Page 161 of Fury In Death

“I am not. You’ll deal with the insane paperwork, and bring John O’Brian back on Monday. Do not embarrass me. Do not force me to wire bail for two of my detectives.”

“I’ll keep him out of trouble, boss.”

She looked at Trueheart. “Make sure he doesn’t get you in any.”

As the moon sailed, she stood outside, watched Avenue A rock it out. And Peabody’s great-grandmother Blossom—the Peabodys had some wild and strong DNA—dancing with Peabody’s younger brother, Zeke.

She talked with Feeney, Louise, and Charles, met McNab’s whirlwind of a mother. And felt her heart melt when Dennis asked her to dance a slow one.

“Charlie says you’re healing well.”

“I am.”

He looked at her with those dreamy green eyes. “I’m so glad you’re recovered enough for tonight. Nothing lifts the spirits like a gathering of people who share a heart.”

Was it any wonder she had a crush on him?

Mavis swept by, put an arm, gently, around Eve. “Isn’t it all abso-fab? Even more abso-fab than I imagined. All my favorite people are here, including people who just became my favorite people. They’re here, laughing and eating and dancing in my house. An army of kids are having a kind of pajama party downstairs. Bella’s conked out with a big smile on her face.”

“I don’t know anybody in the universe who deserves this more than you.”

“That’s why you’re my fave of my favorite people. That’s my cue. I’m doing this number.”

“You’re right.” Roarke handed Eve another cocktail. “No one deserves this more.”

“Look at her. How can she move like that while carrying that mountain? And it looks great out here. The lights, the flowers, Peabody’s water feature, all of it.”

“You’ll tell me when you’re tired and need to go.”

“Not yet.” Not when her spirits were lifted.

Mavis took her bow, laughed, then went back to Eve.

“Whew! That’s my last performance until we greet Number Two.”

“You look like you have more in you.”

“Nope. Because Number Two’s on the way.”

“On the way where?”

“Here. Oof.”

“Here? Now? No.” Panic, beyond imagining, exploded inside her. “Roarke, we’ve got to get her to the hospital, birthing center, whatever.”

“I’ll get Leonardo.”

“Actually, woo . . . Okay, that’s done. I’m doing this here, at home. Our home.”

How could an unimaginable level of panic double within seconds?

“No. Uh-uh. No.”

“Which I didn’t mention because I knew you’d freak. Which is why I didn’t tell Peabody because she’d cave and tell you, then you’d freak. I have a midwife. She was here for a while, but now she’s pretty busy delivering twins across town.”

Every ounce of blood drained out of her. “Mavis!”

“It’s fine, it’s fine.” All happy eyes, Mavis waved that away. “I’ve got two doctors here. Louise and Mira. And Phoebe—hey, Phoebe. How many babies have you helped deliver?”