Reagan didnt answer.
Cath crawled onto her bed and cried for a few minutes.
For her dad. For his humiliation and his weakness. And for herselfbecause she hadnt been there to keep this from happening, and because even something this shitty couldnt bring her and Wren together. Why was Wren being so cool about this? Just because it had happened before didnt mean it wasnt serious. It didnt mean he didnt need them.
Then she cried over the fact that she hadnt made more friends with cars.
And then she called Levi.
He answered right away. Cath?
Hey, Levi. Um, how are you?
Fine. Im just working.
Do you usually answer your phone at work?
No.
Oh. Well, um, later when you get off, is there any chance you could drive me to Omaha? I know its a big hassle, and Ill give you gas money. Its just, sort of, a family emergency.
Ill come get you now. Give me fifteen.
No. Levi, it can wait, if youre at work.
Is it a family emergency?
Yeah, she said quietly.
See you in fifteen.
There was no way Snow would see him here, up on the balcony. Snow was too busy trying to learn his steps for the ball. Too busy stamping all over Agathas silk boots. She looked lovely todayall golden white hair and creamy pink skin. That girl is opaque, Baz thought. Like milk. Like white glass .
Simon took a bad step forward, and she lost her balance. He caught her with a strong arm around her waist.
Dont they just shine together? Werent they every shade of white and gold?
Hell never give her up, you know.
Baz wanted to whip around at the voice, but he caught himself. Didnt even turn his head. Hello, Penelope.
Youre wasting your time, she said, and damned if she didnt sound tired. He thinks shes his destinyhe cant help himself.
I know, Baz said, turning into the shadows. Neither can I.
from Tyrannus Basilton, Son of Pitch, posted December 2009 by FanFixx.net authors Magicath and Wrenegade
NINETEEN
Levi didnt ask any questions, and Cath didnt feel like explaining.
She told him that her dad was in the hospital, but she didnt tell him why. She thanked him a lot. She pushed a twenty-dollar bill into his ashtray and told him shed give him more as soon as she got cash.
She tried not to look at himbecause every time she did, she imagined him kissing someone, either her or that other girl, and both memories were equally painful.
She waited for him to turn on the Levi, to needle her with questions and charming observations, but he left her alone. After about fifteen minutes, he asked whether shed mind if he listened to a lecturehe had a big final the next day.
Go ahead, Cath said.
Levi set a digital recorder on the dashboard. They listened to a deep-voiced professor talk about sustainable ranching practices for the next forty minutes.
When they got into town, Cath gave Levi directions; hed only been to Omaha a few times. When they turned into the hospital parking lot, Cath was sure hed read the signST. RICHARDS CENTER FOR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH.
You can just drop me, she said. I really appreciate this.
Levi turned off the Range Management lecture. Id feel a lot better if I saw you in.
Cath didnt argue. She walked in ahead of him and went straight to the registration desk. She was half-conscious of Levi folding himself into a lobby chair behind her.
The man at the desk wasnt any good. Avery, he said. Avery Arthur. He clicked his tongue. Doesnt look like hes authorized for visitors.
Could Cath talk to a doctor? Or a nurse? The guy wasnt sure about that. Was her dad awake? He couldnt tell her, federal privacy regulations and all.
Well, Im just going to sit over there, Cath said. So maybe you could tell somebody that Im waiting, and that Id like to see my dad.
The guyhe was a big guy, more like a muscled-up orderly than a receptionist or a nursetold her she was welcome to sit all she wanted. She wondered if this guy had been here when theyd brought her dad in. Did they have to restrain him? Was he screaming? Was he spitting? She wanted everyone here, starting with this guy, to know that her dad was a person, not just a crazy person. That he had people who cared about him and who would notice if he was roughed up or given the wrong medicine. Cath huffed down into a chair where the no-good orderly could see her.
Ten minutes of silence passed before Levi said, No luck?
Same old luck. She glanced over at him, but not at his face. Look, Im probably here for the long haul. You should head back.
Levi leaned forward on his knees, scrubbing at the back of his hair, like he was thinking about it. Im not going to leave you alone in a hospital waiting room, he said finally.
But all I can do now is wait, she said. So this is the perfect place for me.
He shrugged and sat back, still rubbing his neck. I may as well see you through. You might need a ride later.
Okay, Cath said, then forced herself to keep going. Thank you This isnt going to be a regular thing, you know. I promise not to call you the next time one of my relatives gets drunk or goes crazy.