“Why did you run? I wanted to help you, take you to the police.”

“I’m sorry, but I just wanted to go home to safety. I couldn’t have gone through a police complaint and facing them in court. I know it’s wrong, but I’m just not capable.” Flora lowered her head on Mack’s shoulder.

“Nothing is wrong. People handle events like that in different ways, but from now on I promise you that you’ll always be safe.”

“How do you know that?”

Mack looked into Flora’s eyes and said softly, “Because I will keep you safe. I promise you.”

Flora touched Mack’s cheek and caressed it with her fingers. “You are the kindest, most understanding person I’ve ever met.”

Mack replied with, “Shut up.”

Flora giggled, and it interrupted their intimate moment. “You don’t take compliments well.”

“No, I don’t. How do you feel talking about it? That night, I mean.”

“Better. It’s still scary, but I feel stronger having shared it with you,” Flora said.

“Do you want to go in now?” Mack asked.

“Yes.” Flora was really proud of herself for acknowledging what happened to her and facing the fear in the face. They got up and walked hand in hand towards the museum. Flora loved that.

“Mack? Why did the taxi drivers not want you to pay the fare?”

“Oh, that. It’s a respect kind of thing, because I’m a Sharkey, but I’ll always pay. The Sharkeys aren’t some two-bit gangsters. Now, come and tell me all the facts you know about the stuff in here.”

“You’ll be sorry you said that,” Flora replied.

Chapter Thirteen

On the way back to Flora’s they picked up a couple of pizzas for dinner. The enormity of the day had really hit Flora hard. She was exhausted.

Mack carried the pizzas into the kitchen and said, “Go and have a seat on the couch, and I’ll bring these over.”

“Thanks, I’m sorry I’m so tired and not better company.”

“Don’t be daft. You’ve been through the emotional wringer today.”

Mack got a couple of bottles of water out of the fridge and carried them and the pizzas over to the coffee table in front of the couch.

“Here’s your pizza—”

Flora had slumped over in the seat and fallen asleep. She must have been so tired. Mack took the pizzas back to the kitchen. She looked around and found a blanket to put over Flora and tucked her in.

She wondered if she should leave and let Flora have her space, but after such an emotional day, she couldn’t. If Flora wanted her to go when she woke up, then at least Mack would know she was okay.

So Mack took off her jacket and sat on the end of the couch. Mack took her phone out and called Nikki’s home number.