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Abigail removed the IVs, placing small bandages over the sites while Queen watched her carefully.

“Want some free advice, lover boy?” Queen asked, glancing away from Abigail’s work and arching a finely manicured brow.

“What?” Jimmy asked.

“All that deathbed goopy love shit? If it was important enough for you to say then, make sure you remember to say it when he can hear you.”

Jimmy gulped.

He had told Rod he loved him.

He loved him so very much.

He smiled weakly. “Thanks. I will.”

Queen turned her head, addressing the other Gentlemen as well. “He’ll be fine. He’ll be weak from the blood loss, but he’ll recover. I’ve given him antibiotics to ward off any possible infection and left enough painkillers to take out a few horses.” She looked back at Jimmy. “Keep the wounds clean, check for any signs of infection, and keep him on strict bedrest. Or at least in bed.”

“Got it.” Jimmy wiped his eyes.

“Call me if you need me,” she said curtly, cutting her eyes at Jules as she asked, “I expect my usual house call fee?”

“Done and done, Doc,” Jules replied.

Crawling back into bed beside Cold, Jimmy hated how the tarp crinkled as he moved but was desperate to be close to him. He watched as the Gentlemen came by to pay their respects, offering up a nod or small murmur.

None of them touched him except Rowena, who bent down to kiss his forehead. Sniffling, she said to Jimmy, “You take care of him, okay? I’m right down the hall if you need me.”

Jimmy took her hand and squeezed it tight. “Don’t worry, I will. I promise.”

Rowena tried to smile, but the tears wouldn’t stop coming and she left, Pym offering his arm to guide her out. Lorre and Tamerlane followed, with Thirdsies and Valdemar leaving soon after. Jerry and Jules helped Abigail take down the light and clean up while Queen supervised.

It was then Jimmy realized there was one Gentleman missing.

Corman wasn’t here.

Not that Jimmy was unhappy about that. Of all the Gentlemen, Corman bothered him the most. Just thinking about how Corman had looked at him that night at the club made his skin crawl with a fresh batch of heebie-jeebies.

“Nice work, Doc,” Jules rumbled as the last of the makeshift operating room was packed away. “We appreciate it. Cold is mighty important to us.”

“Trust me. He’ll be fine,” Queen said with a warm smile that seemed unusual for her, given her cold bedside manner.

Maybe it was a special smile reserved just for Jules, considering the way it made him grin like a little schoolboy.

Jerry didn’t seem to be a fan of the situation as he cast a longing gaze toward Queen. He insinuated himself between them, asking sweetly, “Mademoiselle Queen, please tell me what can I do to assist you?”

“Could you help Abigail carry out the equipment?” Queen replied shortly. “Thank you, you’re such a dear.”

“Anything for you, mademoiselle.” Jerry gave Jules a nasty glare before he left with Abigail.

For once, Jules had no responding glare for Jerry, too focused on Queen as he reached for her hand to kiss to it. “You’re one hell of a broad, Doc.”

Queen laughed quietly. “Why, thank you, Mr. Price.”

“When ya gonna let me take you out?” Jules asked, still holding her hand. “Let me thank you proper like for all you done.”

“Never. I don’t date my patients.”

“You ain’t doctorin’ on me right now.” Jules grinned. “But we could play doctor later if ya’d like.”