I can’t help being relieved by his confirmation.
“I want my parents to know.”
I’d like them to know as well but I don’t want a repeat of what happened last time. “Can we have them over instead of going out?”
“We’ll do it however you’d like. The choice is yours, but do you feel up to cooking?”
I’m already anemic so I’m often tired, but the supplemental iron has helped. “I’m fine, Breck. I feel great. I’d love to have them over tonight if they’re free.”
“I’ll tell them to drop everything.”
“That’s not necessary. We can do it another night if they’re busy.”
“No. They’re getting two grandchildren instead of one. It’s wonderful news. They’ll want to know as soon as possible so let’s plan to have them over tonight.”
“I think we’ll have glazed salmon. Maybe parsnips and a green vegetable.”
“Can you have fish?”
I love the way he looks out for our safety. “Salmon is safe. It’s low in mercury. I’ve already checked.”
“Sounds good.”
He pulls me close and kisses the top of my head. I can predict what’s coming next. He has to leave. “I need to go in for a while.”
“I know.”
“I’ll call if dinner plans change.”
“Please do so earlier rather than later. We need groceries if I’m going to cook so I’ll need to make a run to the market.” I really don’t want to go to the trouble if they aren’t coming.
“Do you need Sterling to drive you?”
“I don’t think so. I won’t be picking up much—just enough for dinner.”
“You shouldn’t be doing any heavy lifting.”
“I don’t think fish fillets and parsnips qualify as heavy lifting.”
“I suppose not, but do call if you need a ride.”
“I’ll be fine. The walk will be good for me.”
“You’re used to pushing yourself but your body is changing. You’re going to need to learn how to rest. Promise me you’ll lie down if you get tired.”
He’ll get no argument from me. “Promise.”
“Are you going to call Ellison the second I’m out the door?”
He knows me well. “Of course.”
“Then I’ll be on my way. Tell her I said hello.”
As predicted, the door barely hits his ass before I’m on my phone making the call that will cause my sister to flip the fuck out. Then I may lose it because she’s going to insist on being here for all of it. That’s going to present a problem.
“Tell Aunt Elli how photogenic her beautiful little niece was today while having her picture taken.”
Yeah. My sister makes no bones about it. She wants a girl to spoil.
“I don’t know, Aunt Elli. I couldn’t tell much. All I could see was two little dots. But they were both pretty adorable to me.”
“Oh, Bleu!” she squeals. “Twins?”
“It is.”
“You must be so excited.”
The idea is beginning to soak in a little. “Yeah. We’re happy to be getting two since we weren’t sure we’d even be able to get one.”
“You’re going to need a lot of help with two babies.”
I know where she’s going with this. “Sin is going to be a wonderful father. I have no doubt he’ll help me as much as possible. Isobel will be a huge help too so you shouldn’t worry about us. And Sin says I can have a nanny if I want one. I won’t be alone.”
“I want to be there to help you.”
There’s nothing I want more. “I know. I wish you could be here too.”
“I’m going to find a way to be there with you.”
She isn’t going to let this go. “Ellison. You have a life and it’s not in Scotland. I don’t expect you to drop everything to come here.”
“Dad’s gone. You left. I’m alone.”
Damn. How do I handle this? I can’t act as though I don’t want her here. That will send up a flaming red flag. “It would be wonderful to have you with me when the babies come.”
“I’m going to be there.”
“I’m very early along. We have plenty of time to talk it over and work something out.” And figure out a way to keep her away.
* * *
My phone wakes me from my nap. It’s Debra. She doesn’t call unless she has news so I definitely want to take this call.
“What do you have for me?”
“Cameron Ewart came through for us.”
I bolt up. “Holy shit! Verbal confirmation or photograph?”
“Both.” There’s a second-long hesitation before she continues and my heart pounds out of my chest. This could be it. “Abram Breckenridge doesn’t have the scar you’re looking for.”
I’m flooded with an emotion I can’t label.
“This is good. We get to mark another suspect off the list.”
She’s right. Each suspect we eliminate brings us one step closer to finding the real killer.
“Absolutely. Let’s schedule a follow-up meeting soon.”
I end my call with Debra and note the time. Shit. It’s after three. I’ve been asleep for three hours. I sit on the edge of the couch giving myself a minute before getting up. Changing positions too quickly makes me dizzy.
I have four hours until my in-laws arrive for dinner. That means I have to get my ass into gear if I’m going to make it to the market and back in time to prepare dinner.
I do everyone at the market a favor and freshen up. Before leaving, I go to the kitchen to take inventory. I type into the grocery list app on my phone, grab my purse, and head for the front door. I open it, surprised to find three unfamiliar faces staring back at me.
“Hello, Mrs. Sinclair Breckenridge. I’m Broden. Mr. Grieve sent me.”
Oh fuck. Torrence Grieve is leader of The Order.
I unsuccessfully attempt to slam the door. The three men push their way into our flat. I back away and make an attempt to run to the bedroom. There’s a gun in the top drawer of both nightstands. His and hers.
I’m grabbed by my hair and yanked backward. One of the men roughly pushes me to the couch. The man who calls himself Broden gets in my face. “Mr. Grieve is extraordinarily upset with your husband for more than one reason.”
Sin killed Grieve’s son and led the raid that took The Order’s explosives. They’ve not yet retaliated for either. Until now.