[This post is from Bryant Tapping’s point of view.]
“You’re afraid of that cost.”
“Shouldn’t I be?” It was keep a bitter note from his tone, and despite his efforts, it leaked in nonetheless. “Look at what it’s already costing us.”
Her lips thinned as she looked back to David, her hand drifting to gently stroke the sleeping teen’s hair back from his face. “I suspect he knew the risks when he started on the road. He sees things, doesn’t he?”
Bryant startled slightly, a fresh chill sweeping through him. “How did you know?”
She offered a faint smile. “Oh. I might have some experience with folks who’ve had that singularly troublesome gift.”
That sounds vaguely ominous. Frowning, he quietly drew up a chair next to David’s bed, trying to not be in her way or to disturb Issy. “Really.”
She nodded slightly. “Oh yes. Though I doubt that you’d know about them.”
“You could try me.”
Her smile was rueful and she shook her head. “Let me see if there’s anything I can do for your friend right now, then we can talk about that. Just trust that I have some experience with these things.”
“I can try to take it on faith,” Bryant said, “but I hope you won’t be offended if I keep a close eye.”
“Not at all,” she said. “Not at all. I would expect it.”
He nodded and fell silent, watching as she got to work.
