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“Kate” He extends a hand, shaking first mine and then Alex’s His sood to meet you both”
“Thank you for inviting us to your home, Dr Hendricks,” I say
“Please, call ” He reaches for the shopping bag I’ “May I?”
We load everything in his car while he asks how our flight was Alex replies with a vague answer, notthat we caer seat of his car, he tells us about the local attractions in the nearby Smoky Mountains in case we decide to return in the summer
He looks up when Alex’s guards get into their cars, but he refrains fro questions as Alex and I head to our car Mom must’ve already briefed him about Alex’s so-called protocol
William’s vehicle takes the lead, and we follow I look around as we exit the clinic grounds Where are theout for my mom? Alex said she wouldn’t even know they were there Are they hiding out so tabs on her via satellite? Maybe both
We take a road that snakes up the mountain From there, the drive only takes fifteen minutes William’s house is a modern structure situated on an outcrop with a view of the lake and the s, he takes Alex and me on a tour The house is small, but the roos create an unobstructed floeen the living area, dining room, and kitchen Two upstairs bedrooms share a bathroom and balcony My favorite part is the outside terrace that overhangs the slope
We stop at the rail to admire the view Alex leans one elbow on the rail and drapes his other arm aroundeverything else seenificant Not even the view can conificent
“This is spectacular,” I say
“I’lad you like it,” Williao when I moved here from Oakland”
Alex casts a practiced glance toward the horizon, his blue eyes alert as he takes in the surroundings Seely satisfied with his visual evaluation, he checks his phone before saying, “I’ll go check if Laura needs help in the kitchen”
“Kate?” Williaone
I abandon the vista to look at him
“I want you to know that you have nothing to be worried about where your mom is concerned We like each other” A smile appears on his lips “A lot I love her opti woman I also realize she’s a bit of a free spirit, so I have no intention of rushing her into anything”