Hidden in the Blood: A Novel of the Terribly Acronymed Detective Club (Book 5)

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Sunny, Saturday

The door to Joe and Lauren's house opened just as Sunny and Regan were getting out of Sunny's Prius, Regan's bicycle in his trunk. He thought maybe someone had seen them arrive and was coming out to welcome them, but from the way Joanie was speedwalking, it didn't look like she was one of the welcoming committee; indeed, she didn't seem to notice them at all.

"Joanie, wait, please!" Joe called after her as he followed.

Sunny and Regan watched them as they stopped at Joanie's truck and had a heated conversation. "I think we should give them some privacy," he said.

"I agree," Regan said. "You don't think things will get physical, do you?"

"From what I can see, if anyone's going to get physical, it'll be Joanie, but they're not dumb enough to make a scene out in the open."

As they walked toward the door, Regan said, "It looks like there's trouble in paradise."

Did Regan know about all that? Sunny was sure he didn't tell her. "I don't know," was all he could say; it was true, at least.

They stepped through the open door and saw an empty living room and kitchen, but a full balcony. His wife stood with Al, Rachel, Lauren, Al's mother and, to his pleasant surprise, Agnes; he didn't know anyone had invited her. The kids were playing badminton in the yard.

Al was the first to notice them. "Sunny!" he said, smiling. "Congratulations on your election victory."

Sunny chuckled awkwardly. "Jesus, yeah, you weren't there on election night."

"Why didn't you tell me when you saw me at the hospital?"

Sunny shrugged. "Honestly? I was just so damned happy to see you awake that I didn't think to tell you."

To his surprise, Al's face crumpled with emotion, and he stumbled forward, using the table as a hand hold, and threw his arms clumsily around him, making sure to avoid touching his sling. "Thanks, man," he said in his ear. "And thanks for helping Agnes."

Sunny patted his back, embarrassingly fighting his own tears. "It's my pleasure, buddy."

"Aw!" Lauren cooed. "You two are adorable!" She noticed Regan and brightened. "Hey, girl! Good to see you again!"

"I hope it's okay that I invited myself along," Regan said. "Sunny and I were in the same committee, and he mentioned coming today."

"Of course it is!" Lauren shuffled forward with her stick and gave her a one-armed hug. "Sorry we haven't gotten together since the Nikkei Centre visit, it's been a busy time."

"No problem, it has been for me too."

"So, you won too, I take it," Al said as he unlocked from Sunny.

"I did," Regan said, giving him a once over. "It's incredible, the last time I visited the hospital, you were on a breathing tube and no one knew if you'd make it."

Al took hold of his walker again and said, "That's what everyone tells me. Thankfully, I did."

"And I'm happy for you."

"Thank you."

Suddenly, no one knew what to say.

"Oh, right! Salads!" Rachel said, touching Lauren's arm. "I'll get them, you stay and catch up with Regan."

"Thanks, babe," Lauren said.

As she walked back into the living room, Tej turned to Sunny and asked, "How did the meeting go?"

"Oh, you know," he said, shrugging one shoulder. "I can't say much about it because they're in camera, but I will say that it's interesting being on a committee as a member of Council among civilians, able to bring their input directly to Council and vote on any motions arising from that input."