“Harvey, come this way.”
He led me through the theatre, backstage, and to a dressing room with Killian’s name on it. He knocked and waited.
Killian opened the door, looking awful. I reached out and touched his cheek.
“Oh my God, are you okay?” His eyes looked red and watery in contrast to his pale skin. He shook his head and stepped back so we could enter.
“Sit down, Killian, before you fall.” Duncan led him to a sofa, then poured him a glass of water.
“Can you talk at all?” I asked, worried for him.
“No,” he mouthed. “Too sore.”
“You shouldn’t have gone on if it was that bad. What were you thinking?” What had happened since we met earlier for it to worsen this much?
“I told you, Harvey, he’s a stubborn one and hates to let people down. We’re going to have to cancel Scotland, no doubt about that. You’ll need to go home and rest as best you can.”
“Does he live locally?”
“He’s got a place on the docks. There’s a car outside to take him. I’ll make sure he gets some rest. I can leave some food for you to help yourself to when you’re feeling better.”
“You can’t leave him on his own,” I argued. “He needs looking after.”
“I would, but with the cancellation of Scotland, I don’t have time to babysit him.”
Killian glared at Duncan and typed something out on his phone.
“I don’t need a fucking babysitter.”
“I beg to differ,” I said and turned to Duncan. “He needs proper care. He barely has enough energy to stand, let alone get food.”
I had an idea but didn’t know if either of them would agree.
“You could come and stay with me. I have a spare room. I can cook for you, make sure you’re okay. The other alternative is that I stay at your place, but then there’s no one to look after my cat. It’d be a pain for me to travel back and forth every day.”
I looked between them. Duncan’s face had brightened, but Killian frowned.
“Sounds like a good idea to me. What do you think?” Duncan asked him.
Killian typed furiously on his phone. “No. I’ll not put you out. I’ll be okay on my own. I don’t need anyone’s pity.”
“For fuck’s sake, Killian. It’s not pity. You’re sick. I can help you if Duncan has a lot to do. Don’t be such a baby.”
He glared at me, but I could tell I was getting through to him. He sighed heavily, his shoulders slumped. “Okay,” he mouthed.
“That’s settled then.” Duncan seemed relieved. “I’ll get the car to take you to Killian’s. We’ll pack up some stuff and then drive to yours. How does that sound?”
“Good with me.” I looked over at Killian. He really did look rough and at the point of sleep.
I put my arm around his waist and helped him out of the room and to a waiting car in front of the theatre. People still mingledaround, shock on their faces as we manhandled Killian into the back of the vehicle.
He lay his head back on the headrest and grabbed for my hand. I clutched it tightly, not wanting to let go. If I could offer comfort, I would.
Duncan hopped in the front, and we sped down to the docks. The apartments here weren’t huge, but I knew they’d carry a hefty price tag, and when we finally got him upstairs into his apartment, I could see why.
The view was fantastic. It overlooked the River Mersey and the peninsula where I lived, although my house was on the other side, by the River Dee.
“I’ll grab some clothes and toiletries if you could sit with him. I won’t be long.”
