26
THOUGHT WE WERE IN A HURRY
Oh, goddess.
As if from a distance, I hear Beatrice’s voice. I’m only partly aware I’ve got my back to the wall, my arms wrapped tightly around my middle. My vision narrows to a pinpoint, the darkening water stain and the showy bloom, Midas Touch, the only things I can see.
All I can think is that François is going to get me. There’s nothing anyone can do to prevent it. And this time, I won’t survive.
Beatrice pulls me stumbling to the couch and perches on the coffee table, her knees touching mine. I flinch away, but she puts her hand firmly on my knee, anchoring me in place.
“Feel my hand on your knee. You are in your apartment, sitting on your couch. Feel the couch, your feet on the floor. Dex and I are here with you. You are safe. You can hear my voic
