CHAPTER 23
When Saffron had recovered enough to leave her room, she asked to see Alexander—demanded, really—and was finally wheeled down the long corridor when she’d worn down the doctors responsible for her care.
With white walls, a window dressed with faded yellow curtains, and a dark wrought iron bed frame cushioned with an uncomfortable little mattress, Alexander’s room was a mirror of her own, including the policeman stationed outside. The curtains were opened, allowing sunlight to spill into the room and over the bed, making the room look welcoming rather than drab.
Alexander’s face was pale, his olive skin darkened with stubble. Bruises had bloomed to a deep purple on his left eye, forehead, and cheek, but his lips tilted into a little smile as the nurse settled Saffron next to his bed. Saffron thought he looked rather nice despite his injuries, his dark hair curled and messy on his head. It made him look quite a bit younger, especially in combination with the plain pajamas he wore. A man shouldn’t look so handsome with his face bashed up.
“Good afternoon,” she said with a shy smile.
“Good afternoon. How are you?” Alexander said, eyeing the wheelchair.
Saffron brushed off his concern, saying, “I woke up feeling almost normal, but they’ve insisted I be carted around.” She held up a hand and wiggled her fingers. “I’ve been line-free for ages, but they’re being cautious. I actually had movement in my fingers when they were still a little blue. I wonder if it’s related to dosage or secondary exposure or perhaps some chemical interaction—”
With a grimace, Alexander said, “Let’s not discuss poisons.” He took her hand in his. His grip was a little weak, but his eyes were earnest and open, the usually dark color a striking mahogany in the sun. “I’m glad you’re all right.”
Saffron swallowed, guilt eating at her. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I put you in danger—”
Alexander shook his head. “I’m sorry. I did nothing to protect you, and … I wouldn’t have been able to protect you, had Blake not come back.”
Saffron sensed his hesitation and what he was reluctant to say. She squeezed his hand. “But he did come back. And nothing did happen.” Saying the words helped reassure her as well as Alexander.
They began discussing Elizabeth’s latest complaint about her boss since it was the furthest thing Saffron could think of from their misadventure.
“Elizabeth said she’d stop by after work, shall I bring her round?” Saffron added. She really wanted to ask whether Alexander was expecting any visitors. She didn’t know anything about his family, if they were in town or if they’d been informed. She didn’t like the idea of him sitting all alone until he was released.
As if he read her thoughts, he shook his head, looking uncomfortable. “I’d rather not have visitors.” He glanced at her, his mouth tense. “Unpleasant memories, you understand.”
Recalling the story of his injury, Saffron bit her lip. “Am I intruding, then?”
“Considering the unpleasant aftermath of the xolotl”—Alexander cocked an eyebrow—“I rather think we’re beyond that, don’t you?”
“Yes, vomiting side by side, even if the other was unconscious, certainly made close friends of us.” Saffron rolled her eyes. “And now you’re going off to parts unknown, likely to be surrounded by plants like xolotl. Have the doctors given you the all clear to travel?”
“If the university is able to recover or replace whatever money Blake and Berking stole and the trip moves forward, I’ll be leaving with the rest of the team. Unless my recovery takes much longer than expected.”
Saffron looked up to see him looking out the window somewhat despondently. “I’m sure you’ll be back to normal in no time at all,” she said brightly. His color was already returning, and she was certain he’d be allowed to try walking soon. “You were given a higher dose than I was, so it’s natural that you’ve taken a bit longer to recover.”
He shook his head as if to banish a thought. “It’ll be even harder to leave now,” he said, then added, “I’ll have to clear it with Inspector Green. In case I’m needed for the trial.”
She hadn’t thought about the trial. She would likely have to testify, and the fuss that her family would raise would probably be just as distressing as actually giving her testimony. She sighed. It would have been less daunting if Alexander was there too, but she had to hope, for his sake, that he would be able to go on the expedition, as planned.