Page 36 of Shadow Running
sure thing.carson and i’ll take care of everything.
thanks, dude.i have some info to report, but it can wait till then.
I turned back to Penn.“Is there a chance she can fight off the faltines?That she can survive and they can kill them or dislodge them or whatever they need to?”
Penn shrugged.“A slim chance, but by now, so much of her energy has been siphoned off that she could survive but be in a permanent vegetative state.It would take a miracle at this point.”She squeezed her eyes shut and leaned over to kiss Murdoch on the head.
“Is there anybody we can call?”I asked.
“I don’t really have any other relatives.None that want to hear from me.My uncle hates my guts.And the rest…they never contacted my mother unless there was bad news.I’m going to be alone in the world,” she whispered.“Which isn’t much different than right now.”
“You have me, and Dante, and everybody at the office.We’re a family, Penn—and you’re included in that.We buoy each other up, we cheer for each other, we mourn with each other.And isn’t that what family is, at the very core?People who love you and support you?”
Penn nodded, sniffling.“Thank you for including me in that—I know you care, we’re closer than sisters.But I don’t know everybody else that well.Not yet.”
“You will.You’re one of ours now.”I took the bottle from her hand.“Would you like something to eat?I bet you haven’t eaten since you got the call.”
“Right,” she said, leaning back.She really was gorgeous—absolutely beautiful.Her auburn hair brought out the green of her eyes, and her curves were in all the right places.And right now, my gorgeous, lovely friend was hurting.As much as she and her mother had sparred, there was a deep bond there that I didn’t think even Penn realized.
“Sophia’s coming over tomorrow to stay with you—and don’t even argue.I have to go in, but she’s happy to stay here and be with you…”
“In case they call?”she asked.
I nodded.“Yeah.In case they call.Now, let me get you some food, please?”
She grimaced, but finally agreed.“Some eggs and toast maybe?”
“What about some fruit salad with that?”
“A banana, I guess.”Penn blew her nose again, and Murdoch snuggled up to her even closer.
I handed her the remote.“Okay, you find something soothing to watch while I go cook.”I headed into the kitchen and soon heard the soothing sounds of Lake TV—a show that examined lakes around the nation.It was calming, pretty, and had absolutely no emotional stakes.
After scrambling up some eggs and making toast, I added a banana to the tray, and also a mug of chicken broth.It was easy on the stomach and always mademefeel better.Then, picking up the tray, I pushed through the kitchen door and carried the food into the living room.I set it on a TV tray next to the sofa, and then stretched out in the recliner next to the sofa, where we silently watched the hosts describe lakes from Michigan State.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
The next morning,before I left for Seton’s, I checked on Penn.She was still sleeping, and Murdoch had stayed with her all night.As I peeked into her room, he jumped off her bed and padded out the door, following me into the kitchen where Jangles was already waiting.
I opened a couple cans of cat food and fed them, decided that I didn’t want to wake Penn making noise so I’d buy my breakfast while I was out.I finished feeding the cats, fed Mr.Crumbles, then ran into my bedroom to get dressed.As I grabbed my bag, the doorbell rang.I let Sophia in.
“Feel free to grab a bite to eat, but try not to wake Penn?”
“Of course,” Sophia said, keeping her voice low.
“See you later—let me know how she’s doing.”I pulled out my keys and raced out to my car.It was going to be warm, so I wore a pair of black jeans, a silver tank top, and knee high boots.I had pulled my hair into a high ponytail and glossed on a quick face of makeup.
As I pulled out of the driveway, I slipped on some shades.The sun was coming up bright and shining, and I had broken the visor over the windshield.I headed for Seton’s, hoping he would be able to help me figure out what to do next.
* * *
Seton was in his office,watering a plant when his receptionist showed me back.Seton Anthony was far older than he looked—he looked barely college age.But Hecate—Penn’s goddess—had referred to him asOld One, in an honorific sort of way.Which left me wondering, who was Seton—really?He was an expert about Demonkin, he knew my physiology well enough to be my doctor, but I knew very little about his personal life.
“Kyann, sit down,” he said, motioning to the chair opposite him.“What can I do for you?”
I sat down and leaned back.The furniture was mahogany and leather—like some professor’s obscure library.But it was comfortable and the room felt light and welcoming.
After a moment, I let out a breath.“I’ve met a relative.On one of our current cases, no less.I’m not sure what to think.Also, I have a question about sex and how safe it is for me to fully lose myself in the experience.”
