No Such Thing as Evil

Chapter 8

Laura left the house with Chris in the stroller—the way she did each morning if the weather wasn't bad. And like all the mornings before, she looked for the woman who lived at the corner house. There she is. Laura was beginning to think the woman was deliberately avoiding her. After all, Laura left the house at the same time each day.

The woman was sweeping the walk again and had her back to Laura. Laura decided to be more direct this time. She waited before speaking until she was only a few feet away.

"Good morning! My name's Laura—Laura Richards. I live there, on the right."

The woman turned and smiled meekly. "I'm Sue Avenir . . ."

It sounded like she would say more but didn't. The silence became awkward. Laura started to speak, but then the woman added, "Oh, your baby is adorable. A boy?"

"His name's Chris. He was born in August, on the fourteenth. It looks like you'll be having yours soon too."

"Yes." Sue caressed her protruding midsection and rested her hand across the top. "It could be any day, really."

"Only a few months apart; maybe they'll be playmates."

"Maybe."

More awkward silence.

"Look, if you need anything. If there is anything, anything at all I can do to help, you let me know. OK?"

"OK." Sue smiled, but there was no acknowledgment of the subtext.

"OK." Laura waved good-bye and pushed the stroller on toward the park.

Sue did look genuinely pleased and thankful, but if a friendship was possible, it was going to take a while to break the ice. I'll look her up online. Some people were more comfortable with online relationships.

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In the stream of pedestrians, Chelsea made her way along the street to the café to meet Evangelos for lunch. Normally, she would saunter down the street and watch the eyes of the men walking the opposite direction to see if they noticed her and to see the expressions on their faces. Now she didn't want to think about anyone watching her.

Once they had returned to London, Evangelos told her about the security precautions. Their movements were monitored 24-7, either electronically or by special personnel. These people were very good and would remain unseen unless needed. Disappointed, she'd imagined a security detail. She wanted to visit her friends in her old neighborhood. Her convoy would pull up in front of a friend's house with a motorcycle cop in front, lights flashing.

She scrutinized the trans traveling on the street. Nothing out of the ordinary. No one was blatantly following her. It was creepy to think someone was watching her at all times, but she also remembered the incident at the club. If that happened again, what would be the consequences? Surely he wouldn't get away with it. What would they do to him?

Evangelos was already at a table, and he waved her over.

"I have wonderful news," she said, sitting down after a kiss. "I've found the perfect baby doctor. You'll adore him! He comes highly recommended. I have my first appointment next week."

"Pardon?" said Evangelos. "An obstetrician? Highly recommended? Really. By whom, exactly?"

"He earned five stars out of five in the online directory. I read all the reviews. His patients always comment about his nurturing approach. And several women who had dire situations credited him for saving their child's life! Impressive, don't you think?"

"Yes, absolutely smashing," he said dryly. "Um, so, we're still on for this weekend? We'll go ring shopping?" There was excitement in his voice now. "I want to get you a spectacular ring to show off to your girlfriends."