Page 92 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

“I hate being so much trouble to you two.”

“It’s not trouble, it’s our job,” Abigail said. “Besides, you’re not our only patient tonight. But you are safe here and have a warm place to sleep.”

“Thank you. What a mess I am.”

“You’ve been through so much. You deserve a bit of a wallow,” Abigail said.

I hid my grin. While she wasn’t much of a talker, she did know exactly what to say to patients.

Once Isobel was settled, I left them and headed back to my office.

I believed what she said about Baird, but I was worried about his temper. I texted Ewan that Jasper would be fine. I wanted to tell him about Isobel, but it was too much for a text.

After making some notes on Jasper’s and Isobel’s files, I checked on everyone again. The patients were asleep, and Abigail was stretched out between two office chairs with a blanket over her.

“I’m awake,” she said. “Just resting my eyes.”

I grinned. “No worries. Come get me if you need anything.”

“All good,” she said sleepily.

It didn’t seem right to leave her, but she would give me a hard time if I didn’t.

“I’m going to watch TV for a bit,” I said.

In the living room, I settled on the couch and turned on the television. Thanks to Mara and Jasper, I had a new thing for holiday baking shows. We’d been trying to convince Jasper to try out for one. I tuned into an American Halloween one where they made gruesome cakes and goodies. I wasn’t much good in the kitchen, but I appreciated those with that talent. I was definitely a foodie. I ate all the food.

The next thing I knew, Abigail gently touched me on the shoulder.

I popped up. Years of long shifts in the ER gave me the ability for instant alertness. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. It’s eight,” she said. “Jasper is doing much better. No fever. And our other patient is still resting comfortably. I think she was exhausted. I need to go get Tommy. Will you be OK for a bit, while I leave?”

“Did you get any sleep at all?”

“You know I don’t need much.”

“Go get Tommy and head home. I’ve got the patients. I had no idea I slept so long. I’m sorry. I meant to relieve you after a few hours.”

“I’m really fine. They slept most of the night, and so did I. That, and I promised Tommy he could work in the garden today. He’s determined to check on his pumpkins.”

In addition to flowers and animals, the young man had a thorough knowledge of gourds.

“Promise me you’ll catch a nap in the guest room.”

“Deal,” she said.

Her phone dinged. “Henry’s here. I’ll be back soon.” She took off with a smile on her face. That romance was so sweet, and I loved that Henry was a big fan of Tommy, as well.

After making some coffee, I took a small carafe with cups back to the surgical suites. I put on a mask and gloves. Jasper was up and smiled when I entered his room. “Coffee?”

“Gasping,” he said.

I poured him some. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better thanks to you lot. Can I go home?”

“Pretty soon.”