“So do you want us to hang around and wait with you?” Matt asked as he suppressed a yawn.

I shook my head slowly. They were handling all of this really well, and had proven to be true friends and allies, but …

“I think this could be a long night, actually, and it would be better if you guys get some rest,” I said and smiled at him gratefully. “If something comes up, I’ll go knock on your door.”

He nodded his understanding and then came over and squeezed my shoulder. “Hang in there, Harley. You’re not in this by yourself, ok?”

He walked into the room to make room for Philip, who’d stood up, and was still muttering under his breath.

I stood to see them out, and when Philip opened his arms, uncertainly, I stepped over to him and accepted the offered embrace.

I drew back after a few seconds and told him quietly, “There’ll be some unfinished business with Annie, Philip, no matter what I decide about Matt’s offer …”

He nodded. “You and me both, Harley. But I’m serious about what I’d said … about defending you before the bar, if things came to that, alright? And of course, you have my unqualified support in the firm, if you decide to stay.”

They both went to their room soon after that. After they’d left, I cleared the table up, and then picked up the satellite phone to call the number Jack had used to call me from.

A couple of rings later, I heard him say softly, “Harley, I’m sorry I haven’t called.”

I could hear loud music in the background, and figured out that the concert had started.

“The concert just started and Aerin is safely in her seat, flanked by the two women Allegra’s assigned to her tonight,” Jack continued. “If it’s any help at all, let me tell you that they strike me as really capable. Plus, Aerin agreed to wear that bulletproof vest …”

I chuckled, despite my anxiety, and cut in, “She probably didn’t like it, huh?”

He laughed lightly also, “Yeah, but right now she seems to be getting into the whole swing of things, as far as the concert is concerned. Humming along and everything. Is she a fan or something?”

I smiled to myself and answered, “I didn’t think so, but she must be recalling hearing that music being played by other people, like her Nana or parents?”

“Could be,” Jack said. He switched topics, “Anyway, I promise I’ll call in with an update during the break, ok? That’s scheduled in about forty-five minutes or so from now, so …”

“Alright, call me earlier if something comes up, ‘though?” I asked even as I acknowledged his plan.

“I will. Get some rest, Harley. Your girl is doing fine,” he said softly, and then hung up.

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