Chapter 20

Abigail literally flew off the sofa and headed towards the mini bar in the room for some water while Rick answered the phone.

“Yes?” Rick almost barked into the receiver.

“Wow! Take it easy!” he heard Jason’s voice say, “It’s only me.”

“Damnit Jas, you have got the WORST timing!” Rick told him leaning his head back against the sofa and closing his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Jason asked before adding, “Where’s Abby?”

Rick sighed.

“She just went over to the mini bar.”

“I’m guessing that I just interrupted something.” Jason said a little hesitantly.

“That’s very astute of you, Sergeant, but not anymore.” Rick told him.

“What happened?”

“Nothing! That’s the problem.” Rick replied with a heavy sigh, “Anyway, what’s up?”

“I was just calling to check up on you two.” Jason told him, “How was the show tonight?”

“Everything went just fine.”

“Anymore threats, messages… grand gestures?” Jason asked.

“Nope. Well, not yet anyway.”

“That’s good.”

“Yes it is.” Rick agreed.

“You sound tired. You should get some rest.” Jason stated after noting his friend’s voice.

“I know.”

“Did Abby leave yet?” Jason asked, “Are you alone?”

“No. She’s not leaving. We’re sharing a room, why?”

“You’re sharing a room with her?” Jason asked, his voice raising an octave.

“Yeah. It’s going to look suspicious if we got separate rooms, Jason. You know me.” Rick reminded him.

“Yes I do and I’m hoping all that’s going to change, especially with Abby.” Jason said.

“I already told you not to worry about me and Abby.” Rick told him suddenly irritated.

“I’m serious Rick. Don’t hurt her.” Jason’s voice was stern.

“Damnit Jason, what makes you think I’m going to hurt her?” Rick demanded.

“You’re attracted to her.”

“I am.”

“And she’s attracted to you.”

“She is.”

“And if I know you as well as I think, you’re going to use that against her.” Jason said, “She’s there to do a job Rick, first and foremost.” He emphasized.

“It’s funny that you should say that when you’re the one that sent her to me.” Rick shot out.

“Rick-“

“You knew that I would be attracted to her. I told you exactly how I felt about her after we met. You knew what was going to happen if you sent her to me, so what’s the problem now? Are you regretting it?” Rick asked, his voice hard.

Jason sighed loudly and counted to three.

“Rick, you’re one of my best friends.” He began, “You know that there are a lot of things that I would do for you and this was one of them. Just don’t make me regret it.”

“Then just trust me.” Rick stated, “That shouldn’t be too hard if I’m as a good a friend as you say right?”

“Is Abby around? Could I talk to her?” Jason asked deliberately changing the direction of the conversation.

“I think she went to bed. Wait let me go check.” Rick said and was about to put down the receiver when Jason rushed on.

“Don’t bother. I’ll call her in the morning.”

“Okay.”

“Rick.” Jason said just before hanging up. “Take care of yourself okay?”

Rick’s expression softened.

“Don’t worry. You sent me a bodyguard remember?” he teased.

“She’s not a bodyguard Rick. She’s a detective.” Jason corrected him, “One, who I might add, may not be as alert as she should be on this case.”

“And that’s my fault?” Rick asked surprised.

“Just help her out as much as you can. You’ve still got a stalker if you recall.” Jason reminded him.

“Rick sighed. “I know.”

“Go to sleep. You need it.”

“I’m going.”

“On the sofa.” Jason added.

“Yes dad.” Rick teased. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Jason said just before the phone clicked.

Rick walked around the room and found Abby sound asleep in the bedroom. He couldn’t remember how long he stood there looking at her before he grabbed an extra blanket and pillow and settled himself in for a restless night on the leather sofa.