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CHAPTERSIXTEEN
Itook the next day off and spent it with Sophie and Kate.
We took it slow, explaining to Sophie that I hit my head by accident and that I had a headache and we had to stay in for the day.
“Can we watch movies and eat pizza?”
I laughed. “Yes, we can watch movies and eat pizza.” I turned to Kate, who was smiling as well. “What movie do you want to watch first? Let me guess — Frozen, right?”
“Yes! Frozen!”
“You haven’t watched it since forever. At least, since yesterday…”
“Oh, Daddy. You’re so funny.”
I glanced at Kate and we both smiled.
* * *
The next day,I got a call from Detective Wilkerson from the NYPD who dealt with us the night of the attempted abduction and took our statements. They had taken Allan Monroe into custody, and so on top of the charges he was facing for helping his father try to abduct me, he had broken the terms of his parole and was going directly back to prison, even before any trial. As for Mr. Monroe, he wouldn’t get bail and would be facing months in jail while he awaited the trial.
I felt relief that both men were now in custody and that Kate, Sophie and I were that much safer. While I would keep security on until after the trials, at least I knew that the two men weren’t roaming around planning how to hurt us. Hopefully, no one else in the crazy family had it in for me…
* * *
Later that week,I went back to work, and was glad to see Dane during a break in my schedule. We met in the cafeteria at NYP and shared a quick meal. He looked the same as usual, with his dark hair and eyes, surgical cap, scrubs. Like a very intense consulting trauma neurosurgeon.
He reminded me of a younger version of my father.
“So, when are you and your significant other going to come to The Club and enjoy the festivities?” he asked, his eyebrows raised.
I smiled. “Now that we know both Monroes are in custody, we’d be glad to attend, take a look around. See if it’s a fit for us. But if Lara recommends it, I’m pretty sure we’ll like it.”
He nodded and put his cup of coffee down. “Everyone there is vetted very carefully. No crazies. Everyone has reputations at stake and so there’s no gossip or risk of getting outed for your kinks. Given what happened to you previously, I figured you’d appreciate that.”
I took in a breath, considering whether I was ready to give the place a try. “My wife would like to rekindle that part of our relationship, and so would I. We’ve been busy with raising our daughter and son, and of course, I’ve been busy in Southampton. We didn’t really know anyone in the lifestyle there, so it’s been a long drought, as far as that’s concerned. Maybe in a week or two? Would you do the invitation, or should it be Lara?”
“I’ll invite you,” Dane said. “After saving your life, I feel responsible for you.”
I glanced at his face to see if he was serious. He let out a laugh when he saw my expression.
“Just kidding.” He grinned. “But seriously, it would be great to have actual friends in the lifestyle. People who understand.”
“I agree,” I said and smiled. “People you can trust.”
“Exactly. You let me know what night you’d like to come. I’ll make sure your name is on the list.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I appreciate it.”
We went our separate ways back to work, and I made a mental note to speak with Kate that weekend, see if she was interested — and ready.
I knew she was interested. Hopefully, if we both felt inclined, we could visit The Club that weekend and check it out.
* * *
That Friday,I was eager to get home, but I wanted to stop on the way and get some flowers for Kate.
When I got into the limo at the end of the day, I spoke to George. “If you see a flower shop anywhere on the route, stop so I can get a bouquet for Kate. She’s put up with enough over the past two weeks. She needs something to brighten her day.”
