The Negotiator by Dee Henderson Page B

you doing after Tuesday’s excitement?”
    “A few bad dreams.”
    “You got off relatively light then.”
    “I did.”
    “Hey, Rachel, you’ve got to come see my new pet,” Lisa called. “I got him this last week.”
    “Does it slither?” Rachel whispered.
    Kate grinned, having had the exact same concern when Lisa mentioned the pet to her. With Lisa it was best not to make assumptions. “A sable ferret. He’s adorable.”
    “The fact it has fur is itself a relief. I want to hear about this bank thing later, in all its detail.”
    “You will.” Kate promised, accepting the fact she would have to tell the story at least once tonight. Rachel nodded and crossed to join Lisa.
    “The cuts look like they are healing well.”
    Kate turned to see Jennifer at her side and had to smile at the opening observation. The doctor would always be there in the forefront. “I wish you had been here. I had Stephen doing the needle bit and offering a lollipop.”
    “I heard. We were chatting on the phone while you were still in the ER. You’ll be happy to know I brought him another case of lollipops since he was running short of cherry.”
    “I’m never going to live this one down, am I?”
    Something flickered in Jennifer’s eyes. “Not until someone else in the family creates better news to talk about.”
    Kate searched Jennifer’s expression. That flicker, had it been for good news or bad? “Would that by any chance be you?”
    Jennifer flashed a knowing smile. “You’ll find out after dinner.”
    “Leaving me the hot seat for a while?”
    “You’re good cover. I think I’ll hide behind you for another hour.”
    Kate hugged her. “In that case, I think I should hurry along dinner.”
    Marcus was leaning against the archway to the kitchen. Kate smiled at his quiet scrutiny. His arm came out to encompass her. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
    She drew in a deep breath and let it out with a sigh, safe in the shelter of his arms. She would have to reassure them all, and it felt nice. “I honestly didn’t get hurt that badly.”
    “I talked to your doctors. You weren’t a pretty sight.”
    “It’s relative. I nearly had a busted nose, but Dave got in the way of that blow.”
    “Richman?”
    She nodded. “I’d say the fight was interesting for about forty seconds.”
    “I talked to him on the phone briefly at the hospital. He didn’t mention it.”
    “As it split his lip, probably not.” She leaned back and grinned. “Thanks for the roses.”
    “My pleasure.”
    “They were extravagant.”
    “Someone has to spoil you.”
    “I’ve really missed you.”
    “It’s mutual.” He rubbed her arms. “What else has been happening in your life? Been hiding any good secrets?” She was hiding so many at the moment it made her face tinge pink. One eyebrow raised. “I think you should explain that blush.”
    “Maybe later. We’ve got steaks for the grill, as well as Polish and brats. Would you take them out to Stephen and Jack?”
    “The longer you duck the question, the more interested I’m going to be in the answer.”
    “Curiosity is good for you.”
    He nodded toward the kitchen. “Get the food.”
    Laughter erupted from the back patio where Lisa and Jennifer had joined Stephen and Jack. Kate grinned, loving the sound. “Try to corral the kids while you are out there.”
    “This is your jurisdiction, not mine.”
    “You’re the adult here. I’m going to join the fun.”
    “Thanks a lot.”
    Kate slipped her arm around his waist and grinned. “Admit it; you like being the one in charge.”
    “In this family, that means I get all the grief.”
    “Exactly.” It wasn’t just the fact that they were the two oldest; it was the past. She and Marcus had been at the group home over two years before the others had begun to arrive. Their history together went deeper, and unlike the others, they had never had a chance to be kids. “I’m going to hate this answer, but when is your flight