“They’re a great breed,” Coulson says, all professionalism briefly gone. He pulls out his phone and shows her a picture. “This is mine.”
“She is adorable,” Christianna says softly. “She smiles with her eyes closed.”
“I'm still trying to get one with her eyes open,” he says, sounding faintly put out. He pockets the phone and rises.
“If anything changes, let me know. You have my recommendations. If you decide otherwise, I can arrange temporary coverage and upgrades.”
He turns to the Earls. “If anything changes on your end, call me immediately.” He hands them a card. “I can review your security as well.”
David accepts it. “Thank you. We will. Other than the video with James, nothing has happened. We can tell it's him.”
“We doubt anyone else would be able to,” James added.
“All right. I will take my leave.” He pivots on his heel and heads for the front door.
Chapter sixty-five
Christianna
I should probably be embarrassed to be curled up across their laps. Instead, I’m comforted.
They surrounded me. Took care of me when I couldn't do it myself. And they did it without stripping me of anything. This is comfort
I can’t remember having this feeling since losing Paw.
I feel the tension still coiled in Remy. He wants me to upgrade the security. I understand why. I’m just not ready to hand that decision over yet.
I shift, preparing to stand, and realize I am still wearing my sleep shorts.
Heat creeps up my neck.
“If you will excuse me,” I say, clearing my throat, “I am going to change into something more appropriate for company.”
The Earls nod.
Together.
I hesitate for half a second, cataloging it. Filing it away.
I catch Meg watching them from beneath her lashes.
That goes in the mental file too. Along with asking her about the different last name.
I stand and head for the hallway before anyone can say anything else. I give Meg wide eyes behind everyone’s back, and she immediately hurries after me.
The Notes realize we have escaped, and follow us up the stairs, nails clicking out a staccato rhythm.
“What happened?” I hiss as we enter my bedroom.
Meg catches me up as I change.
Poor Rasmussen. What an awful way to die.
Why would someone go to this trouble?
Is it to hurt me? The opera? The Earls? I can’t imagine Rasmussen making enough of an impression to get this type of anger. He was so bland and easy to overlook.
Two birds, one stone?
