Page 99 of Butterfly

“Holy shit,” he panted.

His heart pounded behind his ribs, and he uncoiled himself, leaning back to get a look at the driver rushing to help him.

“Are you hurt?”

Ollie blinked. He recognised the man kneeling in front of him, checking him over with panicked blue eyes.

“Doctor Pichard?”

“That’s me,” Pichard replied, touching the side of Ollie’s head. “Did I hit you?”

“No,” Ollie said numbly. “You stopped just in time.”

“What the hell is going on?” Rory snapped in his ear.

“I was almost knocked down by Doctor Pichard,” Ollie replied.

“Doctor Pich… You’re at Hollybrook, aren’t you?”

“Let’s get you back to your feet,” Pichard said, helping Ollie to stand. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

“I’m fine.” Ollie gave him a weak smile. “Your car has good breaks.”

“Luckily for you.”

Rory coughed in his ear. “I’m leaving the house now.”

“I can get a taxi.”

“You were supposed to beina taxi.”

“Yeah…it broke down.”

Rory sighed. “I smell bullshit.”

“Is Sebastian cooking again?”

“Ollie…”

“I can give you a ride home,” Pichard said with a shrug. He still had one hand on Ollie in case he might drop to the ground.

Ollie looked at him. “Really?”

“Saves me from worrying about whether you pass out on the way home.”

“You didn’t hit me.”

“Offer still stands. You caught me in a good mood.”

“Good mood?” Ollie asked.

“Time off,” Pichard said. He helped Ollie to the passenger door.

“If you’re sure you don’t mind,” Ollie said over his shoulder.

“I don’t.”

“Pichard’s giving me a lift,” Ollie said down the phone.

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