Emma yawns behind her hand. “His picture’s been splashed everywhere. I imagine his days of being undercover with the bureau are over. Not that I mind.”
“He should be very proud.” I haven’t told Emma yet that I had a front-row seat when the raid at the Finnegans’ began. That I received a good conk on the head as Alana squealed out of there. “Did you tell him about our stakeout?”
She giggles, and then winces and rubs where she was shot. “I did. He said he’ll have to be more careful around you in the future.”
“Well, fortunately for Robbie, my investigating days are over.”
Emma’s eyes widen as if I’ve said something truly shocking. “Oh, Piper! Don’t say that.”
“Why ever not? I’ve had enough excitement to last me a lifetime.”
“You haven’t either. You can hardly sit still in that hospital bed of yours.”
“That’s because they barely allow me to feed myself.”
Emma gives me a look that intimates she knows me better than that. “I don’t care what you say. I’ll go on record as stating that I don’t think Chicago’s underbelly has seen the last of Piper Sail.”
“Say good-bye, Emma.” Jeremiah inches her chair forward. “That cute nurse will have my head if I don’t get you back upstairs.”
Emma shakes her head—can you believe this guy?—but waves as Jeremiah rolls her out of the room.
“What will happen now with the Finnegans?” I ask when they’re out of eyesight.
“What always happens. Patrick paid the fine for first-time Volstead Act violation and is already out.”
Of course he is. I fumble with my tangled blankets. “This blasted city.”
“I know.”
“At the end of the day, how much can one person really do?”
Mariano watches me a moment before taking my hand between his. “Two people, right? You and me.”
My heart foxtrots inside my chest under his gaze. “Right. You and me.”
Mariano stands and fits his homburg onto his head. “I gotta get back to the office. Joyce will be here soon, though.”
I force myself to say a calm, “Okay,” as if the idea of being left alone and so defenseless in my hospital bed doesn’t terrify me.
But Mariano hears it anyway. He squeezes my hand. “You’re safe.”
“I don’t feel safe.”
“But you are. Maeve is behind bars. You can rest, Piper.”
“What about Patrick Finnegan?” I shiver at the memory of his voice. “You said yourself, he just paid his fine and walked.”
Mariano shakes his head. “Are you kidding me? Did you read Jeremiah’s article? Patrick Finnegan is probably balled up in a corner terrified that you’re coming after him with how fierce you sounded.”
I feel a smile inching out, and bite it back before it can stretch the bandage on my cheek. “Do you think we could go after him? I heard him say plain and clear that they helped Maeve. I suppose it’s my word against his, but it seems like there must be evidence lying around somewhere.”
“Let’s table that conversation until you’re out of the hospital, shall we?” Mariano brushes his lips over my forehead. “Nice to have you back, Detective Sail.”
When he kisses me again, for a lovely bubble of time all the fear and pain is eclipsed by the one thing that is strong enough to conquer all.
“I really am fine, Nick. Truly.” I lean forward so he can position the second pillow he insisted on behind my back. I’m happy to finally be home, but if Nick doesn’t stop hovering . . .
“Another pillow isn’t going to hurt.” Nick takes a step back and frowns. “Are you sure you don’t want a heavier blanket?”
“I really am fine.” I tuck the blanket around me. “If I get cold, Joyce will be here to help.”
“I’ll grab one, just in case. Then if you do get cold . . .” Nick’s voice trails off along with him down the hall.
“He’s insufferable,” I say to Joyce as she bustles into the room with a lunch tray, Sidekick at her heels.
“Oh, let him make a fuss over you. He’s been so antsy for you to get home.”
“He’s going to be late picking up Walter if he keeps fetching me things.”
“I’m as anxious as you, but Walter’s train still doesn’t come in for another half hour. Nick has plenty of time.”
“Walter today. Father and Jane next week.” No matter how much I had insisted they finish out their honeymoon, Father and Jane had started for home as soon as word had reached them. “This house is going to be crowded again very soon.”
“I can’t wait.” Joyce settles the tray on my lap. “It’s much calmer around here when you have plenty of people to keep eyes on you.”
Nick rushes in with the other blanket. “Now, I’ll put this right here on the back of the couch, Pippy. Can you think of anything else you need?”
“A face that doesn’t have five pounds of bandages on it? Ribs that aren’t broken?”
Instead of huffing about my lack of appreciation, Nick smiles affectionately. “Love you, little sister. I’ll be back with Walter as soon as I can.”