Page 37 of Psychic Obsession
"How are you feeling?"Hjalmar's tone was careful as he sat in the armchair next to Frode, and he wanted to snarl.He was fully aware Hjalmar was concerned, but hadn't he answered the question already?
"I'm okay."
"How okay?"
He breathed in deeply through his nose."Headache.A little shaky."He looked at the way the fork shook in his hand."Don't think I'll throw up again."And soon he'd take a shower.It always made him feel better.
"Good enough."
Frode gave him a weak smile."I'll live."
Hjalmar snorted."You'd better or I'd have to murder Nikolai."
"I wouldn't mind if you did.It could be your good deed for the day."
"Maybe."
Nikolai huffed."I'm sitting right here."
Neither Frode nor Hjalmar acknowledged him in any way.
All teasing left Hjalmar."You scared me today."
"Sorry.I was gonna leave, but then the puppy showed up with the rug, and..."He shrugged.
"The puppy?"Nikolai's voice got a little louder.
Hjalmar glanced at him."Frode is good with faces, not with names."
"Elmore.I know his name."
"Oh, you do?"Hjalmar raised his eyebrows."Did it register today?"
Frode ate another forkful of food not to have to reply, but Hjalmar chuckled."It did.Well, that's progress.You've only worked with him for a couple of years, didn't take too long."
Frode gave him the finger.
"So..."Hjalmar leaned back in the armchair."Heard anything more from the cute forensic guy?"
Frode would've rolled his eyes if he hadn't believed it would be painful."You can go home now."
"I'll wait until you've showered."
"I won't fall."
Hjalmar nodded."Remember when you said you wouldn't fall and fell?"
Frode scowled then winced."I won't fall."
"I'm staying."Then he pushed off the armchair and was back less than a minute later with two pain pills resting on his palm.
"Thanks."Frode picked them up in a gloved hand and put them in his mouth before reaching for his water.
Nikolai was watching his every motion, but he did his best to ignore him.
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Chapter 10
