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“Not much better. But at least I can see a bit more.” My face in the mirror was blurry, but it was hard to miss my bloodshot eyes.
“Come on, let’s get you comfortable.” He led me down the hall to the couch, where I lay down. I started feeling queasy and turned to my side, dry heaving. He was there immediately with a wet cloth to wipe my mouth and then the back of my neck. When I settled against the cushions, I heard him on the phone with the Poison Control Center.
“Yes, some substance was sprayed in his eyes—pepper spray or tear gas, who knows. But it burns like hell.” He listened some more, then said, “Yes, we’ve flushed them.” More listening. “Okay, will do.”
“They said not to rub your eyes.” His voice was closer now. “Here.”
He handed me something. “What is it?”
“They said to soak a towel in milk and apply it to your eyes. It’ll help take away the burning sensation. But that you need to follow up with your primary care doctor.”
My laugh was hollow. “Okay, sure thing.”
As soon as the cloth covered my face, it soothed the sting. It felt so good that my whole body relaxed, and I felt like maybe I had dozed off because I roused to consciousness from the sound of Foster talking on the phone again.
“Yes, Officer. It’s happened before.”
I stiffened.
“Okay, I’ll let him know that he could file a report.”
I sat up, my pulse thumping at my throat, waiting for him to end the call. My eyes felt better, and the room came into focus when I removed the cloth. As soon as Foster walked back in, I blurted, “You called the police?”
“Don’t be mad. I just wanted to know what our options were.”
“Our options? I don’t want to be on the police department’s radar.”
“I didn’t tell him any names, only asked questions. I promise. Some of the businesses around where the assault happened have video cameras. The officer said it would be helpful to file a report.”
“None of those store owners will want to help.”
“You don’t know that.” Foster squeezed my shoulder, then plopped down next to me. “Please, just consider it.”
I sighed, knowing he meant well. He did help me, after all. Again. “I will.”
I felt Oscar carefully jump on the couch as if he knew he needed to be gentle. My fingers burrowed into his soft fur, and before I knew it, I was asleep again.
16
FOSTER
It’d been a long night of keeping an eye on Lachlan to make sure he was okay. Somehow, we’d both fallen asleep on the couch, with Lachlan resting soundly against my chest and Oscar curled beside his legs.
I’d been awake for a while now, scared to wake him if I moved a muscle, and not going to lie, I enjoyed feeling his warmth against me a little too much.
I wanted to protect him, to understand him better, but he might freak if he knew my thoughts. So I just kept still and breathed him in, hoping to prolong this peaceful moment after his harrowing night.
Lachlan had been brave enough to leave an abusive situation, and now slept in a tent on the street, trying to survive. He was understandably cautious about whom he trusted, and I would never dream of hurting him. But my suggestions seemed to overwhelm him, so I needed to tread carefully. He needed to bounce back and feel productive all on his own.
I shifted a little to relieve the cramp in my arm. When Lachlan sighed and snuggled in closer, I wondered if he was dreaming. Hopefully it was something good. He deserved that.
He suddenly jerked awake, and I held my breath. “Fuck, sorry.”
“No need to apologize. I didn’t mind it.” I smiled. “Plus, you’re warm.”
“So are you.” He glanced beside him. “Or maybe it was Oscar.”
“Maybe it was all of us together.” When his gaze flashed to mine, I noticed his pupils were less red. “Your eyes look better. But I still think—”
The buzzer rang, and my pulse jumped. I’d forgotten about my many phone calls last night and that I’d asked for a favor.
“Are you expecting company?” Lachlan sat up straight, his muscles tense. “I should go.”
“Wait.” I winced, wondering if my visitor was still a good idea. “I hope you don’t mind, but since you wouldn’t go to the ER, I asked my friend, Doug, who’s a nurse, to come over before his shift.”
“No, I… You shouldn’t have…”
“It’s okay, I can send him away.” I stood, feeling guilty about the plan. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. We still don’t know what was sprayed in your eyes.”
Lachlan sighed, then frowned. “All right. If he came all the way over here.”
He looked wary as I buzzed Doug inside. I had no idea what Doug would even think of this setup, but he’d undoubtedly heard the concern in my tone when I’d called him while Lachlan was resting.
