I nodded and pulled it back to me. “How was yesterday? Were there any more breaches?”
Alannah nodded. “There were a few alarms when you were off.” She turned to Ternen and started explaining the security system in place while I read her message.
Alannah-Vince walked in first thing this morning. He stopped at my desk before Ternen came in and took a deep breath. Then he just smiled at me and knocked on my desk. He was going to say something as Rick walked out.
But something is going on with Rick. Abby is really sick, and he was looking for you this morning. He was panicking. I think he’s worried that she’s going to die.
I’m terrified Vince scented the baby. Ternen received a text a few minutes ago about a new posting at the border. And Rick and Vince were screaming at each other less than ten minutes before you ran in.
Shit is happening and I don’t know what to do or think.
Help us.
I looked up from my screen, and I met her eyes. I smiled, and I did my best to reassure her. “These suggestions are great.” I sat back and pulled the laptop into my lap. “I’m about halfway through digitizing his box of insanity.” Alannah forced a laugh, and I smirked. “But I’ll add these into the system tonight.” I looked up as I shut the laptop. “You guys should come over for a barbeque tonight.”
Alannah looked at Ternen. “Do we have anything we need to do tonight?”
Ternen thought for a minute. “Just laundry.” He looked back at me and grimaced. “Our place doesn’t have a laundry, so we have to go to the one on main.” Alannah turned to me with a pout.
“Sorry Amy.”
I smiled. “It’s okay. Why don’t you just bring your laundry over to my place and we can wash it while we have dinner?”
Ternen’s eyes widened a little. “Are you sure? It’s a lot.”
I nodded and swiped a hand through the air. “It’s totally fine.” I leaned on the desk. “To be honest, it’s been too quiet in the house lately, so you two coming to do your laundry will be great.” I turned my desktop on. “When Rick is free, I’ll see if he wants to bring Shelly and Abby and make it’s good night.”
Alannah nodded. “That sounds great. I know they have been worried about Abby. But maybe getting out for the night will help.”
I blew out a breath. “Maybe.” I looked at the clock. “I also don’t want to spring it on Shelly last minute.” I looked at Alannah. “Iknow Rick is with Vince, but do you think you can call her and ask if she wants to come tonight? I won’t ask for an answer until she talks to Rick, but this way she has a heads up and can get Abby situated for when he heads home.”
Allanah hopped up. “Of course.”
I turned to the computer and started working for a few minutes before I sighed. I couldn’t put this off any longer. I turned to my laptop and opened it. I groaned as I hesitated. Alannah was at my door before I knew it. “Are you okay?”
I dropped my head back and banged in against the chair a few times. “Yeah… I just have to send a message to a friend and I’m…”
“Freaking out?” She looked at me with a smile.
“Is it that obvious?”
She nodded. “If you know what to look for…yeah. What’s the message about?” She leaned against the door frame, ready to help. I loved that about her.
I opened my mouth before my brain caught me, then my mouth snapped shut before I blurted out the truth. “I have to message the king, and that in itself is stressful. But I also promised my friend I would message her…and I know she is going to ask about the mating ceremony.”
“What about it?” Alannah came in and sat.
I looked behind her and then back at her. “Ternen?”
She sighed. “Went to his job for his last day before his new placement at the wall.” She sounded devastated. I just nodded. “Also, before I forget. Shelly and Abby are happy to come over to your place tonight. Shelly told me to tell you she will make a potato salad.” I opened my mouth, but Alannah was already shaking her head. “Before you start, she already told me to tell you she has already started the potatoes and you can’t tell her no.”
Well fuck. “Seriously?” She smiled and nodded.
“So that’s one thing you can cross off. No talking to Shelly.” She snorted at the look I gave her. “So the king? Why do you need to message him?”
I sighed. “I’m guessing you haven’t heard.”
She shook her head. “Heard what?” I heard Rick’s door open, and I knew it was my time. I forced tears to my eyes and Alannah leaned in. “Amy? Are you okay?”
