going out?”
“Yes. Tonight. Same time. He’s told her to be ready; they’re to be picked up.”
“Good. I think I’ll borrow the neighbor’s Doberman, do a little dog-walking and show up about that time.”
