Текст книги "Moon"

Автор книги: Laurann Dohner

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Текущая страница: 13 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

“Where have you been?” His high-pitched tone implied he was agitated and she was struck by a sense of familiarity. She’d heard that voice somewhere before but couldn’t quite place it. “You just disappeared.”

It was tough not to glance up at his face. She closed her eyes to resist the temptation. What did he mean? He wasn’t rational. Not good.

“I went to your office,” he confessed. “I thought I’d find a clue there to where you went. I drove by your parents’ house and all your friends’ places.”

Joy locked her knees when they threatened to buckle. The situation was far worse than she had suspected if he knew so much about her life. She was the target. The motivation was out of her reach though. Was he someone linked to one of her clients who thought she could be used to somehow gain whatever he wanted from them? Maybe he blamed her for some action one of her clients had taken. A scorned boyfriend or perhaps a family member who feared she had too much influence over the person he loved?

Worse, he could be a former client. There were times she’d counseled someone and they hadn’t meshed. The latest one she’d referred to another doctor had issues with women in general. He’d been easily offended at any spoken word by her and spent the hour putting her down. She’d known it was a lost cause to see him a second time so she’d given him Bill Core’s card. That might have been viewed as rejection though she’d wanted him to be seen by someone he’d feel comfortable talking to.

He spun her around roughly enough to almost knock her over. The hand released her shirt but he kept a firm grip on her throat. One arm wrapped around her middle, jerking her off her feet. He stumbled forward through the living room in the direction of the bedroom, her back pressed against his front. The terror of being raped became a real possibility.

She’d fight. The moment he put her down, all bets were off. The building was older, the walls thick enough to muffle noise from the neighbors, but they might hear her screams. She planned to do a lot of that once she got his hand off her throat. He obviously felt slighted some way by her and had stalked her without her suspecting a thing. Rape wasn’t about sex.

The suitcases would prevent him from throwing her on the bed. He’d have to either kick them off or shove them out of the way. He couldn’t do either, the way he had her pinned. The lamp was a good weapon but so was the heavy art deco statue on her nightstand—a Greek god. The powerful build of the male figure had been a sad reminder of 466. She’d still purchased the thing, even knowing why she was drawn to it.

“You’re going somewhere?” His anger was clear as he spit out the words. “The camera didn’t show you carrying anything in so you’re taking them out.”

He was watching her place? How? A dozen questions went unanswered. It was deeply disturbing in any case. He held still, panting a little from carrying her dead weight. It was a good thing. It meant he wasn’t in good shape, which increased her chances of hurting him when given the opportunity.

Her gaze darted to the bathroom door. It was hollow-core, all the inner doors were, but it had a lock. Hairspray would be a great weapon and so would the scissors she kept in the top drawer of the vanity. It was gruesome, considering plunging them into a living human being but she was certain she wouldn’t hesitate. Stabbing him in the throat would be her best bet to take him out fast. It was disturbing to discover where her mind went at that moment but she pushed the dismay away. Survival meant everything.

“I knew breaking into the office would bring you back.” He took another step, taking her closer to the bed. “I knew you’d show up here. There’s too much security in the parking lot at the hospital. This is much better for what I have planned.”

His voice had gained a normal tone now that he was secure and had the situation under control. Icy fingers speared her heart when she remembered that voice. Douglas Peed had been her client for four months, a referral from a coworker who had retired. He’d been bullied all his life. It had started with kids making fun of his last name, taunting him to the point that he’d attempted suicide a few times in his early teens. The cruelty from others hadn’t lessened much as an adult.

She’d tried to steer him into releasing the bitterness but he tended to let the anger boil under the surface. They’d been gaining ground though until three weeks ago when his longtime girlfriend had dumped him on the spot after he’d proposed marriage.

Joy had been brokenhearted for him when he’d fallen apart in her office, admitting to her that the woman had refused because there was no way she’d be stuck with his last name. He had been kicked around hard his entire life.

Why is he coming after me? She’d given him sympathy and understanding but it had been rough on him when his therapist had retired and he’d been reassigned to her. Had missing their appointment while she’d been at Homeland set him off? Had that been the final straw? His next words confirmed her suspicions.

“I’m done being shit on by everyone.”

She hoped she could talk him into being reasonable. He needed to put her down and release the choking hold on her throat. She made a soft noise to indicate she wanted to speak. He tensed against her body but before he could say or do anything in response, a loud pounding started in the other room.

Douglas panicked and dropped her. She was free and slowly turned to face him. She started to speak but the gun he jerked from the back of his pants muted her instantly as she stared at the barrel.

“Joy? I know you’re inside. Open up.”

Moon! There was no doubt who that deep, growly voice belonged to.

“I’ll kill you,” Douglas swore. “Get rid of whoever that is.” He backed up, keeping the gun trained on her.

She trembled from head to foot as she followed the unstable man into her living room. The source of her fear changed from her own safety to Moon’s. No way would she risk his life.

Moon pounded his fist on Joy’s door again. She was there—he’d found her blue car parked behind the building. The background check had given him the license plate number so there was no mistake. The hood had been cold, indicating that it had been there a while. It was the only vehicle registered in her name so she had to be home.

“Joy?” He hated to raise his voice because she lived very close to other humans but he wasn’t going to allow her to hide. He’d break down the door if he had to. It wasn’t his first choice. Someone might call the police. “I’m not leaving until we speak.”

He listened, breathing through his mouth. The stench of the hallway bothered him. Whoever cleaned the floors had used strong chemicals and it competed with the offensive odor of trash. He turned his head, glaring at the bag of it down the hallway. Didn’t humans take it outside and seal it inside plastic containers? He raised his fist again and gave the door two sharp taps.

“Joy?” He backed up a few feet to evaluate the best place to plant his boot. The door didn’t appear too sturdy. One strong kick should bring it down.

A deadbolt slid and the door eased open a few inches. Joy’s face appeared as she peeked out at him. “What are you doing here, Moon?”

He winced. There was a trace of fear in her voice and her face looked unusually pale. He hadn’t meant to scare her. He stayed still instead of pushing forward to shoulder his way inside her home as he wanted to do. The other problem was that she seemed to be pressed tightly against the door. She might get hurt if he forced it open.

“Why did you leave?” His heart pounded as blood rushed to his ears. He wasn’t sure what he’d do if she ordered him to go away. He wouldn’t, not until he talked her into returning to Homeland. It was tough to keep his voice neutral when he wanted to snarl.

“An emergency came up at work.” She licked her lips and cleared her throat. “I’ll give you a call tomorrow. It’s late and I need to get some sleep.”

Her answer floored him. It wasn’t what he expected but it angered him after he let it settle. “You’ll call me?”

“Yes.” She pushed against the door until her cheek dented along the edge of it. “I love you.”

Three softly spoken words caused him to sway on his feet and forced him to shift his weight to keep upright. She loved him? The door slammed and the lock clicked. He blinked a few times while it sank in. She loved him? He wasn’t sure what to do. How could she tell him that but put a door between them? A variety of jumbled emotions burst forth. He wasn’t the only one with strong feelings. Love meant everything to him but what about her?

It pissed him off that she had blurted it out without warning. And slammed the door in my face. He backed up, paused, stepped forward. His hands twitched at his sides, wanting to touch her. He needed to know how she loved him. Humans were far too vague. They loved their friends, their cars, and possessions with seeming equality.

He lunged, not giving a damn if it startled her or sent her neighbors into a state of fear. No way would he turn and walk away from her when he wasn’t sure what loving him meant to her. His boot nailed the door inches from the handle. The snap of wood was far louder than he intended but the door flung open.

He expected Joy to jump or perhaps scream when he stormed inside to go after her. The sight of a male facing him across the small room with Joy between them halted his forward movement abruptly. The human’s face was mostly hidden by a floppy hood but the gun pointed directly at her head drew his attention.

Time seemed to stand still while he struggled to make sense of the situation. The arm holding the weapon jerked in his direction. Joy cried out and spun around to face him. Her hair whipped around so fast that the long strands snagged on the metal. She kicked upward and jumped in his direction. His reflexes were slow as her body plowed into his chest. A sharp bang deafened him in the small room.

He’d been off balance when Joy’s full weight tackled him and they were propelled backward. The feel of her was enough to jar him from his shock. His back crashed into the wall next to the door, the only thing that kept them from both hitting the floor. Instinct took over as he glanced to the side before he threw her into the kitchen. He didn’t have time to see if she landed safely behind the row of cabinets that separated it from the living room. All that mattered was that she was out of the line of fire.

He howled in rage and shoved away from the door. The human had shot at them. The male stumbled backward as Moon leapt at him, tripping on the coffee table. The male’s arm flew upward when he lost his balance. Another shot hit the ceiling, sending down white debris.

Moon landed on the human’s legs. The grunt of pain from him barely registered as he tore the weapon away. The male sucked in a sharp breath screamed as if he were a female. It was cut off when Moon threw all his rage behind his fist that plowed it into the pasty face that wasn’t hidden anymore. The human’s eyes rolled back, accompanied by the crunching sound of his jaw breaking from the blow. He didn’t move but he was alive as his chest rose and fell.

Moon snarled, ready to tear out the male’s throat.

“Don’t kill him,” Joy panted. “He’s sick.”

Moon didn’t give a damn. The human was inside Joy’s home and he’d taken a shot at them. Rage surged. Why was the male there in the first place? Was he the reason she’d left Homeland? Was he someone she cared about? Loved? He snarled and his fingers curved into claws as he eyed the exposed throat.

“Moon!” Joy sounded a little closer. “Please don’t kill him. Tie him up.” She tossed something at him that landed on the floor next to where he crouched.

He glanced at the dishtowel. It was black and thick.

“Tear strips and tie him up. I’m calling 9-1-1. Please, Moon? He’s a client of mine. He’s mentally ill.” She took a ragged breath. “He suffered abuse growing up. He is obviously delusional and dangerous now.”

I’d like to snap his neck, Moon grumbled to himself, battling the urge to kill the bastard. It would upset Joy more. He bent and grabbed the towel. It was easy to bite into an edge and tear it into three long strips. Moon wasn’t gentle when he rolled the human onto his stomach. It gave him satisfaction when he realized, from the odd way it was twisted, that one of the human’s legs was broken near the knee. It would be painful when he regained consciousness and hurt like hell.

The bindings might be too tight but he had no gentleness in him. Not when it came to Joy’s patient. He was tying a second binding a little higher than the first one when something caught his attention. He glanced at his thumb to see blood. He finished the job and examined his hands to see where he’d been cut. He wasn’t cut or wounded. He lifted his thumb to his nose to learn the scent of his enemy.

The stench of the gunpowder had left his senses a little dulled but the scent he picked up now stilled him. He knew it only too well. He turned his head to stare at Joy. She was in the kitchen on the other side of the counter, leaning heavily against it. One hand was holding her upper arm and blood seeped between her fingers.

He’d hurt her. It must have happened when he’d thrown her out of the way. Her arm must have slammed into a counter and cut her skin. Regret was instant as he stared at her. She was pale as she watched him. He glanced at her hand again as he rose to his feet.

“I’m sorry.”

Tears filled her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. “My phone is in the bedroom. Call 9-1-1. My cordless is in the charging cradle in there.”

He was torn between going to her and doing what she asked.

“Tell them we need the police and an ambulance.”

He growled, shooting a hate-filled glare at the unmoving human sprawled facedown on the floor. “I’ll tell them to come arrest him but I won’t ask for medical assistance. I want him to suffer for as long as possible.” He glanced back at her, hoping she knew what it had cost him not to kill the bastard in the first place.

“It’s not for him.” Her voice cracked. “It’s for me.”

Moon’s heart lurched. “I hurt you that much? Is your arm broken?”

She frowned. “You didn’t do this. I was the one who jumped in front of the bullet. I’m glad it hit me instead of you.”

He looked at her arm, noticing that she was bleeding a lot more. Her fingers were covered and it stained her shirt to the elbow. She’s been shot! The scene at the door replayed through his mind.

The human had stood across the room but Joy had been walking away from the door when it had come crashing open. She’d been much closer to him than the male holding the gun. She’d been facing the man so she must have seen him aim at Moon, ready to fire. The next part almost took him to his knees.

“You purposely got between us. You knew he was going to shoot me.”

“Call 9-1-1. I’m trying really hard to remain calm. I’ve never been shot before. It really hurts and did I even mention that I don’t handle the sight of blood well? I don’t. I am trying really hard not to pass out.”

He rushed to her and swept her up into his arms. She gasped but didn’t protest when he almost ran to her bedroom. It was easy to locate the bathroom. Human households were the same as Species. The light was already on in there when he placed her on the counter.

“What are you doing?” The pain in her eyes tore at him.

He gripped her hand tenderly and pulled it from the wound. Blood ran faster. It was too much for him to treat with any first-aid kit she might have stashed in the bathroom. He released her hand. “Put pressure on it.” She needed a doctor, not him.

She moaned. “I think I’m going to faint. I really can’t stand seeing blood.” She did what he demanded though, seeming to fight her reaction to the wound as she held on to it.

He slammed his knee into a corner of her bed as he ran into the bedroom, almost tripped, but recovered as he reached her desk. The small room was littered with too much furniture for him to easily maneuver. He noticed that his hand was coated in her blood when he jerked up the phone and found the talk button. He dialed with an unsteady finger.

“9-1-1. Please state your emergency,” a calm female answered.

“My female has been shot by a human male.”

There was a few seconds of silence.

“Did you hear me? Send an ambulance. She’s been shot in the arm and is bleeding.”

“All right.” The female didn’t sound alarmed by the news. “You said a female has been shot by a human male?”

“Yes.”

“Is she human too?”

“Yes.” He carried the cordless receiver into the bathroom to check on Joy. She sat where he’d left her, holding her arm. He was afraid she’d fall over so he pressed closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. She leaned into him. “Send help.”

“Sir,” the female on the phone sighed. “9-1-1 is for real emergencies.”

“This is one. A human male has shot my female. She’s in need of medical care.”

“Okay. I’m routing a patrol car to your location. The responding officers will be able to help you.”

“I need an ambulance.”

“I’m sure they’ll be happy to call one if you need more assistance than they can give you.” She paused. “Do you take medication?”

He growled. “You think I’m insane? My female is bleeding. The human male is tied up in the living room.”

Joy looked up at him and he hated the way she swayed before her lids lowered. He hoped it was her aversion to blood that made her woozy. He adjusted his arm behind her and shoved her fingers out of the way, hating to hurt her as he clamped down hard to apply pressure to the wound. It could be from the trauma of being shot or blood loss but he wasn’t going to take any chances with her life. She dropped her face against his chest and whimpered. He didn’t ease his hold.

“I’m not implying anything, sir. Officers should be there within a few minutes. Do you have a weapon? You said she was shot?”

“Not by me. It was a human!” Did they think he’d hurt Joy? It angered him.

“All right. As opposed to what? Aliens?”

It suddenly made sense. “I’m New Species,” he snarled. “I’m calling Homeland. They’ll send a helicopter to us if you won’t help.” He hung up and hit talk again. The phone beeped at him but he heard a dial tone. He called the NSO.

“You’ve reached the NSO. How may I help you?” He recognized the male’s voice.

“Book, this is Moon. I need help immediately.” He rattled off Joy’s address. “Scramble a team to this location and we need a doctor. My female has been shot. The human police are on their way.” All hell was going to break loose at Homeland but it didn’t matter. He’d face whatever punishment came his way. “I sneaked out to find Joy. Tell Justice and everyone that I’m sorry. You should call Harley too. I want him on that helicopter.”

“Shit!” Book snarled. “This isn’t a joke, is it? This is coming from an outside line.”

“No.” He lowered his chin to rest on top of Joy’s head, pressing her tighter against him. He hated feeling helpless. “Did you write down that address? Hurry. She’s bleeding. A human shot her in the arm.”

“Don’t hang up,” Book demanded. “I’m on this. We’re coming.” He put his hand over the mouthpiece but it barely muffled the sound of him yelling out orders to the Species around him. He finally spoke directly into the phone again. “Listen to me. You ready? I’ve got Justice on one line and Trisha on another. Fury just got on the line too. I can hear them but you can’t. I’m putting you on speaker so they can hear you.”

The other line kept beeping but Moon ignored it. It was probably the annoying operator trying to call him back. “I understand.”

“Tell the humans who arrive at the scene that you’re New Species. I’m sure they will see that but state it loud and clear so there’s no mistake. They have no jurisdiction over the NSO. They can’t arrest you but they could shoot you first from a distance if they don’t know what you are.” He paused. “Fury says they are contacting the local police to make sure they know you are Species and know the laws concerning us. We might be able to keep them from entering her home.”

“I brought a gun with me but haven’t used it.”

Book hesitated. “Don’t point it at anyone. Where is it?”

“Tucked into my pants in the back.”

Book hesitated again. “You’re allowed to carry it. Their laws don’t apply to us. Tell the humans you have it and where it’s located. Do not touch it. They might panic.”

“Understood.”

Moon’s keen hearing picked up the sound of footsteps. “They are here. Someone is anyway. They just entered her living space.”

“Yell out that you’re New Species,” Book paused. “Now.”

Moon closed his eyes, his back to the door, not wanting to jar Joy. “I’m New Species!” he stated loudly. “I’m armed but it’s tucked into the back of my waistband. I won’t use the gun. I’m on the phone with Homeland.”

“Put me on speaker,” Book demanded.

“I don’t think her phone has that option.” Moon glanced at it. He didn’t see it on the face. “It doesn’t.”

He raised his chin, his sense of smell confirming what his hearing told him. He slowly turned his head, meeting the gaze of a uniformed human officer. The male had a gun pointed at him from the doorway but lowered it. He gripped the mic attached to his shoulder.

“It’s not a prank,” the male stated to whoever was on the other end of it. He cocked his head, listening to the device in his ear. “Confirmed. I’m looking right at him. He is New Species.” He released the mic and slowly holstered his weapon. “Easy.” One palm extended, as if he wanted to hold Moon back if he attacked.

“I’m not a danger to you.”

The male swallowed hard. “Sorry. We’re not trained, um, I’ve never met one of you before.” He glanced at the mirror behind Moon, eased a little to the left, and his mouth tightened into a grim line. “She’s hurt?”

“She was shot in the arm. The human who did it is in the living room. Joy is a shrink and he was her patient.” He wouldn’t ever be again if Moon had anything to say about it. He’d hunt down and kill the male first before he ever allowed him near his female again. “The NSO is sending a helicopter for us.” He held out the phone. “They want to speak to you.”

The officer hesitated but stepped closer, accepting it. He didn’t put the receiver up to his ear right away. “Can we send in help to her when the paramedics arrive?”

“Please.”

The cop pinched his mic again. “Send in the paramedics when they arrive. The situation is calm inside the bathroom. Evacuate the man in the front room.” He put the phone up to his ear. “This is Officer Ventino. Who am I speaking to?” He listened, making one-word responses before disconnecting. He warily regarded Moon the entire time.

Irritation flashed through Moon but he understood his fear. He was glad that they weren’t attempting to kill him or rip Joy out of his arms. He turned away, rested his chin on her head and closed his eyes. She was breathing but so slowly that he knew she’d lost consciousness.

“Please tell the ambulance to hurry.”

“Yes, sir,” the officer responded. “Maybe she’d be more comfortable on the bed?” He backed out of the bathroom. “I’ll clear a spot.”

Moon gently lifted Joy, keeping his hand in place against her wound. Her head rolled against his chest. He peered down at her and knew he’d lose his mind if she died. The officer stayed at least four feet away as he entered the bedroom. Moon watched him shove two heavy suitcases to the floor.

Moon sat with her in his lap. He ignored the officer watching him, barely paid attention to the noises coming from the other room while two more officers came to take away the bastard who’d shot Joy. It didn’t even make him smile, hearing his agonized protests when it jostled him to consciousness. He kept Joy as still as possible, every breath she took a relief.

“Is there anything I can do, sir?”

Moon opened his eyes and stared at the human. Compassion was reflected in the human’s eyes. Moon glanced at the male’s left hand, which sported a gold band. “You have a mate?”

“I’m married. Yes.”

“My name is Moon. I can’t lose Joy. Is there any way to get medical help here faster?”

Loud sirens drew closer. “They will have cleared the front of the building and another officer will hold the elevator doors open so they can get up here faster. There’s another one who will direct them right to the front door.” He stepped closer and bent, gripping the bottom of the blanket. “Let me help. She’s lost a lot of blood. We’ll keep her warm to help prevent her from going into shock.”

Moon was touched that the human cared. He noticed the way the male tucked in the blanket around Joy’s body as if he were a parent tending a child.

“I’m John.” The officer crouched. “Can you tell me what happened here, Moon?”

“I came to see Joy but her patient was here before I arrived. He had a gun on her and I kicked in the door.” He paused, not clarifying that he hadn’t known that at the time. “He tried to shoot me but Joy got between us.” It was purely unacceptable to show weakness in front of humans but tears welled in Moon’s eyes as the reality of it all slammed into him full force. “She did it on purpose.” He stared down at her beautiful face. “She could die because she risked her life for mine.”

“She must love you a lot and I can see how much you love her.” A hesitant hand patted his knee in an attempt to give comfort. “I don’t think it’s fatal, okay? I’ve seen victims in far worse condition make it. I’m sure she’ll pull through.”

Moon knew he’d lose his mind if she didn’t. A commotion drew their attention as a male in a different uniform slowly eased into the room. Fear was etched on his face. “I’m a paramedic. Can we come in?” His attention shifted from Moon to Joy. “We want to help her.”

A human female pushed against the male but he threw out an arm, holding her back. She met Moon’s gaze and paled, her fear apparent.

“Help her,” he rasped. “I’m not a threat.”

They eased into the room with their medical equipment. It was frustrating how fearful they were, as if he’d bite or attack them. It quickly became apparent that they wouldn’t get too close so he lifted Joy and scooted off the bed to lay her flat. He kept hold of her arm.

“I’ve been applying pressure.”

The female braved coming into contact with him first when she pressed against his side. “Please move your hand. I’ve got it.”

He hated the sight of their gloves as they took over Joy’s care. It reminded him of Mercile. He backed away until his ass hit the desk to give them more room to work when they tore open packages from their medical kits.

John drew his attention when he stepped to stand next to Moon. “She’ll be okay. They are starting fluids and will transfer her as soon as they stabilize her.”

“Transfer her to where?”

The human was tall enough to hold his gaze level. “She needs a hospital. The guy on the phone ordered me to keep you both here and said neither of you were allowed to leave. I know the NSO is sending a helicopter but if that were my wife, I’d wanted her treated as soon as possible. I’ll go with you both if you let them take her. We can ride with her in the ambulance.”

It made sense and he didn’t want Joy to suffer. “I stay with her at all times.”

“Nobody wants this to go bad, okay?” His voice lowered. “If they try to pull rank at the hospital, remind them that you’re New Species. I’ll back you up. We’ll say it’s a security risk if they attempt to ban us from following her into a trauma bay.”

Moon glanced at him.

John winked and raised his left hand, flashing his ring. “I get it.”

“Thank you. Let’s take her to the hospital.”

John gripped his mic. “We’re rolling with her.” He let it go to give orders to the paramedics. “You heard him. Get her stable and en route to the hospital.”

Chapter Fifteen

Joy had a hard time opening her eyes. Her tongue seemed swollen and it was tough to wake. She tried to roll but a big hand pressed against her chest to hold her in place. She was able to finally shove away the haze and peer up at a dim light above her. A fuzzy shape blocked it suddenly. She blinked and stared into dark, beautiful eyes.

She’d survived being shot by Douglas. The professional side of her wondered what had happened to him but she wasn’t naïve enough to question Moon about his fate. It had been a miracle she’d talked a Species out of killing someone who’d attacked with deadly intent. It only showed how much New Species had acclimated since their release. They’d learned to quash their tempers while using reason instead of acting on pure impulse.

“Joy,” Moon rasped. “You will be fine. They said the bullet passed through your arm but you lost a lot of blood. It missed the bone.” His voice turned gruff. “The doctor said you were lucky but I don’t agree. You were shot. Luck would have been if the bastard missed you completely.”

There wasn’t any pain but she chalked that up to really good painkillers when what he said struck her as hysterically funny. She laughed.

Moon scowled. “What is funny?”

“You.”

“You’ve been shot. Do you understand that?”

“Yes. I remember.” She tried to be serious but his expression kind of reminded her of an astonished fish. She laughed again. “You’re too cute.”

His chin jerked up and he growled as he glared at something. “What is wrong with her?”

“She’s higher than a kite,” a male voice answered. “They gave her the good shit. It’s normal. She’ll be dopey for a while. My wife laughed like a loon when she broke her leg and they gave her a shot for pain after she came out of surgery. You’d have thought she was drunk.”

Joy turned her head to peer at the cop leaning against the wall next to her bed. He winked. She figured he was there to take her statement. That didn’t seem so funny. Poor Douglas. He might be beyond help. She felt guilty for not realizing how unstable he’d grown. She’d actually believed he was starting to become a more adjusted individual. Moon brushed her hair off her cheek and she looked up at him.

Moon leaned in closer to peer into her eyes. “I am glad you’re feeling good enough to find humor in something. I can’t.”

She reached up and cupped his face. She realized her fingers must be cold against his very warm skin. She hoped he didn’t mind. “You look like hell.” His hair was messy, as if he hadn’t combed it in a while and the whites of his eyes were a little red. “What are you doing here?”