Flipping through Colin’s notes, Gabriel leaned back in his chair and sighed, marginally satisfied with the report. “Best news we could hope for, I suppose.”
It was the day after he’d learned about Jacinda’s father—about all of her secrets, really—and today, he was back in his office at Obsidian, Jacinda tending bar down on the main level, both of them determined to put some normalcy back into their lives. It may not last long—Viansa had gone off the radar, almost certainly plotting another dramatic play—but at this point, even a few hours of peace was a welcome respite.
“And the bills?” Gabriel asked.
“The balance has been paid in full,” Colin replied. “Dr. Daniels confirmed all future bills will be automatically deducted from the anonymous account you set up.”
“Did she ask questions about your involvement?”
“I pre-empted them with a bit of compulsion and a sizable donation.”
Gabriel opened his eyes and nodded. He figured it would come to that. “Thanks for handling it.”
Colin turned pensive, his eyes getting that glazed look they sometimes got when he was having a good think.
“What is it?” Gabriel asked.
“I don’t like the idea of leaving him there,” Colin said, as if he’d suddenly decided Zachary was his patient to care for.
Colin was like that, though. Somehow he’d inherited all of their father’s scientific curiosity and none of the bastard’s cruelty, driven instead by their mother’s kindness, compassion, and a deep sense of rightness Gabriel couldn’t even come close to understanding.
Of all his brothers, it was Colin he’d missed most during their fifty-year estrangement. Only now, with the benefit of hindsight, did he see how much time he wasted in Las Vegas, his only companions his own bitterness and resentment. Even for a family of immortals, life was never a guarantee.
Losing Malcolm had taught him that.
Never again,Gabriel vowed. No matter how terrible things got, no matter how many threats and insults they hurled, no matter how much blood they spilled from one another’s veins, Gabriel would never turn his back on his brothers again.
“It’s a human hospital, Gabriel.” Colin leaned forward in his chair, tapping a finger against the folder on the desk. “And they’re caring for the needs of his human body. But Zachary’s issues are fundamentally supernatural—something his doctors are completely unaware of. They only know how to treat his physical condition, which is steadily deteriorating. How long until they no longer know what to do with him? Dr. Daniel’s already mentioned they’re mostly just trying to keep him comfortable.”
Gabriel winced. “Sounds like the kiss of death.”
“I want him transferred for private care.”
“Provided by whom?”
He didn’t answer. Didn’t have to.
“Colin, what of your pediatrics practice? You’ve only just hung out your shingle.”
“I can manage both.” Colin smiled, spreading his hands before him. “From birth to advanced aging, mortal or immortal, human or supernatural, Dr. Colin Redthorne provides a full spectrum of medical care.”
“Already got the advertisement scripted, I see.” Gabriel grinned, but it didn’t last. Tucking the folder into the desk drawer, he said, “Unfortunately, Zachary can’t be moved. At least not yet, and certainly not by anyone connected to House Redthorne or to Jacinda. I don’t even want her to know about your visit—it’ll only worry her.”
“Why?”
“She’s concerned about discovery, and with good reason. If Viansa learns Zachary is still alive, she’ll end him. Brutally and permanently.”
“If he can’t be moved, then I’ll appoint myself as an outside consultant in his care. I’ll tend to him at the hospital alongside his current team, using minimal compulsion only when absolutely necessary to avoid arousing suspicion, and—”
“Colin, I appreciate your concern for the man, but we can’t risk it. Viansa knows about the royal family—knows we’re connected to Jacinda. Today’s visit was a necessary risk to assess the situation and secure his care going forward. But you can’t see him again—can’t even contact his doctors for an update. Not until we deal with Viansa. Understood?”
“Of course. Worth a try, though, right? I was thinking I… I mean, it… The situation is… I…” Confusion clouded Colin’s eyes, and he blinked rapidly, his face turning ghostly pale.
“Colin? Are you all right?”
“I… I’m sorry, brother.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Do you have any blood? I’m suddenly quite famished.”
Gabriel retrieved two glass bottles from the small refrigerator he kept stocked in the office bar. “Would you like it mixed with anything?”
