No one stops me as I make my mad dash out the front door and down the middle of the parking lot, though many give me surprised looks at the lack of propriety. Half muffled prayers and curses leave my lips as I stumble down the road towards the closest Healers station, almost a full mile away.
I can't believe I fell asleep while waiting for the Fireside Head to show up. Not only that, but for him to walk into his study with the young woman Bast had charged me with caring for in his arms AND on drugs? Surely Bast is furious with me.
Tears sting my eyes, but I wipe them away angrily, determined to find a Healer and redeem myself not only in my Goddess's eyes but also my Lord's.
Ever since I'd started working at the Fireside house, I'd heard rumors and been warned about the Head of Fireside's cold and calculating demeanor. I had been so intimidated by what everyone had told me, that seeing him there had frightened me into near speechlessness. However, his kind and amused eyes coupled with the concern I'd heard in his tone makes me question the reliability of what I'd been told.
I'm jerked out of my muddled thoughts by the flash of Healer white coming down the street at a hurried pace, the Collector walking with him a few steps ahead. Both look as though they're in a hurry, yet a feeling in my gut makes me stop in front of the Collector. Putting a hand up to convey that I want them to wait, I catch my breath before grabbing the Healer's hand.
"Please! You must come with me to my-" My plea is cut short when the Healer wraps his long fingers around mine before running in the direction I'd just come from with me in tow. The Collector makes a startled sound behind us before catching up quickly with a string of curses. Alarmed and a little afraid, I go along with them since it seems they understand what it is I was asking.
"We're in your debt, Acolyte. Thomas, run faster," the healer says as we start to sprint through the parking lot of Fireside house.
A Collector sees us coming and hurriedly opens the front door, his questions lost to the wind of our passing. I follow behind the two, amazed as the Healer leads us straight to the Head's study.
"Thomas, door. Lord," the Healer nods to the Head of Fireside absently while making his way over to the woman laying practically lifeless on the cushions under the window. I quickly move out of the way as the Collector leans against the door, his eyes shooting daggers at the carpet. I ring my hands nervously in front of me as the Healer opens his bag and starts pulling out odd looking objects. I stop when I see my lord watching me speculatively.
His eyes travel around the room slowly, the only sounds coming from the Healer as he works.
Finally, he looks up with a heavy sigh and informs the room at large, "It's Nightshade alright and a heavy dose of it. She'll be out until late afternoon."
Looking at the Head of Fireside, he asks, "Can she stay here until then, I'm worried about moving her."
My lord nods his head before waving the Healer over to an empty chair. Smiling in gratitude, the Healer gets up with a groan, flopping tiredly into the offered chair.
"It is actually fortuitous that you have brought a Collector with you, seeing as I need his services," the Head of Fireside says as he taps the book I'd given him with his pointer finger. "It seems that my nephew, as well as his father before him, have been conducting illegal activities under my nose."
The heat in his tone could scorch the skin off of a lizard, though his features are calm.
Glancing at the Healer, the Collector walks over and takes the book and file from My Lord before moving back to the door. Sliding down the wood, he sits cross-legged with the book open in his hand, reading it over.
"As you can see, he has generously outlined each person sold, along with for how much and where they were sold to as well as to whom. The file-" He closes his eyes as though in pain; sadness, disappointment, and outrage showing on his face.
Unable to just stand back as someone is hurting, I step forward and lay my hand hesitantly on his shoulder. Feeling his body tense, I try to remove my hand, but he reaches up and grasps it firmly, squeezing a little.
Taking a breath through his nose, he continues, "The file shows where and when he picked each person up and who was involved in the act, as well as how much they were each paid for their services. Though I can only speculate, it looks as though some of those services were paid in flesh rather than gems." His head falls forward into his free hand, his other still holding mine on his shoulder. I squeeze his hand gently, trying to convey comfort and support. When he looks up at me, the small smile gracing his lips is so charming that my breath catches.
"I understand the situation, Sir. As soon as we know Callie is stable, I'll leave to gather some reinforcements and clean your house," the Collector says as he looks at the now snoring Healer. An amused snort escapes him before he looks back down at the items in his lap. "Until then, I would advise that none of us leave this room. There are too many unknowns and too many enemies behind this door." He emphasizes his point by jabbing his thumb at the door while watching for the Fireside Head's reaction.
Nodding in understanding, the Head of Fireside leans his head back against the top of his chair, "A sound plan. Madam, you are welcome to share the cushions with the woman, Callie. It is not the first time I have slept in this chair, and I dare say it will not be the last." His smile is sardonic yet sincere as he pats my hand and motions for me to go lay down.
The events of the day catch up with me then, and I nod gratefully, fatigue making my steps heavy. Laying down in front of Callie, I fall asleep quickly, exhaustion overtaking my mind.