Page 43 of The Bull's Head

“I can’t,” Teddy cried. “I have to help him! I… I love him.”

“Then prove your love by taking care of yourself as you try to help him.” She held the glass tube out. “Drink this.”

He wanted to argue, but he knew it would do no good. And he was tired. He had a hard time focusing on what he was reading, the words on the page blurring or sliding over the edge. He knew he was starting to hallucinate, and Cece was right. If he lost it, he’d be no use to anyone. He took the bottle from her, noting how shaky his hands were. He pulled the rubber stopper out and swallowed down the contents.

“Tastes like chocolate,” he murmured.

“Gwyneth knows what you like,” Cece replied softly. Then she did something that still amazed Teddy. She stood and put one arm under his legs, using the other to keep him steady, then hefted him off the chair and into her arms. How strong was Cece?

“Alp, can you show me where to put him?”

“Then you get some rest too,” Mal insisted. “And don’t argue with me.”

“Yes, First,” Alp said. “I don’t have the strength to argue.”

Alp yelped when Mal picked him up. “Then I’ll give you mine,” he whispered. “Come on, Cece, let’s get these two to bed.”

And with that, they all left the office, and Mal led them down the hall toward the rooms. Teddy was already nearly asleep by the time Cece lay him on the bed and pulled a blanket over him.

“We’ll fix this,” she promised. “As a family.”

Then she kissed him on the forehead, turned and switched off the light, and closed the door behind her.

“I’m sorry, Byk. So sorry.”

And then, despite his best efforts, Teddy fell asleep.

Chapter 14

Teddy woke, feeling marginally better. The dull ache that had settled behind his eyes was mostly gone, but he could still feel it lingering in the background. He had no doubt that it would be back in full force once he sat down with the boxes again. He opened the door to his room and found Jerome, hand on the wall, making his way down the hall.

“Jerome, can I help you?”

The cat shifter startled, which made Teddy feel bad. His glasses slipped, and Teddy could see where his eyes had been, and he wondered if Cece had been too kind when she killed Hyde. “Who is that?” he asked, fear in his voice.

“Teddy. The bear? I moved here recently.”

A few moments passed, then Jerome’s features returned to their placid state. “Sorry. I didn’t recognize your voice.”

“It’s no problem. Are you alone?”

He nodded. “Alp was supposed to come get me, but I haven’t seen him…. I mean, he hasn’t shown up.” Jerome sighed. “I haven’t seen anyone,” he said, his voice breaking.

“I understand. May I offer my assistance?”

“Dr. Hamilton wanted me to come to the clinic this morning to check in with Gwyneth.”

“I am heading that way myself. Would it be okay if I accompanied you?”

“Would you mind?” He sighed. “No matter how hard I try, I can’t get used to this place. It seems like every time I figure something out, two other things get changed.”

It wasn’t helping that the work crews were still doing the small things, which necessitated the need to have equipment in odd locations.

“I understand.” He reached out and put his fingers on Jerome’s wrist. “I am uncertain how to assist you. I don’t wish to be presumptuous.”

“No, please. Take my hand. Don’t let me walk into anything, and we should be okay.”

“I promise I won’t.” Teddy gripped Jerome’s hand firmly, so he’d know Teddy was there.

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