Page 52 of Helsing: Demon Slayer
A moment later, she sucked in a deep breath as Ryan said, “Good instincts, Beauty Queen.”
She scowled at him. “Can you stop saying that? I was never a Beauty Queen. That was Olivia, your commander, by the way. She was All. The. Things. All-State soprano, classical pianist, candidate for the Olympic archery team … Homecoming Queen whom everyone loved.”
Ryan looked at her. He looked pale, tired, and sweaty. “Sorry. Old habits die hard. Nicknames and call signs are just a way of life in the military. Take it as a compliment. I meant it that way. You’re turning into a solid team member.”
Dianne’s heart clenched. She kept her gaze on Ryan’s face, afraid to look at his side. “I’m getting hungry and thirsty. I could really go for a bacon cheeseburger right now.”
“Cooked medium?” he asked, looking back out the windshield. “With steak-cut fries?”
She nodded. “And onions and pickles and hot sauce.”
“And a beer? Sold.” Though he played along, Dianne saw the white knuckles of his left hand where it gripped the wheel. “But we’ll have to make do with enhanced chocolate and water for now.”
Dianne didn’t wait for more confirmation but grabbed Ryan’s backpack and pulled out the stainless-steel water bottle and another of the chocolate bars, this time one designated the ‘Harmony Healing Bar.” That sounded perfect. She read the ingredients on the line under the name: cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, and dried Montmorency cherries.
Here’s hoping it helps, she thought, handing Ryan the bar and grabbing the last one for her, this time a bar with ginger and dried apricot.
They ate their chocolate bars in silence and shared the water bottle. After she’d finished, Dianne felt a little queasy. It was no surprise. She’d hardly had anything to eat since dinner last night, and the rich cacao of the gourmet candy after all of the adrenaline and fear of the morning didn’t sit as well as the white chocolate that she’d sampled before sharing a piece with Germaine.
Who’d gotten sick almost as soon as it she’d tasted it.
Could it have been spoiled?
Maybe you’re the one who’s spoiled, said a little voice inside her.These bars have been made by demi-angels with healing properties. Germaine was possessed. Maybe the two don’t mix.
Dianne shivered and shot a glance at Ryan, whose glazed gaze showed how much energy he focused on driving.
“I can drive,” she said.
He looked at her. “Might be a good idea,” he said. “Give the chocolate some time to work.”
He pulled the car over, grinding to a bumpy stop on the side of the road that made Dianne’s heart pound. She jumped out and came around only to find Ryan still sitting, the driver’s side door open.
“Just taking a moment to catch my breath,” he said, sending terror sliding down her spine.
He had to weigh almost a hundred pounds more than her. She’d never be able to get him out of the driver’s seat without help or a miracle.
Desperate, she decided to take a drill sergeant’s tack, or at least what she imagined a drill sergeant would say.
She put her hands on her hips and, glaring at him, lowered her voice to growl like a drill sergeant. “No time to rest! On your feet and move!”
Ryan, whose eyes had started to flutter closed, grabbed the steering wheel and stared at her.
“You’re unbelievably beautiful when you yell at me like that,” he said, a weak smile turning the corners of his mouth up. It didn’t reach the rest of his pale, sweating face.
“You gonna make a beauty queen carry your heavy ass?” she asked, ignoring his comment and her rising panic.
“No,” he said, sighing and getting his feet outside of the car and onto the grass of the berm.
Dianne couldn’t let up now. “Pain is just weakness leaving your body. Push through it,” she said, feeling heartless. “Rangers lead the way, huh? Prove it.”
Ryan grimaced and pulled himself upright before catching himself on the doorframe.
“You’ve got this, Ranger,” she said, trying a little more encouragement. When he didn’t move, she followed inspiration. She lied. “Oh, no! I think they’re coming!”
Ryan lifted his head and scanned the area, his eyes narrowed and his posture alert. After a moment he began shuffling around the end of the car with Dianne at his side, her fingers hovering at his elbow but afraid to touch him.
“Clever,” he said as he finally maneuvered clumsily into the car and dropped into the passenger seat, but not before hitting his head on the doorframe.
