“And now? How do Caitlin and I get into what’s really going down with Kennedy there?”
“Let Kennedy and Caitlin have their reunion. Then, just explain to Kennedy that there’s some investigative stuff you have to talk to her mommy about alone. Kennedy’s a very bright child. She’ll get it, and she’ll accept it. As long as she knows she can talk to Caitlin again, she’ll be fine. I’ll send Claire down to the lair to bring her upstairs while you and Caitlin talk details.”
Casey glanced at her watch. “It’s almost nine o’clock. You’d better get moving. Poor Kennedy is falling off her feet and you owe it to her to give her the St. Patrick’s Day surprise she’s praying for.”
Ryan nodded, hesitated, and then spoke up. “I don’t mean to butt in, but you’re falling off your feet, too, boss. Not to mention I can see you’re in pain. Stay in here and rest. Claire’s got the hostess routine down pat. I’ll text her when it’s time to collect Kennedy. But for now, I’m bringing her downstairs for a reunion with her mommy.” His lips curved. “Yoda will wake you up at eleven forty-five—enough time for me to catch you up on what happened, and then to have our team Zoom meeting. Right, Yoda?”
“Duly noted, Ryan,” Yoda replied. “Eleven forty-five on the dot.”
Reluctantly, Casey nodded, sinking back against the cushions of the settee. “You’re right.” Her eyes were half-closed. “My reserves are shot. But, Yoda, you’d better wake me.”
“I intend to, Casey. Like Ryan, I’m not interested in losing my job.”
Ryan chuckled as he shut the door behind him.
21
Offices of Forensic Instincts
Library, First Floor
Tribeca, Manhattan, New York
Friday, March 17, 9:05 p.m.
Everyone looked up when Ryan reentered the room.
“Where’s Casey?” his mother asked.
“She’s out for the count,” Ryan responded with total candor. “She pushed herself pretty hard today. I talked her into taking a nap. Claire and I will take over as host and hostess.”
“That’s nonsense.” Maureen stood, wrapping an arm around Kennedy’s shoulders as the little girl rose, as well. “Poor Casey went through a near-death experience, one she’s still recovering from. I feel terrible that we’re imposing.”
“You’re not,” Claire jumped in quickly. “I’ll show you to the guest room upstairs, and bring in that cot for Kennedy. It’s been a draining night, to say the least. Everyone needs sleep.”
With that, Nolan downed the rest of his Diet Coke, set down the empty can, and shrugged back into his parka. “I’ve got to get going myself. I want to check in with the NYFD and law enforcement, and then head home for some shut-eye. But I’ll call you guys tomorrow,” he told his parents.
“See that you do.” Maureen assessed him with a mother’s eye. “I want to hear that you’re safe, and anything you find out from the fire department, the police, or the FBI.”
Nolan shot off a salute. “You got it, Mom.” He gave Claire a grateful look and ruffled Kennedy’s hair. “Good night, all.”
As Nolan headed for the door, Ryan and Claire exchanged a quick glance.
“Maureen, is it okay if Kennedy stays up for just a little while longer?” Claire asked. “Ryan needs to spend a bit more time with her. I promise to bring her upstairs to bed the minute they’re done.”
Maureen pursed her lips, glancing from Claire to Ryan, to Kennedy’s curious face.
“No questions and no answers, Mom,” Ryan said quietly. “Not yet.”
Hope filled Maureen’s eyes, and she gave him a quick nod. “That’s fine. Dad and I will go upstairs with Claire and settle in.” She gave Kennedy a hug. “Are you okay with that, lovey?”
Kennedy nodded. “I’m not sure I understand, but as long as Ryan is with me, I’ll be fine.”
“Great.” Ryan walked over and slung his arm around Kennedy’s shoulders. “Let’s go downstairs and talk in my lair.”
Her nose wrinkled up. “Aren’t lairs for lions?”
Ryan grinned. “Yeah, and for guys who need a private man cave to work in.”
