Cold Case (34 page)

“I'm rather committed to finishing a book with Alex,” David said, “and there's unfinished business with Darren. No Oxford this year or maybe ever, my apartment's sublet for the year, and I'm on sabbatical. Seems I'm not going anywhere soon, but I don't have to keep imposing on Shelley and Alex. I'll get out of their hair.”

“David, we have a perfectly good apartment,” Lucy said. “I want someone to be here in the house. I would welcome you as a tenant.”

Amy flushed a deep red, and David appeared startled.

Before he could respond Barbara stood and said, “Dad, maybe it's time to head for home, don't you think?”

He stood. “I do. I'll give you a call in a few days,” he said to Lucy.

Barbara hesitated, then said, “Lucy and Amy, I'm very sorry to have caused this terrible situation today. I deliberately pushed Elders without taking into account possible unintended consequences. I apologize.”

David walked to the door with Barbara and Frank, where he embraced her, kissed her cheek, and said, “Thank you. Not only for this outcome, but a lot of things along the way. Thank you.” He opened the door and they walked out.

Frank went across the lawn with her to Bailey's car still parked in Elders's driveway. Other cars were still there, as detectives were making a thorough search of the property.

“Come on to the house,” Frank said, opening the car door. “We'll haul Darren and Todd over and order in some dinner. I think you and I deserve it.”

“Will you forgive me?” she asked. “I put you at risk, and caused Bailey to get hurt. I'm so sorry.”

He drew her to him and held her close for a moment. “Ah, Bobby, Bobby. Let's go home and drink some wine and talk about lettuces and things.”

She had tears in her eyes when she got behind the wheel. Go home, she thought. There would be the trouble at the clinic, Darren's position there, new tensions, new problems. She started to drive. But they'd deal with them. They would deal with them.