The High Priestess - The Darkest Desires Series

XXVII

M

cQueen, felt refreshed. In body, at least. In the wee hours of the morning he'd awoken with a splitting headache but had quickly fixed it with a strong cup of tea and two painkillers. 

Shuffling out the door after a shower and teeth clean, he felt a wave of unease again. It could have been the hangover, but it was more than that. Since he awoke, having called twice he still couldn't reach Hale. Last they had spoken; he was still dealing with Interpol and catching them up on 'Maddock'. On the other hand, he had been able to reach the undercover team, but they'd reported that nothing had occurred at the House. Like, literally nothing. The lights had stayed off, the doors had remained closed and they hadn't seen hide, or hair of any guests. McQueen asked them to stick around; note who came and went and if they opened again. They did tell him Echo had left early that morning, but they hadn't followed. McQueen couldn't bring himself to care where the woman had gone. He was done with her.

In his morning daze, he decided to give Lizzy one more try. Perhaps the drugs would kick in and she would feel less pain? Maybe her mind had healed in the past few hours? Maybe angels would come down and wipe his ass for all eternity too. Sighing, he drove the scenic path to the hospital while the empty streets slowly awoke to meet the day. Shop owners were slowly coming out, the postmen were running their rounds and McQueen could smell fresh bread on the cool morning breeze. He didn't have the radio on. He always hated the adverts and today he couldn't stand the cheery morning music and the holiday wishes. Shit, it was almost Christmas. His Ma' would expect a card. His step-dad wouldn't, and McQueen didn't have anyone else he felt like sending one too. At least that was an easy list to complete.

The Ambulance bay was quiet which McQueen decided to take as a good sign. He battled the growing wind, his shoulders hunched as he walked through the motion sensor doors. The eerie silence greeted him while the creamy yellow lobby looked dim and unwelcoming. It looked like a slowly rotting banana no one quiet wanted to throw out yet, just in case. The only sign of life was the receptionist and the half dead potted plant next to her.

"Good morning." She spoke from behind her computer screen, not even lifting her eyes to him. Her wispy brown hair was pulled back in a tight pony-tail and her skin was pale with red blotches. Yet perfectly manicured fingers grasped a clip board and placed it on the counter top. "Fill this out, name, address, insurance, sign and date. No, we cannot ensure the doctor of your choice. Repeat prescriptions do not need to be signed by a doctor. If you feel increasing pain while waiting, think long and hard before calling a nurse; we are very busy. However, we will be with you as soon as we can." He could see in the reflection of her glasses she was playing solitaire on her PC, but McQueen was spent. He didn't have the energy to reprimand her.

"I'm just visiting." He thought about the last time he and Hale had come here. They had no idea what was in store for them, but this time McQueen knew better.

"Oh, do you know your way?" She finally looked up and did a double take. He'd made sure he'd left his apartment with his hair combed, face shaved and washed, as well as picking out a clean suit and matching tie. But, that didn't seem to have helped with the bags under his eyes or the look of helplessness within them. Her pitiful smile just made him feel worse.

"Yes, thank you." He took a step away, but swivelled back, surprised to find the woman's eyes still on him. "Do you know if a Nurse Willow is on shift today?" If he had to face what was upstairs, he could use some back up. And he didn't lie to himself when he thought she was a beautiful woman who he'd like to know more.