“That you weren’t here, and I hadn’t seen you since last night, and that, as far as I knew, your dad was out of town.”
Fuckety fuck fuck fuckshitfuck. “Did she tell you what she wanted to talk to us about?”
“Nope. Didn’t leave her card, either.”
She wanted to see me in person, not just have a phone chat. And what the hell did she want with my dad? “Did she ask who you were?”
“Uh huh. I told her I was Seojun Kang. Your house guest. Seojun is also the father of John Kang, but I didn’t need to tell her that part.”
“Jesus, what if she’d asked for ID?”
“She didn’t. But I got it covered. Chill.”
Chill? Ha! But then I reminded myself that Kang had been around for a couple thousand years and surely learned a thing or two about survival. “Okay. Sorry. Thanks for the heads up.”
“Anytime. I owe you.” He hung up.
The phone call reminded me that I hadn’t told Allen about Nick. I sent a quick text.
His answer came back seconds later.
I shoved the phone into my pocket then returned to Nick’s room. My zombie baby Philip stood on duty outside the open door.
“Hey, ZeeBee,” I said. “What’s up?”
“Shambler watch,” he replied. “Just in case.”
Bear’s whole group had turned, which meant there was still a chance he would, too. “Yeah.” I sighed. “Best to play it safe.”
“I’m sorry you’re going through this,” Philip said quietly. “I know Nick is special to you.”
“He is.” I blinked back tears. “Thanks.”
“Any time, ZeeEm.”
I gave him an affectionate punch in the bicep then stepped into the room.
Bear sat by the bed in a comfy chair that someone must have brought in for him. Nick thrashed and growled in the restraints.
“Any change?” I asked, already knowing the answer. Nick hadn’t miraculously recovered since I was last in here.
“Maybe. I don’t know.” He rubbed his eyes, expression bleak. “Sometimes I think he recognizes me. Probably wishful thinking.”
I gave his hand a squeeze. “I’m about to leave for NuQuesCor. I can be more useful there, helping Dr. Nikas work on a cure for this shit, and I want to be close by in case they need more samples from me. I hope you aren’t mad I’m going.”
He covered my hand with his. “I know you’re as gutted by this as anyone, and you won’t stop till you dig up the answers. I don’t think Nick will—”
“Annnnngelllll.” Nick rolled his head toward me. “Annnnngelllll.”
“He knows you!” Bear leaped to his feet. “Nick! We’re right here.”
I touched Nick’s restrained arm. “It’s going to be all right.”
Nick shuddered and moaned, burbly and wet. “Annngelll . . .”
I brushed my fingers over his cheek, braced for him to snap at them. But instead, he went still, milky eyes on me. He breathed out a long sigh. “Annngelll.”
“Look at you pining for me,” I said, throat tight. “I’m going to tease you about this later, once you’re back to yourself.” I reluctantly withdrew.