DEAD IN BED By Bailey Simms: The Complete Second Book

PART 11, SECTION 3

When I stepped out of Ian's room, Chris was waiting for me on the stone walkway.

"Ash," he said somberly. "I think it's time." 

"Time?"

I'd known Chris for only a few months, but since it had fallen on us to take charge of the refugees at the dwellings together, he was probably now one of my closest friends. Now he gave me a look of tender, brotherly concern I'd never seem him use before.

"We need to give Ian an injection, Ash," he said quietly. "It's time. He isn't going to get any better."

"Chris, I told you," I said emphatically. "We already talked about this. He's not positive. Ian doesn't need an injection."

"Ashley. Seriously? He isn't in much better shape than those stage threes we just stacked like firewood against the wall. Do you really want him to progress any further?"

I kept my voice low so Ian wouldn't hear us. "He just talked to me. He just thanked me for feeding him."

Chris shrugged with compassionate pragmatism. "I haven't heard him speak at all," he said. "But even if you did, that only means—what? That he's not quite stage three? Positives talk, Ash. You know that. But if we don't inject him now, soon he won't be talking at all. I know this is hard. But, what do you want me to do? Test him to prove to you what we both already know?"

I shook my head. "We don't need to test him," I insisted. "He's not sick. Chris, trust me. I know Ian. He's not positive. How many positives have you seen doing nothing but unburying graves for days on end? Something happened to him. I don't know what it was yet. But he's in shock, or something. He just needs a little time. Just let him be. If nothing changes in a few days, we'll do whatever you want. Just, please. Give him a little space, and a little time."

"Are you sure you want to risk that?"

I knew Chris was thinking about what had happened to Morgan. There wasn't exactly a lock on the blanket draped over Ian's stone doorway.

"There's no risk," I said confidently. "Just let him recuperate. Please. He'll come back. I know it."

Chris folded his arms. "Fine, Ash." He reluctantly shook his head, giving in. "A couple of days. I guess he's so weak, for now he won't pose much of a threat. Even if he does leave." Now he put his hand on my shoulder. "Just don't set your heart on him getting any better, okay?"

I nodded, avoiding his concerned gaze.

Chris tucked his clipboard under his arm and dolefully descended the narrow stone stairway.

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