Rising Light

Chapter 17: Going North

Kate couldn't sleep. She'd tried, truly she had, but the comfort that she usually found on Leah's sofa was gone. Her thoughts kept straying back to everything that had happened, to what Midnite had tried to do. To what she had almost done if it wasn't for her friends. She could feel cold sweat prickling on her skin. The only reason she was even camping out on Leah's couch was to try and avoid those memories. She'd hoped that being away from the others, from their pitying looks and the mild fear that she had caught once behind Chas' eyes, would be enough to quell the memories. To put New Orleans behind her.

Apparently, it wasn't as straightforward as that though. The worries kept coming back to her; trying to make sense of the ordeal. Of that fact that she had been so close to killing an innocent woman all because she was looking for the others.

Restlessly, she sat up.

'Come on, what's wrong?' asked Leah, looking over from the report she was trying to write. Kate had almost completely forgotten that her friend would be up early, perched on a kitchen stool, already flicking through the newspapers before she headed off to work. Months away from Leah's couch and apparently things were already fading.

Oh, you know, just found out that I have some crazy-ass powers and almost killed people because I wasn't getting my own way.

Kate took a breath, there was no way she was dumping all that on Leah. 'Last case was... dark,' she admitted, shifting on the sofa once more, trying to settle. It was no good though, part of her wondered if she'd ever settle again.

Leah made an understanding sound, but they both knew that she didn't truly get it. There was always a rift between the two of them when it came to what Kate did. Always something never quite said. They'd come to some kind of understanding years ago, and for once Kate didn't feel any guilt about it, she was grateful for it if anything. Leah's concern was a million miles away from that everyone back in the Mill House shot her way.

'Jim hasn't seen Midnite,' Zed had told her only the other day. 'The police don't know anything about it, but he said he'd keep an eye out.'

'You sure you don't want burgers or something tonight?' Leah asked, pulling Kate from her reverie. 'Instead of cooking.'

Kate shook her head, closed her eyes in the vain hope that she might get at least a few minutes shuteye. 'I want to cook for you,' she murmured. 'My treat.' She wanted to say more, wanted to remind Leah that the focus of cooking would help keep her mind occupied, but before she could her phone buzzed on the table.

In an instant she was up, already swiping to answer the thing, not really looking at the caller I.D..

'What're you doing today, Kate?' John greeted, and she felt her stomach knot ever so slightly.

'Nothing?' she said uncertainly, glancing quickly at Leah, but her friend was already back to work, her brow furrowed ever so slightly as she reread something. Kate had the distinct impression that the reaction was nothing to do with whatever now seemingly had her attention.

'Good, 'cause we need you. We've got a case.'

'On my way,' Kate said, standing up. Despite her misgivings about helping again, despite knowing that she was just going to get those looks again, she couldn't help it. She needed to do this, and part of her was glad that there was something else to think about instead of her own worries.

'I'll grab something on my way back,' Leah said, looking up from her work and putting her pen carefully on the table.

'I'm sorry,' admitted Kate. 'Another time?'

Leah nodded, but they both knew it was an open ended promise. Not that it mattered how long it took Kate to come back, she would eventually - even if just to cook, to spend time with her rather than sofa surfing. 'See you whenever,' she said; an old goodbye that brought a small smile to both of their faces.