She started to say something, then stopped. “Thanks for coming, Rocker. It’s good to see you.”
He stood, shaking his head. “I’m not giving up on you, Sassy Pants,” he said before walking to her brother and patting his shoulder.
They met downstairs. Ryan ran his hand through his hair and paced the floor. “Do you see what I mean? She hasn’t left her room in two months. I asked you to come while my parents went into town to run errands. They’ll do whatever she asks, including leaving her alone for days. This can’t be good.”
“She’s depressed,” Rocker said as he took a cup of coffee from Ryan. “Maybe we can get her admitted to the hospital Sledge raves about. He’s happy with the care he’s received.” Rocker scratched the overgrowth under his chin. “How can we get her to go?”
Ryan shook his head. “I’ve tried everything. Scarlett likes to feel needed, and now she barely moves except to feel her books as she walks to the damn chair.”
“Sledge has a friend who told him about the place. Maybe he’ll have some ideas. How about I give you a call after speaking with him?” Rocker asked as hesipped the coffee.
“I appreciate any help. I’m spinning up next week, and I’m concerned about her. Mom says to give her some time. Scarlett rarely eats. She spoke more to you than she has in two months. It’s like something inside her died. I get it, she’s blind. For once, I don’t know what to do to help her,” Ryan lamented.
“I’ll make the calls, and we’ll figure it out. Your sister made a name for herself in Iraq. We’re not letting her down,” Rocker said, determined to help his friend. Standing, he shook Ryan’s hand and left.
Operation Sassy Pants commenced as soon as he got into his car.
CHAPTER 4
Chase Winters satdown at the team table of Serenity Securities. The team gathered with breakfast plates and cups of coffee. He nodded to each of them as they sat and made small talk while they waited for their leader, Leo.
“Man, I miss Tess. When do she and Taco plan to return?” Shadow said as he peppered his eggs.
“They’re coming home next Saturday. Taco called Kassie and asked about taking Tess on a hang glider above the ocean. It seemed like they were having a blast in Spain,” Chase volunteered.
“They deserve it,” Ragu said as he sat beside Shadow. “It’s good to see Tess doing better.”
“They’re not the only ones doing great,” Saint said as he punched Ragu in the shoulder. “You and Annabelle seem pretty tight.”
“Yeah. I miss her. I’m glad she returns home next week. Those courses she’s taking to become a Nurse Practitioner have worn her out. I’m hoping to give her a relaxing weekend,” Ragu grinned.
“Dude. You’re not fooling anyone. She’ll return to school, probably more tired than when she left,” Shadow quipped.
“Hey, don’t let him give you crap,” Ryder said, entering the kitchen. “Avie seemed tired last night when we played cards.”
“Yeah. She’s picking up stuff from the kids in daycare,” Shadow said while he bit into this toast.
“What brings you over, Doc?” Knight asked, glancing in his direction.
“One of my patients came to me with a problem, and I hoped we might put our heads together. Has anyone seen Bear?” he asked.
The team groaned. “He’s coming in an hour late these days. Julie has severe morning sickness, and he’s taking Tommy to his first day of school,” Knight explained as he punched Ryder in the arm, making him scoot down a chair.
Doc shrugged. “What’s the problem? We’ve all done this for our wives.”
“Bear’s preparing for Julie’s delivery. Kassie gave him a bunch of books. If we thought Leo was bad,” Shadow said, shaking his head.
“You know he’s worried about her,” Doc chastised.
“We know. He’s given us statistics on breastfeeding versus bottle feeding, cloth diapers versus disposable, and curved bottles versus straight ones,” Patch grunted.
“Give him a break. He’s worried about becoming a dad,” Doc came to his defense.
“Hey,” Patch held up his hands. “If we can put up with Leo, we’ll do it with Bear. I’m happy for the guy. He’s a little obsessed with facts and numbers rather than the real thing. Maybe you can arrange for him and Julie to babysit the miniature kid factory at your house? He needs a real-world application.”
“Bear can babysit Marcus. He’s got his days and nightsmixed up. Since he started crawling, you can’t leave him alone for a second. Let’s not forget the teething,” Knight groaned.
“Come on,” Patch punched him in the arm. “When I got up at 0400, I heard you outside crying your eyes out. Don’t blame it on the kid.”
