Page 117 of Exposed

“As soon as they can get rid of us.”

Anthony patted her leg on top of the coverlet. “I saw Dr. Drinkwater in the hallway. He said you might be discharged today, but he’d come in and let us know.”

Mary glanced out the window to a sunny sky. “It’s already afternoon, and I don’t want to spend another night here. I’m ready to go.”

“You sure you feel well enough?” Bennie asked, from the foot of the bed. She was back in her khaki power suit, and the bruise on her cheek and butterfly stitches at her hairline onlymade her look more badass. Her picture and Mary’s blanketed the news, but the TV stayed off in the hospital room. Mary didn’t need the reminder, and her parents didn’t need the cardiac.

“Yes, I’m tired, but that’ll go away.”

“YOU GOTTA TAKE IT EASY, HONEY. DON’T PUSH IT. DO WHAT THE DOCTOR SAYS.”

“I will, Pop.” Mary didn’t have the heart to tell him that the doctor told her to avoid loud noise, stimulation, and excitement, which was the DiNunzio trifecta.

“Sì, Maria, è vero,”her mother said, looking over from the windowsill, where she was arranging yet another vase of flowers. Mary’s clients had turned out in force, bringing flowers, biscotti, and balloons, and her mother had arranged the gifts around the room to make it homey, which even she couldn’t accomplish.

Declan nodded. “You should take the rest of the week off. Just rest.”

Mary shrugged it off. “I don’t think it’ll take that long. I’ll be back sooner than that.”

Judy perked up. “So does that mean you’re coming back, Mary? Like you’recoming back? Mommy and Daddy aren’t breaking up after all? Rosato & DiNunzio forever?”

Bennie shot Judy a look. “That decision is up to Mary. She doesn’t have to make it now. She should think it over and come back only when, and if, she wants to.”

Mary swallowed hard, meeting Bennie’s eye. She remembered that the last time she had met Bennie’s eye so directly, they had been in mortal danger. Bennie had saved her life, risking her own. Mary felt tears welling, but she didn’t want to cry in front of everybody. She didn’t know why she would cry anyway. Everything had turned out okay. She had no reason to cry.

Mary cleared her throat. “Bennie, I’m very sorry that Iconsidered leaving the firm. I can’t imagine a more loyal partner, and friend. I would love to come back, if you would have me.”

“There’s no apology necessary.” Bennie’s expression softened. “And of course, I’d love to have you back. Hell, you’re already on the sign.”

“Thank you!” Mary felt a rush of gratitude.

“That’s a relief!” Anthony said, grinning.

Mary noticed Judy hesitate, but didn’t know why. “Judy, what’s up?

Bennie smiled slyly. “I’ll tell you what’s up, Mary. Judy is joining the partnership. If it’s okay with you.”

Judy’s head whirled around. “Bennie, are you serious? You would still make me a partner?”

“Absolutely!” Bennie patted her on the back. “It’s the right result. Let’s do it!”

“OF COURSE, YOU GIRLS ARE A TEAM! ALL OF YOU’S!”

Mary didn’t get it, happily confused. “Awesome! But when did this happen?”

Bennie looked vaguely sheepish. “When you told me you were leaving the firm, I didn’t want to lose Carrier, so I offered her a partnership to keep her. She told me she had to make up her mind, but now it’s easy. It’ll be the three of us.”

“The three of us!” Judy repeated, excited. “Yay!”

“The three of us!” Mary laughed, delighted.

Bennie joined her, laughing. “This will be an adventure!”

Declan rolled his eyes. “That it will.”

Just then the door opened, and Simon entered the crowded room with a broad grin. “Mary, you’re up and at ’em! You look great!”

“I am, I feel great. We’re about to hear when I get to go home. How’s Rachel?”