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Spencer stayed with Maggie while Martin was in surgery, doing his best to distract her.
She appreciated his efforts, but it didn’t keep her from worrying—or imagining worst case scenarios.
Martin had been unconscious when they arrived at the hospital, and rushed straight to surgery. She didn’t even get the chance to do more than touch his hand.
“—listening, Maggie?” Spencer waved his hand in front of her face.
“Sorry, Spence.”
He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in. “Close your eyes for a few minutes, sweetheart.”
“I can’t—”
“The world won’t end if you rest, Mags. I promise to wake you if anyone comes with news.”
“Okay. Just for a few minutes.”
She closed her eyes, leaned her head against Spencer’s shoulder. Exhaustion dragged at her, forcing her to relax. She barely registered Spencer easing her down, lifting her legs to the sofa.
“Sleep well, love.”
Something warm and heavy settled over her, and she let go.
Her fears followed her, landing her in a dreamscape she couldn’t escape.
She found herself in an endless hospital corridor, people rushing past in both directions.
A nurse approached Maggie, and she stepped in the woman’s path. “Can you tell me—” The nurse walked around her and kept going. “Wait!” Maggie ran after her, but the corridor stretched out, until she felt like she was running backward. “Where are you, Martin?”
“Here, Maggie.”
She whirled—and smothered a scream when she saw him.
He floated above the floor, as transparent as Anthea.
“No—” she whispered. “Martin—”
“Forgive me, love. I never meant to leave you, or Kit.” He reached out his hand. “Maggie—”
She grabbed his hand—and hers went right through. With a gasp, she snatched it back, cold fire burning her skin.
“Martin—” He floated backward, away from her. “No—Martin—don’t leave me—”
“I never intended to, my love, my heart.” His voice faded. “Remember me.”
“Martin!” She ran after him.
The corridor stretched out, putting distance between them faster than she could keep up.
“I love you, Maggie. I love—”
His voice died as the darkness swallowed him.
“No!” She sprinted forward. “Martin! Martin—”
“Maggie. You’re dreaming, sweetheart. Maggie.” Spencer’s voice jerked her out of the nightmare.
She sat, her heart pounding. “Where is he?”
“Martin is still in surgery. Maggie—” Spencer caught her arm when she tried to stand. “It was a dream.”
“A nightmare,” she whispered. She covered her face with both hands, wanting to hide the tears that she couldn’t stop.
“It’s all right, love.” Spencer gathered her into his arms, rubbing her back as he whispered to her. “The Professor will be all right.”
“Yes, he will.” Sara’s voice brought Maggie’s head up. “It took longer than I expected, but,” she smiled. “He came through the surgery with no problem.”
“Thank you.” Maggie pushed to her feet, still crying. “Thank you—”
Sara hugged her, holding on while Maggie tried to compose herself. When she pulled away, Sara took her hands. “Martin has a long, difficult road ahead of him. The break was not clean, and the knife wound caused more damage.”
Maggie swallowed. “What happens next?”
“He will stay here until he is strong enough to be moved. There is an excellent rehabilitation centre nearby, where I can monitor his recovery. If you want me to be part of his treatment.”
“Yes—of course. Thank you, so much. Does Martin know?”
“He is still coming out of the anesthesia. But he will know by the time you are able to see him.” Sara patted her hand before she let go. “Rest, get something to eat. It will be some time yet before he is ready for visitors.”
Spencer caught Maggie around the waist when her legs refused to hold her.
“I’ve got you, Mags. I’ve got you.”
He led her over to the sofa, sitting with her.
“I want Kit here, Spence. I need him here with me.”
“I’ll ring Lilli, have her bring him. She will want an update.” He kissed her forehead, brushed wild hair off her cheek. “He’s going to be fine, Mags.”
She watched him walk out of the waiting room, pulling out his mobile as he headed to the main doors.
“He will be,” she whispered. “As long as he’s here with us, we’ll all be fine.”