“Is he working today?” I ask, on alert for his arrival.
“He’s around somewhere; checking on patients, I think. Did you want to speak to him?”
“No,” I say, too hastily, and Chloe gives me a look of surprise. “I mean, yeah, things are awkward between us.”
“Oh, I see...” She fights a small smile. Oh, great, now she thinks I had sex with him. “Shame you guys didn’t work out, you seem suited.”
“There’s someone else, that’s all.” I attempt a nonchalant tone.
Chloe leans across the desk. “Really? The hot housemate you mentioned? Tell all!”
I pass her the boxes of medical supplies I’ve brought up and hold out the clipboard for her to sign. “Maybe some time later, I’m busy now.”
She nods, but neither of us offers to arrange a catch-up. Our connection is through her caring for me when I was dying, so I guess we’re not best-friends material.
I head down the magnolia-painted corridor toward the double doors at the end and catch sight of Finn in one of the rooms with a patient. He sits in a chair by the bed, completely still. I hesitate, curiosity getting the better of me. I can’t see anything of the patient, but the plethora of machines around keeps track of their vitals. Unease trips along my spine as the word Reaper comes into my mind.
“Excuse me.”
The tall man I saw with Tom earlier waits for me to move from the doorway. He’s changed into dark trousers and a pale blue shirt and tie. He has a lanyard but no name badge, which means he must be one of the specialist doctors. His green eyes meet mine, and his proximity sends a cold energy into the space between us. He scrutinises my face for a moment then nods dismissively. The memory of Tom’s words about something killing people in the hospital skitters across my mind, and I mutely step out of his way. Is this guy Between? His aura is different to Alek’s or Finn’s; yet, I don’t think he’s entirely human.
When he enters the room, Finn stands. The two men are the same height and build, standing just inside each other’s personal space. Words are exchanged in low voices, Finn’s expression neutral. Before Finn has a chance to notice me, I sidestep and head for the double doors, desperate to get out of the atmosphere starting to dizzy me.
Do they know each other? I didn’t want to think Finn was involved with the deaths; but the more I see, the less sure I am. Is this his accomplice?
The last thing I do before I leave the ward is glance at the number on the wall next to the door. I can check if anything happens to the occupant next time I come up to ICU. As I make the mental note, it strikes me - if this person dies, who will be the one responsible? Finn or the doctor?
***
On the way home after my long shift, I rest my head on the bus windowpane, aware of the usual reaction to my trip home. I don’t like the house, especially the things that live in there and attack me. The worst part is I belong here now. I look up at the windows as I stand on the step outside. As each day passes, the more assimilated I am into the house, and the harder it is to consider leaving on my own.
I walk through the door and head to the kitchen; Alek sits at the kitchen table, beer in hand.
“Is there something in beer that gives us superpowers?” I ask him as I cross to the fridge.
“That’s a weird question.”
Pulling out the ingredients for a ham salad sandwich, I set them on the bench then turn back to Alek. “Every time I see you, you’re drinking, so I wondered.”
Alek attempts a frown, but his eyes show amusement. “I like beer. Plus, it keeps me calm.” I snort. “What?”
“You’re not very calm!”
“Imagine how I am when I don’t drink then.” Alek pushes his chair back and moves across to me.
The energy was tangible the moment I entered the kitchen. The closer he gets, the more it sparks between us. Alek’s skin has lost the pallid tone from yesterday, his eyes brighter beneath his unruly hair. His look moves to my mouth and back to my eyes, the thoughts unmistakable.
“I missed you today,” he says. “I’ve been waiting for you to come home.”
“Do you want to kiss me?” I blurt, and then cover my mouth. Where the hell did that come from?
Alek touches my cheek softly, fingertips trailing tiny static shocks across my face. “Are you giving or taking?”
“Can’t we just make out?”
“Make out?” He laughs and steps back. “We’re not teenagers.”
“What’s so funny?” I snap.
In a swift movement, Alek seizes me and pushes me against the wall. I gasp as he presses his hips into mine and drags his fingers into my hair. Where our bodies touch, even through layers of clothes, I’m overwhelmed by the intensity and start to tremble.