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I will. I have to finish here first.
Avery says nothing to David, and simply turns on his heel and heads back in
the direction he came. I know David has turned to me and is saying something
but another voice, orrather, impression has interposed itself in my
consciousness. It's there, nebulous and tentative, but as nerve jangling as a
jolt of electricity.
I look around quickly to see where or who it's coming from, being careful to
keep my own thoughts from projecting outward. Someone is reaching out to probe
my mind. Is it my anonymous friend from the other night?
I scan the crowd until I recognize a face. It appears for only a brief
moment, and then it is swallowed up by the milling group of curiosity seekers
gathered across the street.
It's only a glimpse, but I know. I feel it in my very bones.
Donaldson is here.
Chapter Eighteen
For an instant, the fire, David, everything else fades from my consciousness.
Only Donaldson's presence burns through. Avery said Donaldson and I had a
connection. Is this what he meant? Does Avery pick up on it, too?
But in a flash, I no longer sense Donaldson. He's simply there one moment and
gone the next. I don't know how this vampire radar works. Can I call out to
Avery without Donaldson picking up on it? If I can get Avery to follow
Donaldson, maybe together we can make him talk, find out if he's behind the
fire and why.
When Donaldson doesn't  reappear for several minutes, and I don't spot him
in the crowd, I take the chance.
Avery, are you near?
There's no response.
Avery?
Still nothing.
And David is now actually shaking my arm, trying to get my attention.
"Anna. Anna, what's wrong?"
Reluctantly, I drag my thoughts back from the ether and concentrate on my
friend.  I'm all right."
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But David shakes his head.  You're not all right. God damn that Avery. I
should "
"David, enough.If you really want to know what's wrong I'll tell you. I can't
take you ragging Avery's ass all the time. He's a good doctor and he's as
concerned about me as you are. Just let it go."
I'm not sure if it's my tone or the fact that I'm sticking up for Avery, but
it's obvious that I've gone too far. Hurt and disappointment darken David's
eyes. He stiffens and pulls away.  Well, I'm sorry I offended your new friend.
I'll try to be nicer next time."
He's angry with me. I just don't know what to do about it. Obviously, I can't
tell him I won't be seeing Avery anymore or maybe that's exactly what I should
tell him. It's a lie, of course, but I have a feeling I'll be telling a lot of
lies from now on.Might as well get this one over with.
I put my hand on his arm.  David, listen to me. There won't be a next time.
This was Avery's last visit. He's gone now, and you can forget about him."
It takes a minute for that to penetrate. David looks down at me with a
puzzled scowl, and then his frown lines begin to relax and jaw muscles to
unclench.  Is that true? This is the last time you're going to see him?"
"That's what I said."
"Good. That's good."
Someone calls out to me from the cluster of fire and police personnel
beginning their mop-up. It's a way to end this conversation, so I leave David
to join them. They hand me forms and business cards and the patrolman who
questioned me asks for a number where I can be reached. I give them my cell
since I don't know for sure where I'll be. I suspect it will be Avery's, but I
don't have his number. That piece of paper is just another ash among the sea
of ashes that used to be my house.
"Give him my number. David's voice at my elbow makes me jump.  You can stay
with me."
God, here we go again.
I flash back to the scene in the hospital, but this time, Gloria is not in
the picture. I can't use her as an excuse to refuse. I'm not up to another
argument with David so I just agree.  Sure. That's a good idea, David.
Thanks."
The officer takes his number and address and wraps things up. The two firemen
still working the debris remain, but everyone else climbs into various
emergency vehicles and soon the street is open once again. David tugs gently
on my elbow, and I follow him to his car.All the rancor he directed toward
Avery and me seems to have dissipated like dust in the wind.
He opens the passenger door, but I decline with a shake of my head. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]