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This development increased Calvin’s panic levels, and Kate knew that if she didn’t intervene soon, they might both end up falling out the window. Or worse, Calvin’s heart would give out. Oh, God, his heart.
‘You need to stop moving,’ she said, grabbing his arms. ‘Calvin, listen to me. Stand still!’
He stopped moving, even if he continued shaking like a volcano about to erupt.
‘I can’t help if you keep moving, okay? Now, I want you to stand very still and close your eyes. Whatever happens, focus on the sound of my voice. Can you do that?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘Yes, you can.’ She thought back to all the times he’d calmed her down and got her through a panic attack. It was her turn now. ‘I promise you this will be over soon, but only if you let me help you.’
The bat continued to flap, making faint squeaking noises. ‘Hurry up.’
‘Just breathe, okay? Take long deep breaths and remember that the bat is a hundred times more scared than you are.’
‘I doubt that.’
When she was certain he wouldn’t move, she let go of his arms and moved around to his back. ‘He’s tiny compared to you. You’re like a giant to him. And believe me, he wants out of this situation just as much as you do.’ She reached up and, after a few fumbled attempts, managed to catch hold of the bat. ‘That’s it, nice deep breaths. I’m going to untangle him from your hair now. Keep nice and still.’
‘Are you done yet?’
‘Nearly.’ She tried not to damage the animal as she unwound its tiny feet from Calvin’s hair. ‘Almost there. At least now we know why the windows keep opening. The bats must be flying into them and knocking them open. No wonder I hear so many strange noises in the night. There’s probably a whole colony of them living in the roof.’
‘Yeah, not helping.’
‘I thought you’d be relieved. At least now you know the place isn’t haunted.’
‘I think I’d prefer living with ghosts than bats.’
‘I didn’t think you believed in ghosts,’ she said, releasing the final strand of hair.
‘I may change my position on that.’
‘Rowan will be delighted.’ Finally, she pulled the bat away. ‘All done.’
‘Is it out?’
‘Yes, he’s out. Or maybe it’s a she. This could be Ursula, for all we know, disguised as a bat.’ She carried the creature over to the window.
‘Don’t even go there,’ he said, ripping off his hairband and shaking his head upside down. ‘I can’t deal with ghostsandbats.’
Kate eased the bat out of the window and watched it fly off, no doubt as traumatised as the man in her bedroom.
Closing the window, she headed into the bathroom to wash her hands. ‘By the way, don’t move just yet – you have bat droppings down your back.’
‘Shit!’ Calvin yanked at the front of his smart black shirt, sending buttons flying as he ripped it open and tore it from his body like it was on fire. Throwing the garment on the floor, he began stamping on it. ‘I can’t believe that bat shat on me!’
Kate stood in the bathroom doorway, gawping as she watched a semi-naked Calvin beat the shit out of his shirt. Swallowing had suddenly become a little tricky.
He swiped at his arms. ‘Has it gone? Is there any on me?’
Oh, heavens.
Drying her hands on her leggings, she rushed over, fearing he was about to spontaneously combust. ‘Stop panicking. There’s nothing on you, I promise.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Honestly, you’re fine.’ Faced with his bare torso, it was incredibly hard not to stare. ‘There was a tiny smudge on your shirt, that’s all. I was exaggerating. I’m sorry.’
