“I don’t understand,” Sara said. “Did I do something to upset you?”
“Not at all, my dear. You have been as lovely as ever. I’m dealing with a situation that might make staying here unsafe,that’s all. And I would feel better if you were somewhere else until it blows over.”
“What do you mean, ‘unsafe’?” she said, concerned.
“The details aren’t important, and likely I’m overreacting. But I’d feel more at ease if you were elsewhere for the time being.”
She frowned. “Hmm, if that’s true, then can I assume you won’t be staying here, either?”
“I’ll either be at the hospital with your aunt, or I’ll get a hotel.”
“You promise?”
“Of course.”
She studied him for another moment, then said, “All right. I’ll do it. But I want to go on record that I’m not happy you aren’t telling me what’s going on.”
“Noted.” He reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. “Why don’t you go pack your things? And after, perhaps Ash, if he wouldn’t mind, will help you take everything to your temporary apartment.”
“I would be happy to,” Ash said.
“If you think that’s for the best,” Sara said.
“I do,” Jack said.
She stood. “Ash, would you mind helping me pack?”
“Not at all.”
As Ash started to stand, Stone said, “If I could keep Ash for a minute, I have something work-related I need to discuss with him. I’ll send him to you as soon as I’m done.”
“Sure. He knows where my bedroom is.” She smiled and headed toward the hallway.
Chapter 44
Blushing even more than earlier,Ash stammered, “I-I-I only know where her room is from when I brought her home after the accident.”
“Methinks the gentleman doth protest too much,” Dino said.
“It’s true. I swear.”
“Ignore Dino,” Stone said. “I believe you.”
“Oh, thank God.”
“The reason I wanted to talk to you is that I think Sara will feel more at ease if you stay at my place.”
“You want me to stay in Sara’s apartment?”
“Did I say stay in Sara’s apartment?”
“Not specifically, but—”
“You can stay at my place, in my son Peter’s old room. You’ll be moments away from Sara if she needs anything. Only if you’re willing, of course.”
“Absolutely,” Ash said eagerly.
“Good. Check in with Joan when you get there, and let her know what’s going on. She lives in the apartment below the one Sara will be in.”
