Megan's mate

It does to me. If you want to do something for me, Megan, really want to do something for me, you'll push him right out of your head.

He's Kevin's father,

she whispered.

It makes me sick to think it.

He's nothing. Lie down here with me, will you?

Because she could see that he was fighting off the drug, she did as he asked. Gently she shifted his head so that it rested on her breast.

Sleep for a while,

she murmured.

We won't think of it now. We won't think of anything.

He sighed, let himself drift.

I love you, Megan.

I know.

She stroked his hair and lay wakeful while he slept.

Neither of them saw the little boy with shattered eyes and pale cheeks in the open doorway.

Nathaniel woke to the rhythm of his own pain. There was a bass drum in his head, pounding low in the skull, with a few more enthusiastic riffs at the left temple. It was more of a snare along his ribs, a solid rat-a-tat that promised to remain steady and persistent. His shoulder sang along in a droning hum.

Experimentally, he sat up. Stiff as a week-old corpse, he thought in disgust. With slow, awkward movements, he eased out of the bed. Except for the pounding in his head, it was clear. Maybe too clear, he thought with a wince as he limped into the shower. His one pleasure was that he knew his two unexpected visitors would be suffering more than he was at the moment.

Even the soft needles of spray brought a bright bloom of pain to the worst of his bruises. Teeth clenched, he waited out the pain until it mellowed to discomfort.

He'd live.

Naked and dripping, he stepped out of the shower, then filled the basin with icy water. Taking one bracing breath, he lowered his face into it until the shocking cold brought on a blessed numbness.

Steadier, he went back into the bedroom, where fresh clothes had been left folded on a chair. With a great deal of swearing, he managed to dress. He was thinking of coffee, aspirin and a full plate when the door creaked open.

You shouldn't be up.

Coco, a tray balanced in both hands, clucked her tongue.

Now get that shirt off and get back into bed.

Darling, I've been waiting all my life to hear you say that.

You must be feeling a little better,

Coco said, and laughed, then set the tray on the bedside table and fluffed at her hair. It occurred to Nathaniel as he followed the familiar gesture that her hair hadn't changed color in a couple weeks, maybe more.

Must be some mood she was in, he decided.

I'll do.

Poor dear.

She lifted a hand to gently touch the bruises on his face. He looked even worse this morning, but she didn't have the heart to say so.

At least sit down

and eat.

You read my mind.

Mote than willing, he eased himself into a chair.

I appreciate

the service.

It's the least we can do.

Coco fit the legs of the bedside table over the chair and unfolded his napkin. Nathaniel thought she would have tucked it into his collar if he hadn't taken it himself.

Megan told me what happened. That Baxter hired those those thugs. I've a mind to go to Boston myself and deal with that man.

The fierce look in her eyes warmed Nathaniel's heart. She was like some fiery Celtic goddess.

Sugar, he wouldn't have a chance against you.

He sampled his eggs,

closed his eyes on the simple pleasure of hot, delicious food.

We'll let it go,

darling.

Let it go! You can't. You have to contact the police. Of course, I'd prefer if all you boys got together and took a trip down to blacken that man's eyes...

She pressed a

hand to her heart as the image caused it to beat fast.

But,

she continued with some

regret,

the proper thing to do is contact the authorities and have them handle it.

No cops.

He scooped up delicately fried hash brown potatoes.

Dumont's going

to suffer a lot more, not knowing what I'll do or when I'll do it.

Well...

Considering that, Coco began to smile.

I suppose he would. Like waiting

for the other shoe to drop.

Yeah. And bringing the police in would make it tough for Megan and the boy.

You're right, of course.

Gently she brushed a hand over his hair.

I'm so glad they

have you.

I wish she felt the same way.

She does. She's just afraid. Megan's had so much to handle in her life. And you well, Nathaniel, you're a man who'd leave any woman a bit addled.

You think so, huh?

I know so. Are you having much pain this morning, dear? You can take another pill.

I'll settle for aspirin.

I thought you might.

Coco took a bottle out of her apron pocket.

Take these with

your juice.

Yes, ma'am.

He obeyed, then went back to his eggs.

So, you've seen Megan this

morning?

It was nearly dawn before I could convince her to leave you and get some sleep.

That information went down even better than the food.

Yeah?

And the way she looked at you...

Coco patted his hand.

Well, a woman knows

these things. Especially when she's in love herself.

A becoming blush bloomed on

her cheeks.

I suppose you know that Niels and I that we're... involved.