Page 35 of Night Watch
“Can I help?” Kennedy asked.
“You’re so sweet to offer.” His mom stopped next to Kennedy and squeezed her shoulder. “You’ve been through a lot. Relax while I get the meal ready.”
His mom didn’t look mad at Kennedy, so she obviously didn’t blame her for breaking up with him. Had Kennedy told his mom about WITSEC? Or had his mother believed all those years that, since Erik wouldn’t talk about the reason he split with Kennedy, he must be at fault?
Kennedy met his gaze, and she didn’t have the frightened-deer-in-the-headlights look that he’d expected. But she knew his parents pretty well and knew what to expect from them. Knew that his mom might whirl around like a tornado sometimes, but she always, always had her family’s best interest at heart.
Kennedy sat up straighter on the couch. “Sierra brought Malone over to discuss that thing we talked about.”
Okay, so she hadn’t told his parents about WITSEC or she wouldn’t be so cryptic in her word choice.
He felt his mother’s gaze burning into him, but he continued to look at Kennedy. “I hope it was helpful.”
Kennedy gave a vigorous nod. “She’s going to make some calls for me, and I need to talk to Finley. Do you think she could come by today?”
“We’re settled in here for a while, so sure.”
“Then I’ll give her a call.” Kennedy headed toward the hallway.
Erik patted Pong to soothe his worried behavior and looked at his dad. “You’re not planning to stay beyond lunch, are you?”
“Good to see you too.” He laughed.
“Sorry. You know I like seeing you guys, but we have work to do, and I have information to share with Kennedy.”
“Speaking of…” His mom glanced at him as she set plates on the table. “Everything okay with the two of you?”
“It’s fine,” Erik said. When his mom’s eyes lit up, he wished he’d said they were on the outs.
“I’m glad.” She smiled. “I always loved that girl, and it’s so good to see her now all grown up, and a forensic scientist, of all things.” She shook her head. “It’s really something, isn’t it? Working for the FBI. Traveling all over the country, diving in strange locations? What an exciting life.”
Erik didn’t know if recovering a corpse from a body of water fell under the labelexciting. More like gruesome.
“Stay,” he told Pong and crossed the room to her. “What’s for lunch?”
“Chicken salad, fresh fruit, and homemade rosemary bread.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Pour the water and set the silverware while I bring out the food.”
Obviously, she didn’t think his day was as hard as Kennedy’s, as she was allowing him to help. When his mom came back into the room, bringing with her the savory smell of her famous rosemary bread, Erik put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “Thanks for coming, Mom. You’re the best mother a guy could ask for.”
Her mouth fell open. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just thinking about Kennedy having lost both of her parents, and I’m still blessed with two wonderful ones. Figured it was time I said something.” He looked at his dad. “You’re great too, Dad.”
“Well, sure. I knew that.” He blew on his fingers and rubbed them on his chest as he gave a deep belly laugh.
Erik laughed with his dad and appreciated lightening up for a minute, just like Erik was sure his dad had planned. As a former detective, Erik’s dad had experienced many difficult situations, but Erik could only remember a few times when he’d brought any of the turmoil home with him. And the times he did, he’d sequestered himself in his bedroom.
“We need to take Kennedy under our wing.” His mother’s gaze drifted to the hallway. “Give her the emotional support she needs. Maybe she should come stay with us.”
“More secure here.”
“But—”
“No buts, Mom. Her life is in danger, and we have to do our best to protect her. That means remaining right here where security is top-notch.”
