Night School: Legacy

‘I’m fine,’ she assured him with the confidence of a doctor. ‘The nurse said I’m fine.’


‘Actually, she said you should sit and rest for a while. And not go to sleep,’ Rachel said. ‘Zoe’s going to be so psyched that she was right about that.’ Turning to Carter, she added, ‘She doesn’t think Allie really has a concussion. She’s just being careful. But we’re supposed to keep an eye on her for a couple of hours.’

Carter brushed Allie’s hair back to look at the faint red mark on the side of her head. ‘But you feel OK?’

‘Yep. No permanent brain damage,’ Allie said, leaning against him.

‘I’m sorry I wasn’t there.’ His lips brushed the place on her head where the ball hit her. ‘To pick up the pieces.’

The light touch made Allie quiver, and she looked up into his eyes.

Rachel stood and stretched. ‘I’m not sure my medical talent is needed now that you’re here, Carter. Are you fine to stay with her?’

Carter’s eyes crinkled when he smiled. Allie liked that crinkle. ‘I’ll stay with her,’ he said.

When she’d gone, Allie and Carter curled up together on the sofa. Lying in the crook of his arm, she told him what had happened.

‘Lucas feels terrible,’ Carter said. ‘I saw him before I came up here. You’d think he’d shot you. But I’d still be furious with him if you weren’t OK.’

With a finger on her chin, he tilted her head up until she was looking into his eyes. Then he lowered his lips to hers.

‘So, I see you’re feeling better.’ The nurse’s dry voice might as well have been hands pushing them apart given how quickly they separated.

‘Thank you,’ Allie said. ‘Yes.’

Looking amused, the nurse glanced at her watch. ‘Remember, we need you awake for a while longer. I suggest another cup of tea.’ As she walked away, Allie thought she heard her add, ‘And a cold shower.’

Laughing soundlessly, Carter stood up. ‘I’ll go and get you some fresh tea.’

‘I don’t need any more tea,’ Allie protested. ‘I slosh when I walk.’

But he was already on his way out the door. ‘Maybe I want a cup, too,’ he said over his shoulder.

As she waited, Allie picked up a magazine someone had left on one of the tables. She was studying an actress in a ￡2,000 dress when a sound caused her to look up.

Sylvain was leaning against the door frame watching her. In the split second their eyes met she saw something in his that took her by surprise. A kind of sadness. But almost immediately the look disappeared, replaced by his usual well-cultivated blankness.

‘You look better,’ he said.

‘I’m really fine.’ Her hand rose to her temple instinctively. ‘Thanks.’

‘Good,’ he said. ‘Nicole sent me up to check on you.’

Dropping the magazine on to a coffee table, Allie affected a casual stretch and yawn.

‘She seems nice,’ she said after a second. ‘How long have you two been together?’

‘We’ve known each other for ever,’ he said carelessly. ‘We are old friends.’

‘Oh.’

Allie concentrated on not finding his accent charming. Her eyes shot up to meet his for a second then flitted away. She found it a little hard to focus with him just standing there, watching her as if he knew what she was thinking.

A possible distraction occurred to her. Sitting up straight, she rooted around the sofa underneath her jacket. ‘Here’s your scarf back. Thanks for loaning it to me.’

Sylvain took the soft cashmere scarf from her hands but instead of walking away, sat down on the chair across from her. ‘I need to talk you about something else. I’ve been trying to see you alone.’ He fidgeted with the scarf and she studied his long slim fingers with their neat oval nails; so different from Carter’s strong, solid hands. ‘There’s something I have to tell you. I have put it off too long because I think you won’t like it.’

A chill ran through her and her eyes flicked towards the door through which Carter would be walking any minute. When she looked back at Sylvain he was studying her curiously. She didn’t like the way his gaze could still unsteady her.

‘What is it?’

‘It’s just that …I have you.’ His electric blue eyes held her gaze.

Glancing again at the door, she drew back. ‘What do you mean, you have me?’ she whispered. ‘Have me how?’

Leaning closer he lowered his voice.

‘To investigate. For Night School.’ He held out his hands, palms up. ‘I have you.’





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