The healer did one better than that, returning not only with another chilly tin can and a straw, but some plain crackers that tasted like absolutely nothing and were total heaven in her belly.
She was making quick work of the sustenance when she realized the healer had sat down in a chair and was saying nothing.
Autumn stopped eating. "Do you not have any other patients?"
"Just one, and she was fine when she got here. "
"Oh. " Autumn picked up another of the crackers. "What are these called?"
"Saltines. Of all the drugs I dispense down here, sometimes there's nothing better. "
"They're wonderful. " She put the flaky, dusty square in her mouth and bit down. As a silence persisted, she said, "You want to know why I refused the drugs. "
"It's none of my business. But I do think you need to talk to someone about it. "
"A professional of some order?"
"Yeah. "
"There is nothing wrong with letting nature take its course. " Autumn glanced over. "But I begged you not to get him. I told you not to call him. "
"I had no choice. "
Tears threatened, but she forced them away. "I didn't want him to see me like that. Wellsie - "
"What about her. "
Autumn jerked around in surprise, rattling the crackers, splashing soda out over her hand. In the doorway, Tohrment loomed, a great dark shadow that filled the jambs.
Doc Jane rose up. "I'll just go check on Layla again. Your vitals are good, and I'll bring a proper meal back with me when I come. "
And then they were alone.
He didn't approach the bed, but stayed by the door, settling back against the wall. With his brows down tight and his arms linked ove
r his chest, he was self-contained and explosive at the same time.
"What the hell was that all about," he said harshly.
Autumn put the crackers and the can aside, then busied herself folding and unfolding the edge of the blanket.
"I asked you a question. "
Autumn cleared her throat. "I told Doc Jane not to summon you - "
"Did you think if you suffered I'd come and help you out?"
"Not at all - "
"You sure about that? Because what did you think Jane was going to do when you refused to be treated?"
"If you don't believe me, ask the healer. I instructed her specifically not to call upon you. I knew that that would be too much for you - how could it not be after - "
"This is not about my shellan. This has nothing to do with her. "
"I'm not so sure about that - "
"Trust me. "