Abigail looked around the vacant reception room. “That’s true, although we could pass for twins. I think I’m two years older than you, which makes me your big sister. As your big sister, I should warn you about the good captain. He’s not all that you think.”
Laurel looked over at her half-sister. “You just asked about a threesome, and now you’re telling me to watch out for him?”
Abigail rolled her eyes and nudged Laurel toward a chair. “I was just kidding about the threesome but not kidding about the warning. Lighten up, would you? Life is finally on the right track.” She looked toward the reception area. “I have to check out. Have a seat, and then you can drive me home. I took a pain pill, and I shouldn’t drive with just one arm.” She sauntered over to take a seat in front of a small counter.
Laurel’s mind reeled as she moved to the far end of the reception area to call Huck. The call went to voicemail, so she phoned Kate next.
“FBI,” Kate answered.
“Hi. Have you heard anything about Huck or Monty?” Laurel whispered.
“No,” Kate whispered back. “It’s quiet here. Agent Smudgeon is in his office doing some sort of research, so I’m just continuing to tackle the dust. Can I do anything for you?”
Laurel’s headache was worsening. Just then, Robert Caine and Pastor John Govern strode inside. “I have to go. I’ll call you later.” She moved toward the men.
Robert reached her first. “How badly is my sister hurt?” He had dark circles beneath his eyes, and his shoulders slumped.
“Abigail has a bruised wrist but should be fine,” Laurel said, curiosity clamoring through her. “Why are you here? Did she call you?”
Sweat dotted his brow. “A nurse called me and told me to get here.”
The pastor put a hand on his shoulder. “I told you I could come, and you weren’t needed. You should go back to bed.”
Laurel stepped back. “What’s going on?”
Robert coughed into his hand. “I caught the flu from Jasmine. She was up all night throwing up, and I held her hair and took care of her, but then I started puking this morning. Pastor John brought over some soup for us and was there when the nurse called.”
Laurel discreetly took another step away. “If you’re sick, why did you come?”
His bloodshot eyes widened. “Don’t you get it? God. You need to understand. When Abigail calls, you come. I thought I explained that to you. You never, and I meannever, want to disappoint her.”
Abigail strode over from the reception area, tucking her wallet in her purse with her uninjured hand. “Oh, good. I had hoped the nurse got a hold of you, Robert.”
Robert gasped and stepped back, hitting the wall. “Oh my God.” He looked at Abigail and then Laurel and then back. “What have you done?” He gagged and covered his mouth before coughing wildly. Then he sniffed and shook his shoulders to regain control.
Pastor John’s eyebrows lifted high. “Dr. Caine. That’s a new look for you. Did you dye your hair?” He looked over at Laurel and then back.
Abigail’s smile was dazzling. “No. This is my natural hair color, and these are my real eyes. No contacts.”
Pastor John’s jaw dropped. “I see.” He glanced sideways at Robert. “I think?”
Abigail slapped his arm almost playfully. “This has to be confusing. Here it is—Laurel and I are sisters, though she didn’t know it until last night. I did, because of the way we look, but I didn’t say anything because your old boss is a fucktard and I thought she was better off not knowing.”
Robert sank into the nearest chair, his breath panting out. “Dad is a good guy, Abby. He was just taught some dumb stuff about his eyes, and he used that against you when you were young. Please don’t call him names.”
Laurel turned to him but stayed feet away. The last thing she needed was to catch the flu. “Why didn’t you say something, Robert? You looked so shocked the first time we met, but I thought it was because I was with the FBI and was armed. You had to realize that I looked just like Abigail.”
“Just like me,” Abigail said happily.
“Like you used to look,” Robert said sourly. “You haven’t worn your real hair color or showed people your real eyes since you were a young kid. Even way before you left for school.”
Abigail slipped her free arm through Laurel’s again. “Things are different now. As you can see. I’m all me.”
Robert looked up at Laurel. “I hope you know what you’re getting into.”
Abigail lost the smile. “What does that mean, Robert?”
“Nothing,” he said quickly. Wearily. “My wife is sick, and I need to get back home, Abby. Why did you have the nurse call me?”
