Gun Games - Faye Kellerman [118]
“I’m sure her mother will let her visit you before she sends her to her aunt.”
Gabe sat up and winced. “What?”
Rina realized that she had spoken out of turn. “I think Peter’s concerned for her safety. She’s going to live with her aunt for a while.”
“Where does her aunt live?” Panic in his voice.
“In the city.”
Gabe threw back his head. “God, then I’ll really never see her again.” He was silent but his eyes were windows to his brain. “Maybe after I’m done with my lesson at SC—”
“Gabriel, you know you can’t do that.”
“I can’t help it.”
“You’ll just get yourself into trouble. You don’t want to do that.”
“So let them throw me in jail for stalking her. I don’t care. I love her. And she loves me.” He tried to fold his arms in front of his chest but he was hooked up to an IV. “It’s not like I’m a delinquent or a loser. I mean a lot of mothers would love me for their daughter’s boyfriend.”
“You’re wonderful—”
“Jesus, I put my life on the line for her. Isn’t that worth something?”
“No one is doubting your heroism—”
“So what’s wrong with this picture?”
Rina didn’t bother to argue.
Gabe said, “You think I’m an idiot teenager, but I’m not. I am capable of very deep feelings, you know.”
“Gabriel, I know your feelings are real. And her feelings are real as well. No one would ever call you idiotic.”
“Except my dad.”
Rina said nothing and forced out a smile.
Gabe regarded her face. “What’s going on, Rina?”
“Pardon?”
“Something’s going on. Please tell me!”
Rina sighed. “If Peter thinks that Yasmine is vulnerable, he also thinks that you’re vulnerable. I think he wants you out of the picture for a while.”
“Oh . . . okay.” He paused. “If it’s a safety issue, I’ll leave Yasmine alone. I’d rather be heartbroken than to have something happen to her, you know. I really do love her.”
Rina nodded.
“Rina, you have a strange look on your face. What aren’t you telling me?”
“Peter’s very concerned for your safety. When you get out of the hospital, he’s sending you to live with your father in Nevada until things settle down and he knows what’s going on.”
Gabe’s mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding!” When Rina remained silent, he said, “Did my father actually agree to this?”
Rina nodded.
“Oh God!” Gabe’s head fell back on the pillow. “Just when I thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse!”
“I’m sure it’ll only be for a short while before college.”
“It’s like four months. I’d rather face four hundred Dylans than spend four months with my dad.”
“If it doesn’t work, let me know. We can do other things.”
“Like what?”
“After things settle down, you can move back in with us. But if things are still up in the air, there’s always your aunt. And I’m sure Cindy would be happy to let you live with her. She’s very fond of you.”
“Yeah, move in with someone taking care of twin infants; that’ll really endear me to her.”
“We love you, Gabe. We’ll do whatever you need. But right now both Peter and your dad think it’s a good idea for you to be in Nevada.”
“That’s just swell!”
Rina’s eyes started to water. “I’m sorry, honey. I’ll visit anytime you want.”
Gabe softened and took her hand. “It’s okay . . . I’ll be fine.”
“Gabriel, it’s not forever. You’ve always got a home with Peter and me.”
“Thanks, but that’s not gonna help me now.” Gabe let out a small, sad laugh. Even that was enough to cause his side to burst with pain. “Do me a favor. Tell the anesthesiologist after surgery not to bother to wake me up.”
Chapter Thirty-four
Decker caught up to Marge as she walked into the station house. “Was Gabe able to make an ID?”
“He was so sure that I believe he could have done it with his eyes closed.” She paused. “That makes no sense.”
The Loo smiled. “When is he going into surgery?”
She checked her watch. “In an hour. Maybe a little less by now.