on him as their leader? He didn’t need another burden.
The door creaked open, and she stood beside him.
“How’s your grandmother?”
“Miss Verbena says her vital signs are stabilized, but she’s in a coma.”
He tried to find comforting words. “Her brain just needs a rest while she battles the poison.”
“I don’t like it.” Her voice was small, weak.
He should say something sweet, something comforting. But he didn’t know how. Even his twin, Tallulah, wasn’t much good at sweet-talking. If Hanan were here, he would know. His friend was always quick with the comebacks and the right, appropriate thing to say. A real asset in his job as the county sheriff. Tombi stiffened, feeling awkward. “Come with me. Stay with my people.”
She shot him a sideways glance. “Why?”
“So you can help us.”
She sniffed and turned for the door.
He’d said the wrong thing.
“And because we could use your gift. We...apparently, need you.”
“Well, I don’t need you. Grandma made me promise not to go to the hospital, but she can’t make me leave this house. I’m staying here in case Miss Verbena calls with more news.”
“You can take your phone with you.”
“Coverage is spotty in the woods. I can’t chance it.”
“But even if there’s news, good or bad, there’s nothing you can do,” he pointed out.
She gave him a look that would surely curdle even Nalusa’s milky venom. “I want to know everything the moment it happens.” Her words were slow and deliberate, as if she were talking to a not-so-bright child.
An unexpected warmth flushed Tombi’s cheeks at her condescending tone. He scowled to cover his embarrassment. Time to show his ace in the hole. “Your grandmother asked me to take care of you.”
“When?” Her eyes narrowed to suspicious slits.
“That time you saw me bending over her before the ambulance came.”
“You said she was incoherent.”
“I was trying to save your pride.”
They glared at one another. In the distance, an owl screeched. A bad sign.
Very bad.
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