Sidetracked by Dellani Oakes Part 48 by Dellani Oakes

Eoin put a hand on his chest, bowing his head in acceptance.

The door popped open and Vanessa stormed in, followed by Jasper.

“You’re okay? How did this happen?”

“We’ll find out,” Jasper consoled her. “We’re putting an officer on you and the boys,” he told Deirdre. “A buddy of mine.”

“I can’t put you out like that.”

“Nonsense. I wish I’d thought about it before. He’ll meet you at your house. Meanwhile, how are we getting you home?”

“I’ll take her,” Eoin offered.

“My Jeep!”

“I’ll drive you,” Vanessa said. “Jasper will bring my car and Eoin can follow in his.”

“Perfect,” Eoin agreed.

“Are you all right?” the female officer asked.

“I think so.” Deirdre tried to stand, hissing in pain.

“No, you’re not. There’s an Urgent Care two blocks down. You take her there,” the female officer instructed. “I’ll call so they get you right in. Bill us.”

“No need to bill the city,” Deirdre said as they carried her to her Jeep. “We have good insurance.”

The men lifted her in and got her settled. Vanessa hopped in the other side. They made a convoy to the clinic, and were ushered in like royalty. One of the workers brought out a wheelchair for Deirdre. She sank into it gratefully. They X-rayed her ankle and did all kinds of other tests to determine what was wrong.

“Not sprained,” the doctor announced after he examined her. “Be glad of that, it’s harder to get over than a break. You’ve strained and twisted it. It will be ugly for a few days, but I’ll get you a pain med and a boot.”

“A boot? I can’t drive with that on.”

“You can’t drive for a week, in any case. Your family will have to chauffeur you around.”

“Ugh.” Deirdre rolled her eyes. “Fine. At least my eldest can drive. He’ll love it.”

“I mean it. No physical activity, except going to the bathroom. When you’re sitting, feet elevated. Do you have a recliner?”

“Yes.”

“Good, you’re in it unless you’re asleep. Clear?”

“Yes, Doctor.”

“You mean it?”

“I’ll sit on her if she doesn’t,” Eoin stated firmly. “I’m with, for the duration,” he said sternly. “Hubby’s out of town, and you can’t expect your boys to handle meals. They’d burn the house down, and you unable to hobble out. Vanessa will see you home, and I’ll pop over to my place, pack a bag and follow you down.”

“Okay, you talked me into it. I’m not going to argue.”

“She must be sick,” Eoin said. “She’s never that compliant.” He felt her head with the back of his hand.

Deirdre waved it away. “Just tired and in a lot of pain.”

They got her prescription filled at the clinic and Vanessa saw her home. Jasper followed Eoin. His logic was that if the criminals had followed Deirdre, they knew where he lived. He wasn’t taking chances with the younger man’s safety. Vanessa could take care of Deirdre and his friend, Aaron, would meet them at the house.

Eoin packed his bags and joined Jasper in Vanessa’s car, leaving his own parked at his home. His nosy neighbor came out to check on him, and he told her he’d be out of town for a few days.

“You’ll be all right?”

“Yes, Pati. I’ll be fine, I promise.” He kissed her cheeks and thanked her for looking after his place.

“You be careful,” she cautioned. “I don’t want to lose you as a neighbor, I don’t feel like breaking in another one.”

“Cross my heart.”

The trip home was blissfully uneventful. Deirdre couldn’t remember a time she’d felt so grateful that nothing untoward happened. Her boys were home and Aaron was inside with them, working on dinner, he’d brought food with him. A homemade lasagna bubbled in the oven. Corin was mixing his signature garlic butter while Aiden and Burl worked on a salad. Aaron was kneading bread on the island.

“Look at the domesticity!” Deirdre said. “You want a nanny job?” she asked Aaron, after she was introduced.

© 2018 Dellani Oakes