Page 107 of Carver’s Craving

Styx blinked several times. “Why do I keep crying?”

I took his coffee from him and placed it on a table with mine. Then I pulled him into an embrace. “Because this is the most intense experience—” I grappled with the right words. “Probably since Frank died.”

He shook in my arms. “I was almost sure he was dead. I was telling you that I loved you and we were making house and all the time, I kept thinking Seth was going to show up and tell me Baxter’d been found dead. Now he’s here, and he’s hurt, and I have you—” He hiccupped. “And I’m fine. Well, you know what I mean.”

“I do, sweetheart. It’s okay to be happy with your life and to ache for Baxter. To worry about what he’s been through. What he’s facing.”

We sat like that, me holding him awkwardly, for a long time.

I hoped he might sleep as the time ticked by, but he didn’t. He scrolled through his phone, occasionally got up to pace, but always wound up back in the chair next to me.

Eventually, he pulled back. “I gotta piss.”

“Me too. Let’s throw out the coffees as well.” I checked my phone. “I have to go home soon, but I’ll come right back.”

“They said it’ll be several hours yet.”

“I’m not leaving you alone for a moment longer than I have to. I wish someone had a key and could go over.”

He smiled. “Something to consider. Although I should always be around.” He cupped my cheek. “I will go back to work in the new year. Somehow. Once I get Baxter—” He flapped his hand.

I grasped it. “No rush. None. You’ve got the volunteering. You’re taking care of the dogs.” I brought his fingers to my lips and kissed them. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Go so you can come back soon.”

After I kissed him, I headed out. The sun was cresting the eastern sky, and the clock read nearly eight. I couldn’t believe we’d been inside for so long. Time had an elastic quality to it.

I made one stop on the way home.

A very happy Spike took my payment for the repairs and promised to deliver the van. Apparently, Seth had already been in and given him an update. Based on what Baxter had said, the forensics team had gone through his van a while ago.

I hadn’t realized that.

Poppin and Walter were happy to see me when I arrived, and not just for the peanut butter around their pills. Everyone did everything, and we all ate hungrily. I planned to stop at Tim Horton’s to grab more Timbits as well as a breakfast sandwich for Styx. Oh, and I’d grab something for Baxter. In case he could eat. Otherwise, I was certain someone would take it.

An hour later, I pulled into the parking lot of the hospital and was headed to find a parking space when I spotted two figures, huddled under an exhaust pipe. Presumably to get some heat.

I’d recognize that coat anywhere. Likely because it was my own.

Baxter wore a leather jacket, beanie, and ratty jeans. His head was against the brick building, and he was staring up.

Styx, who loomed over the guy, was gesturing with his hands.

After a moment’s hesitation, I drove alongside them and rolled down my window. “You guys want a lift?”

Styx’s blue eyes sparkled with gratitude. “Hell, yes. I was just about to call you.” But his shivers told me they’d been out here for a while.

“Hop in. I brought breakfast.”

After a moment, Styx grabbed Baxter’s arm and propelled him to my SUV. He opened the back seat and shoved Baxter in. Then, to my surprise, he pushed Baxter to the far side and got in with him.

Once they both had their seatbelts secured, I passed the bag with the breakfast sandwiches, the box of Timbits, and the drink tray, with two coffees, to the guys.

Styx grinned. “This is the best.”

“Always for you two.”

I tried to meet Baxter’s gaze, but he was behind me and his eyes were downcast when I glanced into the rearview mirror. “Do we need to stop anywhere? Baxter? Any favorite foods? Something we can pick up now? The shops are going to be insane later.”