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After a few moments of awkwardness and hugging, Meagan suggested we go outside to talk. She led the way, and I couldn't help but notice her pronounced limp and wondered if her leg had been injured during the kidnapping. We settled on a swing under a tree, and Meagan patted the spot next to her for me to sit. "I'm so glad you're here," she said as Guy sat on the other side of her.
"We've been worried about you," I said, reaching for her hand. "How are you feeling?"
Meagan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm getting there," she said. "It's been a long road, but I'm grateful to be alive."
We chatted for a while, catching up on all that had happened since we last saw each other. Meagan told us about her ordeal and how she would finally be released. Her head injury had not only taken away her memory of the kidnapping, but the trauma to her brain had also damaged some nerves that controlled her leg. Thankfully, the therapist expected the nerve damage would eventually heal and how she could already tell the difference. "I'm just ready to get out of here!" She looked at Guy with pleading eyes. "But I've been advised by Investigator Carter that moving back to my apartment was dangerous since the kidnapper hadn't been caught yet."
Guy nodded. "That is also my concern." Then he touched Meagan's arm. "Late last night, we got the news that the person who delivered the flowers to Ariel had escaped into Canada. You remember me telling you about that incident, don't you?"
I gasped at Guy's words. "You didn't tell me about anything last night!"
"It was late. I wanted to wait to see if there was more to the story...." Guy told me.
Meagan touched Guy’s hand. “So, I can move home?"
Guy turned to face his sister. “You do remember about the flowers, right?”
"Yes, kind of... So what are we going to do?" Meagan asked, confused.
Guy glanced at me, and I nodded, still trying to process the news. I wasn't angry Guy hadn’t updated me on my case, I was just ready to help Meagan through this tough time.
"Now, don't get mad. But I have to ask you one question. A concern, okay?" Guy asked his sister.
"I'm not going to promise I won't get upset with you... I'm not dead, you know." Meagan gave Guy a sideways grin.
Relieved, Guy smiled. "That's more like it.... Anyway, what's the status with that guy Alex you were seeing?"
Meagan snorted. "He's long gone. The last I heard.... from my friends at work... Or where I used to work. They told me he never showed up after my incident. And I've never heard from him."
"So, he hasn't come here to visit you?" Guy asked.
"No. Not at all." Meagan frowned.
"Okay then. Ladies. I've got a suggestion. Since Ariel is already staying with me... for security reasons." Guy looked up at me and quirked an eyebrow. "We were hoping you would….”
I held up my hand. "Hold it, Guy!" I looked at Meagan. "Guy and I are living together, okay? And Guy has a guest house and a gadzillion acres. He's got a barn, a vineyard.... and stuff out there that he doesn't even know about. I mean, he hasn't even taken the time to fully explore that place. So anyway, I propose you come live in his guest house."
"You're kidding me." Meagan covered her smile with her hand.
"No, Meagan. Ariel isn't kidding. I've leased the place that I call my...."
"Casa Palacious....like in Spain..." I butted in.
"Oh, God... I can't believe it. I’m happy for you two. But what will I do with my apartment... and my stuff?" Meagan asked Guy.
I passed Guy a weak grin. "I was wondering the same thing about my stuff." I turned my attention to Meagan. "Look, we can have a garage sale or something. Put your furniture in storage until this all blows over."
Guy looked at Meagan with pleading eyes and nodded. "I think it would be for the best, Sis... for all of us. I’ll pay off both of your leases. That’s not a problem.”
Meagan stood from the swing and opened her arms to Guy. "That's the best idea you've ever had."
I stood for a group hug. "It's settled then. It looks like I'll be moving in with mister manipulator!"
"Who, me?" Guy snickered.
"Girl, you know he is!" Meagan laughed, hugging us tighter than before.
Chapter Twenty-Four
