Chapter 13
Cassidy dipped her washcloth into a bowl of ice water, wringing it out before folding it and placing it back atop Austin’s forehead. He had a fever of a hundred and four, his skin incredibly hot to the touch, and he hadn’t regained consciousness in the three hours he’d been here.
What if he dies?
Maybe he ate too much of the nettle or confused it for another, more toxic plant.
“You have to get better,” she whispered, letting her finger trail down the side of his face. “I can’t do this without you.”
A voice from behind made her stiffen. “You seem very attached to this man.” It was David. She’d been waiting for him to come, but when he failed to materialize she began to relax, thinking he wouldn’t demand an explanation for her flight tonight.
She’d been wrong.
She straightened her spine. “He saved my life. It was foolish of me to go out alone on the mountain. I’d be dead if he hadn’t appeared and helped me.”
He sat down across from her, light from a single candle on Austin’s bedside illuminating half his face, leaving the other in shadow. “Why did you leave?”
The smell of alcohol reached her nose, something spicy and sweet. Her toes curled in her shoes. “I was afraid.”
“Of The Community?”
She reluctantly met his eyes. “Of you.”
“I scared you.” He hung his head. “It is part of God's plan that man should be with woman, Sister Cassidy. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Neither of them said anything for a few moments.
“How is our patient doing?” he asked.
“Not well. His fever is very high and he hasn't regained consciousness.”
“He has the best nurse available, I'm sure.” David stood, softly touching her shoulder as he passed, making her flinch. “What's his name?”
“Austin.”
“How did he come to be on the mountain?”
“I'm not sure. You’d have to ask him that.”
“If he doesn't die tonight, I will.” David walked away.