As Hector unlockedthe gate going into the enclosure that held Beth, Naomi couldn’t help the anxiety that rose, twisting in her stomach. Rather than lead them out into the open air, Hector turned to the side. In the far corner, a fair size camping tent was set up. Liam’s brows rose.
“A tent?”
Hector shrugged. “There was no real way to section off an area under cover. This seemed best. I called home, and my son brought it over.” His mouth quirked up in a wry smile. “He’s seventeen, and just got his first car. He was thrilled at the opportunity.”
Liam laughed, but Naomi darted forward to the tent. Stepping inside, blinking a little to adjust to the shadowy interior. She had no idea what she’d find, but when she spotted the thin, listless leopard lying on the canvas floor of the tent, eyes closed as her head rested on broad paws, Naomi ran forward.
“Beth!”
The cat raised her head just as Naomi reached her. Naomi slid her arms about the little cat, sobbing into the matted fur. “Beth!”
A shimmer filled the air, and the leopard form faded, to be replaced with an emaciated-looking woman with Naomi’s alabaster skin and fair hair. The two women embraced, while Liam set the bag of clothing beside Naomi. The sisters broke apart, and Naomi dug into the bag, pulling out clothes. She thrust a pair of slim trousers at her sister and a warm tunic, and a set of underwear and warm slippers.
“Here… let’s get you into these.”
She looked around the enclosure, and Liam gestured to one side, where an area had been blocked off by some medical type screen dividers in a sheltered area, out of the elements. She led her sister there, and looked around swiftly. A twin bed with a comfortable looking mattress stood to one side. There was a small dresser, a nightstand, and a table with a lamp and an armchair beside it.
“We still have to figure out a shower,” Liam called, having stayed outside to give them privacy. “It’s a work in progress.”
“Okay thanks, Liam. I’ve got it from here.”
She pushed her sister onto the mattress, and handed her the clothes she’d chosen. “Here, you put these on, while I get the rest of this stuff in the dresser. I got you socks, too, and shoes.”
“Thank you,” Beth said, sounding miserable as she struggled to get her feet into the pants. She seemed to lack coordination, whether from lack of food or having spent so much time in her cat form. Naomi came over to help her.
“I also got you a brush and comb, and shampoo and toothpaste, that kind of thing.”
Beth got her arms into the tunic, and pulled it down around her hips. “Oh, it’s warm!”
“I figured you’d need warm stuff, with the cold weather setting in.” She came to sit on the mattress beside her sister, pulling Beth into a close embrace.
“I missed you so much.” She felt Beth’s tears falling onto her shoulder. “I hate this for you. I wish you were out of here.”
“No.” Beth moved back, swiping at her damp face. “I belong here, and at least I know I can’t hurt anyone like I did Neil.”
“You didn’t mean to hurt him,” Naomi declared. “I know that.”
The tears began again. “But I did. He’s dead, and I’m the one who killed him. I have to live with that always.”
“I know that. It’s just that… God! I know you, Beth. Iknowyou,” she emphasized forcefully. “I can’t see you being capable of that. I simply can’t.”
Her sister’s shoulders slumped. “I never thought I could either. Yet, here we are.”
A slight tapping on the frame of the divider drew their attention. “Can I come in, ladies?” Liam asked.
“Sure.” Both women spoke at once, their voices mingling, and they looked at each other giggling. Naomi held her hand up for a high five. “We’ve still got it!” she declared as their palms connected.
He shook the white paper bag he held, and Naomi jumped up, taking it from him.
“Look what I got you… your favorite!” Her hand dove into the bag and emerged with a large bear claw.
Beth grabbed for it. “Bear claw!” She bit into the pastry with gusto.
Watching the sisters acting like… well… sisters, reunited after a long time, Liam was aware of a growing conviction that Beth absolutely not a psychopath, and in no way a Rogue. Something else was going on here, and they had to figure out what it was.
He excused himself… not that they were paying any attention to him, as Naomi had opened up her tote bag and the sisters were going through the books she’d brought. Outside their hearing, he swiped his phone, calling Maroulla.
“Yes?” She answered crisply.
