Page 113 of Rough Fantasy

The bad thing about that was that Jillian knew her all too well.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Listen, be straight with me. Your brother would get upset if I slapped you around considering the condition you’re in.”

She smiled, just a little so it didn’t hurt.

“They didn’t believe me. Even while they were all checking out the Petersen connection, they ignored what I said, and they doubted what I claimed. They didn’t really believe someone was stalking me.”

Jillian leaned forward and brushed some of Maura’s hair from her forehead. “And that hurt more than being dumped.”

It was so good to finally have someone understand. Tears filled her eyes and her vision wavered. Jillian said nothing. She picked up a tissue and handed it to Maura.

“To have someone doubt me like that...I am not sure I can deal with that. No one has ever doubted my intelligence.”

“They called you stupid?” Jillian asked, outrage sparking through her voice. “Isn’t that just like men? If it were someone else, then yes, but you...you never overreact. Zeke knows that.”

“So, it has been a rough couple of weeks.”

“Yeah, I can tell. Basically because you look like shit.” Maura laughed through the tears.

“I’ve missed you.”

“You just saw me ten days ago and if all of this was going on, you should have called.”

Maura sighed. “Promise me you won’t get mad?” Jillian nodded. “I was afraid you would tell Conner. He wasn’t happy with the situation of me being with two guys to begin with. I know he has serious doubts about Rory. This just made it worse.”

“Tell you what. As long as I think you are not in imminent danger, I promise not to tell Conner.”

“The two women in my life plotting against me?” Conner asked from the doorway. He was alone.

Jillian smiled when she saw him. For once in a really long time, Maura felt the sharp sting of jealousy. She was happy for her brother and her best friend, but their happiness saddened her even more.

“Not plotting, but we have to establish rules for friendship again. Where are the guys?” Jillian asked.

“They had to go talk to the police again. They want all the information they can get on O'Connell. Interpol is very interested in him. He is suspected in doing some very bad things overseas.”

“In Ireland?” she asked trying her best not to let anyone see just how much it upset her that they left her. They just left the hospital knowing she was leaving soon. It sealed the end of the relationship she had with the two of them.

“There and then he became a gun for hire. He’s suspected of teaching some terrorists in the Middle East, and then some in Somalia. He’s a very bad man.”

“And Maura beat the shit out of him,” Jillian said with more than a little pride in her voice. Maura fought the smile because it would hurt again.

“I did. So, I guess, I am better than the FBI and Interpol. They can suck it.”

Conner smiled then it faded. “You’re coming with us.”

She nodded. “I think it will do me some good to just hang out on the beach, rest.”

Conner and Jillian shared a look of worry.

“Don’t freak. I’m in a lot of pain and I’m smart enough to know rest is the best medicine.”

Conner nodded. “I’m going to call Brett and tell him we are going to be leaving soon.”

He left them alone and Jillian sat back down.

“You can do it now.”