Magnificent Folly - Iris Johansen [55]
“So I’m not some kind of mind wizard. You’re all relying too much on this telepathy business. I can expect to do anything I damn well set out to do. I won’t let him go just because you say it’s telepathically impossible. To hell with telepathy.” Lily whirled on her heel and strode in the direction Quenby had indicated. “Do you think I’d let that slimebag take Andrew away from me?”
She pushed through the heavy double doors and was immediately assaulted by the smell of antiseptic. Kalom occupied a hospital bed on the far side of the room, but Lily hardly glanced at him. Her entire attention was focused on Andrew’s still form, lying in the bed closest to the door.
She gave a low cry as she caught sight of his face. “Dear heaven.”
Pain. His features were contorted in the same terrible grimace she’d seen on the faces of Kalom and Baharas the day Andrew and Gunner had rescued Cassie.
“You shouldn’t be here.” Gunner moved forward from the corner of the room, where he’d been standing. “You can’t help him, Lily.”
“That’s what Quenby said.” Lily’s eyes glittered with unshed tears. “He’s hurting, isn’t he? That bastard is hurting him.”
“Yes.”
“And you can’t stop it?”
Gunner shook his head.
“All this psychic nonsense, all these superbrains running around the compound,” Lily said in wonder. “And none of you can help Andrew?”
“Lily—”
She made a motion with her hand. “Oh, I know what you’re going to say. Andrew told me that the Clanad’s powers didn’t make any difference. That in the end it was their humanity that mattered.” She moved toward Andrew’s bed. “Well, I don’t know anything about this telepathic business, but I won’t let Andrew go on hurting without trying to comfort him.”
She lay down on the bed beside Andrew, achingly conscious of how stiff he was, the muscles rigid and unyielding against her. She put her arms around him and laid her cheek in the hollow of his shoulder. “Andrew.” She closed her eyes, her voice no louder than a breath. “I need you so. Don’t leave me.”
Andrew didn’t stir.
“Do you remember how you told me I had to forgive myself for failing? Well, that’s what you have to do too. If you can’t help him, accept it and forgive yourself.” Her fingers started to stroke the fair hair at his left temple. “I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll forgive myself if you’ll do the same for yourself. Okay?”
Bargains. Was it Andrew with whom she was trying to bargain or was it God? “You might as well come back, because I’m not going to let you die. I’m not letting you go anywhere without me ever again. Do you hear me?”
No answer.
She could feel Gunner’s sympathetic gaze on her, but she ignored it. She knew he thought her efforts were useless, that she was building a sand castle that would be swept away by forces beyond her control.
“I’m going to stay right here,” she whispered to Andrew. “And soon you’re going to open your eyes and smile at me. I’m going to stay right here and hold you and wait for you to come back.” She would not cry. She had to concentrate on sending all the love and confidence she had to Andrew. She had no time to weep, when all her strength had to be channeled toward Andrew. “Please stop hurting, love. I can’t bear it.”
Andrew didn’t answer.
But he would respond. She mustn’t give up hope. Andrew wouldn’t leave her to loneliness again. She had only to be patient and wait for him. She nestled closer, sharing her warmth, sharing her love. “Come back.…”
But it was not until over six hours later that Andrew’s condition underwent a change.
“Kalom’s dead, Lily!” Gunner’s voice cracked, lash-sharp, as he strode across the room, his gaze narrowed on Andrew’s face. “Just now. Get up. I have to check Andrew.”
Lily sat bolt upright, her eyes widening in horror. “Dead? But you said that could mean Andrew—”
“Yes, dammit.” Gunner’s voice gentled. “I’m sorry, Lily, but a survival is very rare in cases—”
Andrew opened his eyes!
“Thank God,” Gunner said thickly.
“Andrew,” Lily whispered.
“I failed.” Tears glittered in Andrew’s