Page 116 of Wasted

Her stomach twisted a little. She knew Sydney’s situation was difficult, but something about hearing a professional confirm the knowledge was disheartening.

“We made real progress today, though. She really opened up, and we were able to process some things.” He smiled. “She gave me permission to tell you that.”

“I see. Did she…” Victoria thought carefully about how to word her question. She didn’t want to put him in a difficult position. “Did she reveal anything that I had mentioned I would like to know?”

He looked off to the side. “I already said I wouldn’t be able to tell you that.”

But he just did, though without a name. At least she had told someone the identity of her baby’s father. If only Robert could share it.

“I do think she’ll tell you when she’s ready.”

“Really?” Hope rose in Victoria’s chest.

“Definitely.” The confidence in his tone either came from his professional assessment or, perhaps more likely, from some indication on Sydney’s part.

“I hope that’s soon. Did she seem shaken at all about Treese’s advice that she get an abortion?”

“I know she’d tell you herself that she’s not going to get an abortion. She’s solid on that, which is amazing given her mother’s pressure. I know you’re already aware of that situation. It helps that she has such a supportive brother.”

“Yes, Warren has been a great help to her. He drives her to?—”

A knock. The front door?

“I can get it!” Sydney’s eager shout carried from the living room.

“That’s okay, Sydney. I’ll answer it.” Victoria threw Robert a quizzical glance as she stood and went to the hallway.

“Are you expecting someone?” His question caught her from behind as he followed her to the front door.

“No. But it’s the middle of the afternoon. And Cillian was going to…talk to Glenn.”

The knock came harder.

She flinched inwardly as she turned into the short entryway. But an attacker wouldn’t knock.

“Why don’t you let me answer it?”

She paused a few feet from the door. “Go ahead.” She sidestepped out of Robert’s way as he went to the door.

“Victoria?” The masculine voice was muffled through the door. “It’s me.”

Robert opened the door, and tall, dark, and handsome Cillian landed his gaze on Victoria.

Her pulse performed a cartwheel worthy of an Olympic gymnast.

“I was afraid you’d decided not to let me in.” Cillian grinned.

She arched an eyebrow, restraining the smile that wanted to answer his. “Why would I do that?”

“Because I confronted Glenn.”

“You did?” Robert stepped back to let Cillian enter, carrying cold air in with him.

“Yep.” Cillian turned away and closed the door behind him, then spun toward them. “Called him out on trying to kill me and you,” Cillian swung his focus to Victoria, then bounced it back to Robert, “and told him all about the evidence we have against him, courtesy of Thomas Briscoe.”

Robert looked at Victoria. “And you didn’t want him to do that?”

She pinched her lips together. “I was concerned about how Glenn might react. And now we’ve tipped our hand.”