Page 122 of Feared

“He’s a sage,” Roger answered, good-naturedly. “That means he knowseverything.”

Everybody burst into new laughter, and Lou threw a napkin at Roger. Mary felt happier than she had in a long time, surrounded by people she would miss, but without the panicky feeling she’d had before. She knew she wasn’t going to lose them and that the baby was just the next chapter in their lives together. She felt an ease inch over her and she sank back in the pillows.

Judy caught her eye. “You tired, honey?”

“Just a little.”

“I bet. Okay, we’re out of here.” Judy rose, businesslike. “Bennie and Anne are going back to the office to draft the settlement papers. Lou is going back to John’s to keep looking for cameras, God bless him. Roger and I are going to clean up this mess because we’re sharing a cab home, since he lives near the hotel.”

Mary waved them off. “No, you and Roger go, too. I can do it later, don’t worry about it.”

Judy shot her a look. “Don’t even start with me. We’re not leaving you with this mess.”

Roger looked around. “We need a trashbag. Do you have some, Mary?”

“Roger, please, you don’t have to clean—”

Judy interrupted, turning to Roger. “Trashbags are in the kitchen island, top drawer on the left.”

“Be right back.” Roger left the bedroom, then Bennie and Anne headed for the door, too.

Mary smiled. “Thanks for the pizza, guys.”

“Thankyou, DiNunzio. Bye now.”

“Bye, Mary.” Anne left with Bennie, and Lou started picking up paper plates from the dresser, but almost dropped them.

“Lou, let me do that.” Judy crossed to him, taking the plates. “You go.”

“Okay, you convinced me.” Lou went to the bed and gaveMary a warm hug. “By the way, did you see the video I texted you? It wasn’t much help, eh?”

“It was, a little. I didn’t notice anything, but Machiavelli did. Look.” Mary realized she had forgotten to tell the others about it on the conference call, but she could do that tomorrow. She scrolled to the text and played the video, freezing it at the window. “See the outline on the left wrist, with the bump?”

“Yes.” Lou nodded. “Hmmm.”

Judy came over to see. “I do, too. What do you think that is?”

“Machiavelli tried to tell me it’s a woman’s bracelet with a pendant or a man’s oversized watch, worn loose. He was even wearing one, but still denied it was him.”

Judy snorted. “He says it’s awoman? Gimme a break.”

Lou frowned, puzzled. “Why would he even point out that he had a watch on like that? Is this a game? Cat and mouse?” He straightened with a grunt. “I’ll check it out later. Bye now.” He left the bedroom, and Mary set the phone down beside her, turning to Judy.

“Judy, really, please go. I can clean up later.”

“No, you should take it easy. I want to save the crusts for the dog.”

“You’re going to take garbage to a hotel?”

“When you’re a mother, you’ll understand,” Judy said, and they both laughed. “And you do have to start taking it easy. Bed rest means bed rest.”

“Not literally.”

“Yes,literally.” Judy smiled, stacking the plates. “So how are you going to do this? You have to stay home for two weeks.”

“I know.”

“Will you be okay?”