Her mother sighed doubtfully. “All right, if you’re sure…”
“You have my card if you change your mind and want to talk to someone.” Detective Rast gave her a level look. “I really recommend it. But you have to do what you feel is right for you.”
“I’m going to,” Lauren said firmly. She yawned, not faking it this time. “And right now what feels right is going home to bed.”
“I’m sure you’re exhausted.” Detective Rast smiled. “I’m very glad you’re home safely, Lauren. Your mother was terribly worried.”
“Thank you, Detective.” Lauren’s mother smiled. “Just send your bill to my e-mail and I’ll see that you’re paid.”
He shook his head. “No charge.”
“But you spent so much time on finding Lauren,” her mom protested. “Of course I’ll pay you.”
Rast shook his head again. “I didn’t find her and bring her home myself. So no charge. I am very glad she’s home though.” He smiled grimly. “I wish all my missing persons cases turned out so neatly.”
Lauren’s mom started to protest again but he simply shook his head and said, “Good night,” before leaving.
“Wow,” Lauren murmured as they headed to their car, which was parked a few feet away. “Now there goes a guy with issues. Maybe he’s the one that needs therapy.”
“He certainly did seem to have a problem with Sophia’s friend,” her mom agreed, as they got into the car. She looked troubled. “I wish he wasn’t so proud and stubborn! He’s spent all his time and resources on your case for the past month. I really need to compensate him for his trouble.”
“Send him a check,” Lauren suggested. She yawned again. “Look, Mom, I really need to get home. I left Xairn there all alone and this is his first time on Earth.”
Her mother looked at her doubtfully as she started the car. “Are you sure you want him to stay with you, honey? I mean, I could rent him a hotel room…”
“Mom!” Lauren frowned at her. “I’m a grown woman.”
“I know, I know.” Her mother sighed as she made the turn toward Saint Armand’s Circle. Luckily the Sarasota Human/Kindred relations building wasn’t too far from Lauren’s efficiency condo so they didn’t have far to drive. “I mean, he’s very handsome but he’s so big, honey. And he looks so, I don’t know…forbidding.”
Lauren wondered what her mother would say if she could see Xairn in his pre-DNA altered state. Though she kind of missed his striking red-on-black eyes, she was glad he didn’t have them now. “Mom, Xairn would never hurt me,” she said firmly. “And believe me, he’s had plenty of chances. He protected me from the AllFather and saved my life over and over. He left his home and renounced his entire race to come stay with me. I love him.”
“I can see that you do, honey. It’s just that I almost lost you—I did lose you. And I couldn’t bear to lose you again.” Her mom pulled up to the condo and parked beside Lauren’s car. The Kindred Ship Xairn had used to bring them back had turned into a small silver car which was parked around the back.
“You won’t lose me.” Lauren leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I promise you that. I’m staying right here where I belong from now on.”
“I hope so.” Her mom looked troubled. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
Lauren laughed. “Mom, it’s three feet. But okay, if you want to.”
“I do.” They both got out and her mother took her by the arm protectively.
“Fine, Mom.” Lauren was pretty sure she just wanted another chance to check out Xairn, whom she’d only gotten to meet briefly before Detective Rast had called them to the HKR building. But if it made her feel better, Lauren supposed she couldn’t blame her. Her mom was actually showing great restraint considering the circumstances; Lauren didn’t mind showing off Xairn one more time if it put her mind at ease.
“You know, the manger told me unit 12B is empty right now,” her mom said, pressing her arm. “It’s a lot bigger than this little place and it has two bedrooms. I could come by tomorrow and help you move in.”
“Mom.” Lauren gave her mother a look of exasperated affection. “It’s bad enough that I’m mooching off you by living in a complex you own without taking the nicest condo in the place! Besides, I like my little efficiency. It’s cozy.”
“But is it really big enough for two people?”