Page 123 of Butterfly

“He’s involved in an active police investigation. We need to take his statement while it’s still fresh in his mind.”

“I understand that,” the doctor said tightly. “But I need to treat my patient. Investigation or not, his health comes first.”

The officer retreated a step. His colleague pulled him further away and muttered into his ear. Their hushed conversation went back and forth until the grumpy officer left the cubicle.

“You said Rory,” the remaining officer said. His eyebrows dipped in concentration. “Rory Matterson?”

“No.” Ollie shook his head. “Rory Price.”

“Matterson,” Captain corrected. “It’s Matterson.”

Ollie scrunched his brow. “Oh, right.”

Price had been Rory’s cover name inside.

“Are you sure you’re not confused?” the doctor asked.

“Not any more than usual.”

Jarvis returned, heaving for breath. “He’s awake.” His eyes were bright. “He’s got a mask on, and Sebastian said he keeps chucking up his lungs when he coughs, but he’s awake.”

Ollie slipped down from the bed. “I need to see him.”

Both the doctor and Captain put a stop to his escape attempt, encouraging him back onto the bed.

The remaining officer spoke up. “Once the doctor straps up your nose, I’ll accompany you to see him.”

Ollie snorted. “So you’re the good cop?”

The officer smiled. “Depends what side of the bed I get out on.” He jutted his chin towards the doctor, who resumed prodding Ollie’s nose and complaining about the swelling.

Ollie didn’t care, though. All that mattered in that moment was Rory being okay.

Ollie froze in the doorway of Rory’s room, gut sinking at the sight of his friend on the bed. The edge of Rory’s face was grey where someone had wiped away the soot that had coloured his skin, but his cheeks, chin and forehead were flushed a vibrant pink. His eyes were closed, and he clutched the sheet as he sat propped up on the bed. The mask over his mouth clouded up with each breath he took. And he was taking them fast, quick little pants while his face was screwed up with discomfort.

“Shit, Ollie!” Sebastian said, getting to his feet. “You’re hurt?”

Ollie realised then that Sebastian and Rory didn’t know what had happened, didn’t know who had set their house on fire or why.

Rory’s eyes snapped open at Sebastian’s shout. He yanked down his mask, growing more and more alarmed by Ollie stood frozen in the doorway. Captain and Jarvis were there too and the police officer, who pushed them inside, then shut the door behind them.

“What have you done to yourself?” the officer asked, eyeing Rory.

Rory’s gaze shifted to him. “Harrison? What the hell are you… What the hell is going on?”

“I’m sorry,” Ollie blurted, stepping forward. “It’s my fault you’re in that bed.”

“You are not to blame for the actions of others,” Jarvis said.

Ollie slumped. “He was trying to kill me, though, not Rory.”

“Who was?” Sebastian demanded. “Who was trying to kill you?”

“Pichard,” Ollie whispered.

“Pichard?” Sebastian pinched the top of his nose. “The prison doctor?”

Ollie nodded.

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