River suddenly says, “It’s working,” but I don’t think I’ve heard him right.
“What do you mean it’s working? Look at him!”
“Timothy’s white cells are taking over,” Lyla says, still holding Caden down. “It’s not an easy fight.”
The thrashing continues, but at least Caden no longer screams. He cries instead, soft and vulnerable sobs. It almost sounds like he’s crying in relief.
The door opens, and Dino walks in. He takes in the sight of us, then hurries to Caden’s side. We move to give him room now that Caden is no longer trying to fight.
“We gave him an infusion of Timothy’s blood because he was dying,” Josh says. “Lyla and River think that it’s working.”
Dino leans down to kiss Caden’s head. If he’s shaken by the sight of his mutation, he doesn’t show it. “You’re okay, son,” he whispers to him. “You’ve been so brave. I couldn’t be more proud of you. Now close your eyes and rest.”
Caden cries harder. “Please stay.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Dino turns to us. “All of you look exhausted. Find a place to rest. I’ll stay with him.” He turns to Timothy and gasps. “What happened?”
“I’ll tell you later.” Timothy stands on the cart, and River picks him up. “I’m glad that my blood was helpful like Finn had suggested, but we still need to wait and see what other effects it might have—good or bad.”
In other words, the same blood that is fighting the infection might cause damage later on. I don’t have the energy to worry about that now.
Before I can turn to leave, Dino reaches out and holds my hand. “Are you okay?”
I’ve never been more exhausted in my life, but Caden is alive and Timothy is no longer dead, so the only answer is, “Yes.”
“I’ll speak with you later. You did good.”
“Thank you, sir.”
*
We walk out of the clinic, and pain is everywhere we look, but at least it seems that no more wounded are being brought in. We grab some sandwiches we find lying around since none of us have eaten for hours.
“I should take Timothy back to Frankie and check on my men,” Lyla says.
River bows. “Don’t forget your crown, my queen.”
“Hush, you.”
“Wasn’t the plan for Remy to replace the king?” I ask.
She sighs. “He got cold feet after we took over High Hope. We didn’t have time to find a replacement with the war and all, so I agreed to take leadership.”
“And nowIneed to be the king of something,” River says. “It’s fair.”
“Good luck with that, brother.”
We say our goodbyes to Lyla and Timothy, and the three of us remain.
“You did the right thing,” I tell Josh, because I know him too well. “You had to shoot him.”
“The hardest decision I’ve ever made.” He glances at River. “But I have no regrets. Do you think he’ll stay like this?”
He means Caden’s mutation. I shake my head. “I don’t know. I hope that Timothy’s blood will cure him of everything, but I reckon it won’t be so simple.”
“Whatever happens, the worst better be behind us.” Josh blocks a yawn. “I have to crash for a few hours. You’re coming with us?”
“I want to be alone for a bit.”
