Sarah sniffed, and Conner kissed her forehead. "We're going to get through this baby, don't worry." He turned his attention back to Jackson. "So how do we start?"
"Well, the first thing we need to address is your job. You'll need to take a leave of absence."
"I'll go in and talk to the other partners tomorrow. I guess I could say it's a medical problem."
"Elisabeth and I will accompany you in case Victor knows more than we think. Sarah can prepare things here. We should start tomorrow. You okay with that, Sarah?"
She whispered, "Yes."
Sarah managed to momentarily lift the silent pall suffusing the room. "Jackson, how do you think Cassandra hooked up with Victor?"
He sighed deeply and shook his head. "Damned if I know. Maybe there's an 'I hate Jackson Parrish' website out there."
She chuckled, "Click here if he left you in a hotel room, alone and violated." The laugh they shared cemented their solidarity.
Jackson noticed heaviness in Elisabeth's eyes, so took her hands. "Come on, my beautiful virago, time for bed."
"No, I can stay awake."
Connor stood. "I need some sleep too."
As they climbed into bed, Jackson arched his brow. "So, you can kick my ass, right?"
Elisabeth rubbed her eyes and yawned, "Let's not go there tonight."
He pinned her beneath him, holding her arms above her head.
"Come on, I'm too tired for this. Get off me."
He pulled a wicked, toothy grin. "Make me."
Her body went totally limp. "I am not going to play this game."
"Fine, but mark my words. One day you will take me against my will."
"Ha. For that to happen, you would have to be unwilling."
Jackson stood, and grabbed his robe. "I'm going to get some blood, you want anything?"
"No thanks."
He danced out of the room singing, "She's a Brick House".
Elisabeth threw a pillow at his head as he ducked through the doorway.