“Yes,” Ash said. He set the picture back down, carefully. “It is. May I ask what became of the cat?”
“Well, it got taken to the local shelter, of course. He can’t look after an animal in his condition, even if we allowed pets here.” The carer patted Mr. Jones’s hand, adopting a louder, slower voice, as though talking to a child. “I’m sure she’s with a very nice family now, Mr. Jones. Enjoying a big sunny garden and lots of attention.”
“Well, she’s not wrong,” Chase muttered. Dai kicked him.
Ash shot the two of them a brief, warning look before turning back to the carer. “Ms. Grant, we need to speak with Mr. Jones in private, please.”
The carer frowned. “I don’t think—”
“It’s fine,” Griff interrupted. He smiled at the woman, warm and friendly, but his golden eyes glinted. His voice dropped to a deep, powerful rumble. “You can leave us with him. You trust us. Everything’s fine.”
A glazed expression crossed the carer’s face. “That’s…fine?”
“You’re going now.” Griff took hold of her shoulders, turning her around. “You need to get back to work.”
The woman nodded, her jaw slack. “I need to get back to work.”
“These are not the droids you’re looking for,” Chase said under his breath. Dai kicked him again.
“That’s right. Off you go.” Griff steered the unresisting woman out the door. He closed it behind her, turning back to Ash. “The alpha command won’t hold long. We’ve probably only got about five minutes before she realizes she shouldn’t have left us alone and comes back to kick us out. And this time she’ll be on her guard. I won’t be able to influence her again so easily.”
Ash nodded in acknowledgement. “Then we must work quickly. Hugh?”
The white-haired man elbowed his way to the front of the group. Dai plastered himself against a wall, doing his best to give Hugh space in the tiny room.
“My name’s Hugh Argent. I’m a medic.” Hugh crouched next to the bed. He lifted a hand, not quite touching the old man. “I’m going to try to help you. Is that all right?”
Mr. Jones twitched, his mouth working as though trying to find words. He managed a convulsive nod.
Hugh seemed to brace himself. He touched the old man’s lined forehead.
Mr. Jones didn’t react, but a spasm ran down Hugh’s arm. He sucked in a sharp breath, the line of his shoulders tightening.
“Are you okay?” Dai asked.
“Fine,” Hugh snapped, though his jaw was tight with pain. “Shut up and let me work.”
Whatever he did wasn’t visible…but Mr. Jones suddenly gasped. His drooping eyelid flew open. He sat up with a great, convulsive jerk, knocking Hugh back.
Dai lunged to catch the medic. From Hugh’s outraged glare, he might as well have taken a swing at him.
“Sorry.” Dai let go, holding up his hands in apology. “Just trying to help.”
Hugh sniffed, straightening his shirt cuffs with the air of a startled cat licking its fur. “Next time, don’t. I can take care of myself.”
“And other people, apparently.” Chase stared over the medic’s shoulder, his expression astonished. “How-?”
“Now is not the time for questions,” Ash interrupted in firm tones. He was next to Mr. Jones, one hand on the elderly man’s shoulder as he tried to get out of bed. “Mr. Jones, please calm yourself. There is no need for alarm.”
Mr. Jones shoved Ash’s hand aside. “Minnie!”
He swung his legs over the side of the bed, pushing himself to his feet. He swayed, but his eyes blazed with fierce determination. He looked around at them all, proud and dignified even in bare feet and a stained nightshirt.
“Take me to Minnie,” Mr. Jones said, voice firm. “Take me to my wife.”
8
Dai grinned, watching Minnie leap into her mate’s arms. “Now that’s what I call a happy ending.”