Dream Eyes

Forty-three

Judson closed the phone, rested one arm along the top of the mantel and looked at Gwen. “Oxley says the hospital told him that Lancaster has a mild concussion. They’re keeping him overnight for observation, but he will be released tomorrow. As for Riley Duncan, they’re calling it a suicide.”

“It was the dreamscape,” Gwen said. Absently, she stroked Max. The dozing cat was stretched out alongside her in the chair. He purred steadily. Earlier, much to his annoyance, she had washed the blood from his fur. “Whatever Riley saw drove him mad. Just like it did Zander.”

They were back in her cozy parlor room at the inn. It was late. A fire burned on the hearth. Judson had picked up takeout, pizza again. Mostly she was focusing on the glass of brandy that he had poured for her.

The shaky, edgy sensation created by a combination of bone-deep exhaustion and the aftermath of the heavy adrenaline and psi-burn was still rattling her senses. The recipe guaranteed a sleepless night.

Judson left the mantel and crossed the room. He lowered himself into the other reading chair and contemplated the flames.

“I’m glad that the mirror engine was destroyed today,” Gwen said. “I know you said that Sam and his lab techs would want to examine it, but I think it’s better that it’s gone altogether.”

Judson looked at her. “Even though it saved your life on two different occasions?”

“I’m really, really hoping I won’t need it a third time.”

“You won’t,” he said grimly. “From now on, I’m never going to let you out of my sight.”

She smiled. “Yes, you will, and we’ll both be fine.”

“No, we won’t both be fine. I’m going to have a few new nightmares of my own because of what nearly happened today.”

She reached over the arm of her chair and touched him lightly. “Good news, Coppersmith. I fix bad dreams.”

He smiled at that, caught her hand and kissed it. “I know you do, Dream Eyes.” He threaded his fingers through hers. “Have you decided what you’re going to do with the lab?”

“Your brother can have the equipment he thinks might be of interest to him and his techs. I’ll let Wesley have whatever is left and the lodge, assuming he still wants it for a set. He may not have any use for the place once some of Evelyn’s machines and devices have been removed.”

Judson nodded. “Sam will give you a good price for the equipment he takes.”

“I’m just glad that a few of Evelyn’s machines will be in the hands of people who will truly appreciate them. It means that her work won’t be lost.”

They drank the brandy in silence for a time. Max rumbled on, eyes closed.

“I wonder what Riley Duncan saw there at the end when he looked at Max,” Gwen said after a while.

Judson looked at the dozing cat. “His worst nightmare. Whatever it was, it must have been the final straw—so bad that he turned the gun on himself.”

“You know, I really can’t wait to leave Wilby.”

“I feel the same way about this town,” Judson said.

“It’s going to be a long night for me.” She stirred in the chair. “You might as well go to bed.”

“Not without you,” Judson said.

“I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to sleep much,” she warned.

“In that case, I won’t sleep, either.”

“It’s very kind of you to offer to keep me company, but there’s no need for both of us to sit here in the dark all night.”

He pulled her up out of the chair and down onto his lap. He cradled her close.

“Spending the night here in the dark together is exactly what we need to do,” he said. “And after tonight I want to spend tomorrow night with you and the night after that and the one after that and all the nights after that.”

Hope and longing whispered through her. “You’re talking about giving our partnership a chance to see where it goes?”

“I’m not talking about our partnership,” Judson said. “That’s a business arrangement. You and I are lovers, remember?”

“Yes,” she said. “Lovers. That works.”

Maybe not forever, but for a while.