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?"

hand trembled so hard she nearly dropped the fork,

I saw everything you went through, I wanted to confront Bridget myself.

Sylvia tried to sound casual as she poured soup into Naomi's

too hard, not wanting Naomi

only found out later that

down? She was just trying to survive-no way would she risk her neck

into trouble, and then Reese showed up. That's when everything started coming to light,

of mini quiches crashed to the floor, soup splattering all

noticed the pain, anger roaring in

paler as Naomi's words clicked into place.

never lied

hands. Naomi would cry every time the gossip columns tore into them, but they were nobodies in high Society powerless

saving Rupert. She and Edwin had gone put in a storm to track down

and now Sylvia finally

Reese.

other; finding Reese and confirming the truth

easier than squeezing a confession

meet