@@@@@I didn't answer him–my throat felt swollen
@@@@@I didn't answer him–my throat felt
swollen shut
“Now, now,” Jeb said in a soothing voice“I asked Doc if he minded taking a shiftYou don't
need to worry about anythingDoc's an honorable man
The doctor smiled a sleepy smile“I'm not going to hurt you… Wanda, is it? I promiseI'll just
keep watch while you sleep
I bit my lip, and the quivering didn't stop
Jeb seemed to think everything was settled, thoughNight, Doc,” he said as he
started back down the hall
Jamie hesitated, looking at me with a worried expression“Doc's okay,” he promised in a
whisper
“C'mon, boy, it's late!”
Jamie hurried off after Jeb
I watched the doctor when they were gone, waiting for some changeDoc's relaxed expression
didn't waver, though, and he didn't touch the gunHe stretched his long frame out on the mat,
his calves and feet hanging off the endLying down, he looked much smaller, he was so rail
thin
“Good night,” he murmured drowsily
Of course I didn't answerI watched him in the dull moonlight, timing the rise and fall of his
chest by the sound of the pulse thudding in my earsHis breathing slowed and got deeper, and
then he began to quietly snore
It could have been an act, but even if it was, there wasn't much I could do about itSilently, I
crept deeper into the room, till I felt the edge of the mattress against my backI'd promised
myself that I would not disturb this place, but it probably wouldn't hurt anything if I just curled
up on the foot of the bed