When Jack woke up, his back was on fire. He didn’t remember getting into bed. He blinked grit-filled eyes. When his vision cleared, he saw that he was back in his original, posh hotel, not Sanctuary.
“Hey, there.”
Jack was too muzzy-headed to pinpoint the speaker, but he was someone Jack knew.
Elliot walked into his line of sight and then dropped down into the chair next to Jack’s bed. “We’ve been taking shifts, keeping an eye on you.”
Jack squeezed his eyes shut and opened them again. He’d love to rub his face, but that wouldn’t be a stellar plan. “Why?” The question came out as a croak.
Elliot grabbed a cup from the nightstand with a straw stuck in it. He offered Jack a drink.
It was an ordeal to drink through the straw while lying prone, but it was worth it. After he’d drunk half the glass, he felt like he could speak.
Once Elliot had returned the glass, he said, “Just making sure you don’t try to get up on your own. You did that once and fell. We found you crashed out on the floor. After that, we figured it was better to do shifts and keep an eye on you.”
“Ah. Don’t suppose it’s been three days?”
Elliot smiled. “Unfortunately your healer friend isn’t expected for another day or two. They tried to find someone closer, but..” Elliot shrugged.
“It’s not that common of a skill. We’ve been lucky that there are a few in the area where we live, and we have decent connections with, ah, this organization—”
“IPPC. Marin told me about them. I’ve been quizzing her. I thought, with everything that’s happened here over the last few weeks, it might be good to have a more permanent solution for the area. And that’s when she mentioned them.”
“Good God. Don’t tell me: you’re considering joining Harrington.” The thought was cringe-worthy. But then again, Jack had access to resources—friends—that Elliot didn’t have. All Elliot had was Jack, and he wasn’t moving to Belize any time soon. Any interest he might have had in vacationing had been wiped away. A shredded back would do that to a guy.
“I’m not sure about joining, so much as staying in contact. Marin’s warned me that he’s a slippery man. But knowing what I do, it’s hard to think about living unplugged from the magic-using world. Knowing that there’s so much out there, so much wonder, and…” Elliot paused and then looked away from Jack as he said, “And so much potential for harm.”
“I really am sorry about your girlfriend.”
Elliot sighed. “You know, we weren’t soul mates or anything like that. We enjoyed each other’s company. She was fun, and I enjoyed being with her. She was a good person, and she made me happy. Maybe we would have been more, but I’ll never know because we didn’t have the time to find out. I resent that—the lost possibilities—most, I think.” He frowned. “It was also difficult having something so terrible happen to someone close to me. I read the autopsy report.”
“Aw, Elliot. That wasn’t a good idea, man.”
“How could I not?” Elliot ran both hands through his shaggy mop. “But enough. Thank you for everything. I’ve already transferred the cash we agreed on plus something extra. Not that money helps with pain.”
Jack snorted. “Sure it does. I feel better already. Speaking of, it hurts like hell, but all things considered, I would have expected worse.”
For the first time since they’d been talking, Elliot’s expression lightened. “That would be the wyrd sisters’ work.”
“You mean Abi and Iris?”
Elliot grinned. “That’s what the locals call them. Better than witch, I suppose. They’re both very well-liked. I’d heard of them, but never met them before. Abi’s been applying poultices regularly to your back and been adding some concoction to your drink. She’s also advised that we should start shoveling chicken soup down your throat. I’m sure once they discover you’re awake they’ll be sending it on. I've already texted them both.”
“I don’t suppose there was something in what she’s been giving me to make me sleep?”
“Absolutely.”
“Thank God. If I could have slept through all three days, I’d have been happy. I’ll be sure to thank her.”
“And Iris.” Elliot pressed his lips together. “You know it was her ghosts who caught you when Nate dropped you.”
Jack remembered falling and then he remembered being on the ground—but no impact. “How is that remotely possible?”
“Not a clue. I’m not sure that Iris knows. She’s pretty upset about what happened with the seven victims’ ghosts. I know she wants to explore the idea of being a medium—but probably not for a while.”
A light knock on the door was followed by the entrance of the two wyrd ladies themselves. Abi entered carrying a Tupperware container and Iris followed with flowers.
“Hey, look at that,” Jack said. “My soup has arrived, just as predicted. I understand I have you lovely ladies to thank for my care.”
“You’re very welcome.” Iris lifted the bouquet. “These are from Marin. She flew out as soon we got you stabilized.”
Marin’s father. How could he have forgotten?
“But her friend Harry is still scheduled to come in and treat you.” Abi’s eyes shone with curiosity. “I can’t wait to see how that works. I don’t suppose he’d let me in on any trade secrets, would he?”
Jack laughed—which was a huge mistake. It took him several minutes before the pain had subsided enough for him to put two thoughts together. But the first thought he had was that these three would make a fabulous local team. Harrington was a fool if he didn’t try to recruit them to create a field office.
Jack would just have to do his best to keep them independent of IPPC. No problem. He had a few days to get them up to speed on Harrington and the organization.
He could even see a possible investigation agency in their future. Or, knowing Elliot, maybe a non-profit.