Hope for the Underworld

25

Cora regained consciousness with some difficulty, as if she was waking from a drug induced sleep. She didn't know what was happening but could feel a cool touch on her face and the neck.

'H...' Her lips twitched, trying to formulate a word, a name, but it seemed beyond her capability.

She could hear something, but the sound was coming from such a great distance she couldn't make it out. As her awareness gradually increased, she felt a gentle hand on her face again. It reminded her of Hades' touch and her heart once more contracted painfully over the loss.

'...caster... Miss Lancaster...' someone was saying over and over again. 'Cora... Can you hear me?'

She finally managed to open her eyes and saw the Inspector; he was kneeling beside her and continued cooling her face with a wet handkerchief.

Seeing her conscious, he breathed a sigh of relief. 'Miss Lancaster.' His tone was urgent, concerned. 'Can you hear me?'

'Y... Yes,' she croaked.

'Would you like some water?' He reached behind and brought up a bottle. Very gently, he lifted her head a little and helped her to drink. 'Please, do not worry. The ambulance is on its way.'

'What's... happened?' she managed weakly.

'You fainted... Oh, the paramedics are here.' He rose to make space for the professionals. 'They will take care of you.' He stepped away and watched as they checked her vitals, hooked her up to an IV, and carried her away to the ambulance.

'What the hell has happened here?!'

Christopoulos turned his head to look at Costas approaching from the path. He noted her expression was grim.

'She fainted and I couldn't bring her back, so I called the ambulance.'

'You know damn well, that's not what I'm asking about!' she snapped.

Yes, he did know. But did not like to admit what it was suggesting... What Costas must have been thinking. 'I went for a run.' He shrugged. 'And saw her walking towards the cliff. I thought that maybe there was something she remembered or... didn't tell us in the first place, so I followed. I lost her briefly and went to the top of the cliff. By the time I realised my mistake and backed down to the cave, it was too late. I thought I heard her talking to someone, but when I arrived, she was alone, and I only managed to reach her in time to cushion her fall. It felt oppressive in there, so I carried her outside and called the ambulance... That's all,' he concluded matter-of-factly.

'You know it won't look good on the report.' She was calmer now. 'They won't take too kindly to a stalking.'

'I wasn't stalking her!' he huffed indignantly.

'You have followed a lone woman, off duty, to a remote location!' She raised her brow inquisitively.

'I thought she might lead us to him.'

'And did she?'

'She talked to someone!' He was defensive.

'Listen.' She stepped closer. 'I'm on your side. But you must realise how it will look...' she hesitated briefly, but continued, nevertheless. 'Many people have noticed you have an obsession about her.'

'I don't have an obsession!' he exclaimed, angered. 'All I want is to help a victim!'

'I know, because I know you. But it will look differently from the bosses' point of view. You've lost your perspective and got involved. I know it's because you are a good man, but...' She just sighed.

'You know what she once told me?' he spoke suddenly, stepping closer. 'That I should ask you out, because we would complement each other.'

'What?!' Costas seemed unsettled.