Page 40 of Rescue Them

“I really want to see her,” Lyle said.

James stood and took his hand.“Come on.You need to get home to the dogs, and both of us are going to need to sleep.”He led Lyle out of the waiting room and through the halls to the exit.

“Thank you for being here,” Lyle said and kissed James before they went to their vehicles.He drove home and went inside.All five dogs crowded around like they were waiting for news.He had just closed the door as headlights swept the parking lot before coming to a stop.

A soft knock sent the dogs into a frenzy.Lyle opened the door, and James stepped inside.“I figured you might not want to be alone.”James took him in his arms and just held him as the dogs all jumped around their feet, desperate for attention.

“You’re right, and I have to figure out what I’m going to do with Loopy.I have special dispensation for the four dogs from Corky, but one more would violate my lease.”

“It’s okay.I talked to my roommates and the landlord, and Loopy can stay with me until your mom is feeling better.She’ll be home in a few days, once she’s had a chance to recover from the surgery and her system has been able to get rid of the infection.I’m sure Loopy is going to want to see her.”

Lyle nodded.“He was frantic when I arrived and led me right to Mom.It was like he knew something was wrong and he’d been waiting for help.”

“Give him something to eat and let’s go upstairs.”It was late and they were both exhausted.

Lyle fed Loopy and gave the others each a treat for being so good before heading upstairs.His increased pack followed behind once they were done, and all five of them gathered in the bedroom.He and James got into bed, and Lyle turned out the lights.There was a bit of a kerfuffle when Loopy tried to take Daisy’s spot, but the dogs soon figured it out and they all settled down.Lyle fell to sleep knowing he was safe in James’s arms and with his pack ready to let him know if anything happened.

LYLE WOKEat his usual time, but he was alone.James had left a note saying that he had to get home to prep before class.The dogs had spread out.Lyle checked his phone for any messages about Mom, but there was nothing.Before dressing, he called in to work to explain what had happened and that he was taking the day off.Then he fed the dogs and made sure they were settled before heading to the hospital, which seemed to buzz with excitement.

He checked in at the desk and got his mom’s room number.“What’s going on?”

“The police were in last night.They took a guy from the ER into custody.Apparently it was really exciting.”She grinned, and Lyle sent a silent thank-you to Red.

“Thank you,” he said before leaving the office.He followed the directions up to the second floor and down to the room his mother was in.She was awake and turned slowly to face him when he entered.

“What happened?I went to bed at home and woke up here.”

“Yeah, well.Your body decided that your internal lady parts had to go now.As near as I can understand from all the medical talk, the tumor cut off the blood supply to something and it died and was causing an infection.I found you at home and called the ambulance.”He took her hand.“You scared the shit out of me.”

“Language, dear,” she said, and Lyle smiled.If she could scold him for saying “shit,” she was feeling better.

“Loopy met me at the door and raced upstairs to you.He was frantic and knew something was wrong.”He met her gaze.

“Where is he?”

“After his exam today, James is going to take him to his place until you come home.”She scoffed softly.“Don’t give me that.He loves you, and I can tell you like him too.Stop being stubborn.It’s not attractive.”

She squeezed his hand a little.“Okay.He can stay.”She sighed.“So what did they do?”

“They basically performed the surgery you had scheduled for a few weeks from now and made sure the source of the infection was gone.They also did tests, and hopefully we’ll find out what the next steps are soon.But for now, you need to worry about getting better.I need you, and so does Loopy.”

His mom laughed softly and then groaned.“What am I going to do with you?”

“I’m fine, Mom.I was here until you got out of surgery.James came and sat with me.”

She was really coming to understand just how important James was to him.“I’m glad you have someone.”

“What about your… friend?”

She sighed.“I called him as soon as I woke up.Lee said that he would be on the next flight from Shanghai.I have no idea how long it will be, but he’s coming, and he said he wants to meet you.”

“Lee?”

“Yes.His name is Lee Singh.At least that’s his name using Western conventions.He’s very nice, and apparently I meant more to him than I thought I did.”A smile spread across her lips.

“You do have a way of underestimating the people in your life, especially when it comes to your place in them.”He was thrilled Lee was coming—Lyle wanted his mom to be happy.

“What are you saying?”