Kofy Richmond Mysteries

Chapter 13: The Hound of Waterview Part II

Jordan sits upright on the chair by Light's bed and lowers the opened magazine he has in his hands. "Why do they want to see me, though?"

"I have no idea." Light replies. "My parents are difficult to read. I can tell you this, though: they are harmless. They are the sweetest people you will ever meet. You are going to have a good time with them."

Jordan begins to nod, but suddenly cocks his head back in such a way that he's looking at Light from over his nose. "You're overselling, Light."

"Trust me." Light says. "I've lived with them for the most part of twenty-one years. I know what I'm talking about."

"Is that so?" Jordan says, not really sure if the smile he has on his face is really fake.

A silence fills the room when they both look down at their magazines. Light's head comes up almost immediately, and he gives Jordan a long, thoughtful stare.

"How have you been?" Light asks.

"Huh?" Jordan asks, raising his head, but keeping his eyes on the magazine. "I'm good. I've been good. Actually, better than good."

"Say it one more time, and I'll believe it."

"Fine." Jordan says. "I'm worried."

"About me?"

Jordan nods.

"Jordan, I'm fine. I'm out of intensive care..."

"That's not what I'm talking about." Jordan interrupts. "You were hanging out with me and you were stabbed."

"If you're worried about my involvement in your cases..."

"I wish you would allow me take my point." Jordan says, acknowledging that he is also interrupting Light.

Light puts the magazine on his lap and leans toward Jordan.

"Both Kofy and I touched your blood with out bare hands. It's policy to have our blood tested in case we contracted anything. While we were waiting, Kofy had an idea why you didn't want to share your personal belongings, why you flung my hand away when I was trying to put pressure on your stab..."

"I should have told you."

"Tell me now."

Light sighs. "Jordan... Jordan, I have HIV."

"I know." Jordan says, his voice breaking.

"Wait. Your test came back..."

"Negative." Jordan says. "At least in my case. Kofy is yet to find out the results of his tests."

Light raises his gaze at space, hoping gravity wouldn't pull anything down from his welling eyes. "None of this would have happened if you knew. You would have been safe."

"It is not your fault, Light." Jordan says, taking his hand. "We should have been careful. Although, with how fast this happened, I'm not sure things would have ended up any different, even if we knew."

Light nods and looks at Jordan. "I'm glad and relieved you know now, and thanks for making it look like I told you in my own time."

Jordan stands. "I'm having coffee with your parents in half an hour."

Light leans forward and grabs Jordan's hand. "Jordan, they don't know... about this."

Jordan purses his lips and nods. "I understand."

When Jordan leaves the room, he backs up against the wall to dramatically slide against it, I guess. We never get to find out, because he feels and jumps up at the presence on the other side of the doorframe: Kofy's.