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“I think it’s time for me to step out,” I told him.
“I’ll be right there,” Maxsim said.
Of course my departure had been planned. I moved from the office and into the lobby, waving at Mario. The men were forever watchful. While the nightmare might be officially over, I knew Maxsim would never let his guard down.
Less than fifteen minutes later, both he and Mr. Patterson were chatting outside the office. Chatting was the wrong term. Even from where I was seated, I could tell the man was three shades of green. Good. I certainly didn’t feel bad for him in the least. To ignore the needs of children in crisis was unacceptable. The smirk on Maxsim’s face was almost a joyful one.
Mr. Patterson left a few seconds later, not bothering to look in my direction.
I stood as Maxsim swaggered closer, grinning as I did. “What did you say to him?”
“I just told him to watch his back. Nothing more. Oh, and he did discover he’s quite broke as are the others in the company. Don’t worry. I didn’t tell him that you and your sister were left Jagger’s money.”
My brother had been a psychotic man, but with his death, he’d left the money he’d earned and the money Stonewall had used to my sister and me. At least mine would indeed be used for something worthwhile.
As I linked our arms together, I offered him a chastising look. “You’re never going to change. Are you?”
“Not a chance. You were voted onto the board, but don’t let that go to your head. I’m still in control and will always be.”
“I guess we’ll see about that.”
“Yes, I guess we will.”
* * *
Three months later…
“Surprise!”
I was shocked in seeing my friends and colleagues, Hope beaming while Julie was practically jumping up and down. Seeing others from my office in attendance, I was floored.
“What is this?” I asked, like I didn’t know.
“A baby shower. What does it look like?” Hope handed me a flute of bubbly liquid and I gave her a scrutinizing look. “Don’t worry. It’s sparkling cider. No champagne for the expectant mama. But we’ll drink your portion.”
The living room and even outside on the deck had been decorated with balloons and streamers, presents piled high on a table.
“I can’t believe you planned a surprise baby shower,” I told Hope as I hugged her. “In my own house.”
“I can’t believe I’m back in this house after everything we went through.” Hope huffed as she squeezed my arms.
“You’re my nurse.” I winked.
She rolled her eyes. “Not that I don’t like living in the lap of luxury, but I need to get back to the hospital.”
“You tell Maxsim that. By the way. You were a star that night. You protected one special little girl.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Stop being a mother hen. I had a doctor’s appointment this morning.”
“And?”
“And I’m fine. Blood pressure is under control. Plus, I might have news.”
Hope’s eyes opened wide. “You found out the sex of the baby.”
“Maybe. But I haven’t yet had a chance to tell Maxsim. I wanted to wait until tonight. It didn’t seem right doing so while he was dragging me around to baby stores. Can you believe that?”
