“Okay. So, you think she has a fever?” she clarifies.
“Her skin is hot to the touch, but she doesn’t have a thermometer to check.”
“It’s important to bring her temperature down. The medication will do its job, but you can also put a cool cloth on her forehead to help speed up the process.”
“I’ll do that now,” I say, walking into Beck’s tiny bathroom to find a washcloth. Running it under cool water, I wring it out before returning to her and carefully draping it across her forehead. She scrunches up her eyes and nose with the contact but stays asleep.
“Done. What else?” I ask, pacing back and forth in her small space. “Is there anything I should watch out for?”
“It’s important that she rests, but equally important that she stays hydrated. You may have to wake her up in a bit and get her to take small sips of water or juice. She can have more medicine in about four hours.”
“I can do that.” My eyes sweep my surroundings then back to where Beck is sleeping.
“It’s probably a virus that needs to run its course. If her fever gets worse or she has any trouble breathing, she will need to go to the hospital.”
My heart races, and I’m thrown back in time. The memories surge up before I can push them back down.
White walls. The smell of disinfectant. A monitor beeping. Shouting. Crying.
Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and expel it slowly. Then, one more time.Get your shit together. She’s going to be fine.
“Ryan? Are you okay?” she asks softly. “Do you want me to come over? Riot is already here; he can stay with Ben.”
“I’m fine. I’ll stay until I know she’s okay,” I say, running my shaking hand through my hair.
“Thank you for taking care of her. You’re a good friend. Call me back if you need help with anything else.”
“I will. Thank you,” I say before I disconnect.
I’ll stay and take care of her. I’m a good friend. That’s what she said. I would do this for any of my friends, so of course I can help Beck. But it feels different—bigger.
Sitting down on the couch, I place my elbows on my knees and drop my head. I take several cleansing breaths to help calm down.She’s fine. It’s just a cold.
I continue watching Beck sleep while contemplating my next steps. It may be extreme, but what good is having money if I don’t use it?
Bringing up my text threads on my phone, I quickly find Vaughan and type a message. His response comes instantly.
Is Finn still on your payroll?
Vaughan
Hello to you too
You know he is.
I need some things.
Vaughan
What kinds of things are we talking about?
Beck’s sick.
The phone in my hand rings before I can send another message.
“Hey,” I answer, watching the rise and fall of Beck’s chest.
“What’s going on? Are you okay?” he asks.
