“I’ve only read the first chapter explaining the biological components of alphas, betas, and omegas. It’s way more in-depth than what I learned in school,” I said, resting the book on my chest. “How is Ollie?”
Angus looked away, studying the wall. “Not good.” He took a breath. “Colt, do you believe you can communicate with people who have already passed on?”
I was surprised by the strange question, coming as it did out of left field; however, Angus wouldn’t have asked it if he didn’t have a good reason to, so I gave it some thought.
“I’ve never tried it, but I wouldn’t discount it if someone said it worked for them,” I said slowly.
Angus met my gaze. “Sometimes, I talk to Lucy in my head.”
“I would imagine that’s normal.”
“Lately, she’s been answering me. She says things I don’t think up myself. Do you think I’m nuts?”
“Angus, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that you aren’t nuts. What is it that Lucy’s telling you?”
Angus looked so relieved by my reply, I was glad I hadn’t teased him about it. What he was saying was pretty out there, but part of what I’ve always admired about Angus was his sensible thinking. He wasn’t the kind of person who would have fanciful, imaginary conversations with the deceased.
“Usually, she just advises me about stuff. Kind of like she’s my conscience, but it’s always her voice I hear in my head. But just now…”
“Go on,” I prompted him.
“Just now, when I was with Ollie, and he looked so sick and pitiful and I felt so helpless, I heard her say plain as day, ‘Get Ben.’ Then, I heard her again later say, ‘Get Ben, Angus.’”
“And that’s why you were looking for him,” I concluded.
He nodded. “Yes. But I don’t know what to say to him.”
“Just tell him you want him to see Ollie,” I said. When Angus didn’t get up right away, I said, “Do you want me to come with you?”
Angus let out a puff of air and stood up. “Of course not. That would be silly. I’m a grown man. I don’t need you holding my hand.” He hesitated.
“I’m going with you,” I said, swinging my legs off the bed and getting to my feet.
Gently, I took his hand in mine, and we headed through the hall and living room toward the sewing room on the other side of the house. The door was ajar, so I tapped on it with a knuckle and peered in. Ben and Jackson were seated on the blue bean bag in the corner of the small room. Outside the window behind them, rain continued to come down in driving sheets.
“Is something wrong?” Ben asked, scrambling to his feet when we entered. “Is it the baby?”
“He’s pretty sick,” Angus said. “I just want you to visit him with me.”
Ben’s face turned stark white, and he took a step back. “Do you mean…”
“He’s okay for now, Ben. Will you come?” Angus asked.
“O-of course.”
I held out my free hand to him, and we walked together to Maddox and David’s bedroom.
“David?” Angus said when we entered the room. “Is it okay if Ben visits Ollie for a few minutes?”
David’s eyes were rimmed in red, and my heart went out to him. In his arms, Ollie was mewling pitifully. He nodded.
With a glance at me and Angus, Ben went to sit beside him on the bed, and David passed Ollie to his friend, who cradled him carefully in his arms.
Knowing Angus, he was probably feeling the fool. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him to tell me about hearing Lucy speak to him, and then to get Ben to come see him with no explanation. Resting my hand on one of his broad shoulders, I squeezed it. It was all the reassurance I could give him.
“Where’s Maddox?” I asked David.
“He went to make a phone call. I think he’s calling the hospital again. Earlier, they said they couldn’t send an ambulance out here because the bridge on the main road is flooded, but I think he’s asking for medical advice.”