Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Yeah."

...

Private Clinic.

Sylvia had picked up some of Naomi's favorite snacks from a little deli on the way over-mini quiches, a slice of apple pie, and a thermos of hot chicken soup.

The bruises on Naomi's face had faded quite a bit, but she still looked haggard, her eyes shadowed from too many sleepless nights.

"Mom, try to eat something. There's been some progress," Sylvia said, setting the food out on the bedside table.

At the mention of progress, Naomi finally looked up, a flicker of hope in her tired eyes.

"Sylvia, did you find that man?"

"Not yet, but we're getting close." Sylvia handed her a fork, her tone gentle. "Mom, can I ask you something?"

Naomi nodded weakly. "Go ahead."

"If Bridget hadn't gotten into trouble, and she kept coming after me, what would you have done?"

hard she nearly

went through, I wanted to confront Bridget myself. If it wasn't for Edwin talking me down,

say?" Sylvia tried to sound casual as she

dare push too hard, not wanting Naomi to

soup, gathering herself before she spoke. “Edwin only found out later that Bridget once saved Rupert's life. That's

understand women. But I do. Bridget always acted so high and mighty, but deep down? She was

trouble, and then Reese showed up. That's when everything started coming to light, so I let it

box of mini quiches crashed to the floor, soup splattering all over her jeans

barely noticed the pain, anger roaring in her

her face went even paler as Naomi's words

never

cry every time the gossip columns tore into them,

of Bridget saving Rupert. She and Edwin had gone put in a storm

now Sylvia finally realized who it

Reese.

each other; finding

easier than squeezing a

meet her. Maybe