Page 9 of Never Leave Me
After they’d given her the holy water, she’d revived from her coma. Only then had they sorted out the fact that her 1380s body had fallen into a coma since a body could only be conscious in one era at a time. Belatedly, they’d realized that due to the lack of medical technology, Marian wouldn’t be able to survive a coma in 1381. Once she died there, she would also die in the present. Unless she drank a second dose of the holy water.
Of course, Harrison hadn’t been able to track down more, even after excavating the vault. But it was now clear she’d gotten sufficient doses of holy water to save her 1380s body. Since the holy water was more plentiful in the Middle Ages, it made sense that Marian’s husband had found some and saved her.
Ironically, Harrison still had no idea if the holy water wastruly the cure Arthur had believed it to be, the cure he’d risked everything—including his life—to find. While they’d learned it had the capability to allow time crossing, they’d yet to see any proof the holy water could heal.
“You know my dad was crazy.” Ellen was watching him, likely reading his thoughts. “Both his and Marian’s deaths prove just how crazy his theory was.”
Harrison fingered the cork in the top of the flask. It was pushed in deeply and tightly to keep the liquid safe. “Please have a go at it, Ellen.” He met her gaze only to find she was wiping more tears from her cheeks.
She shook her head. “Don’t you want to spend as much time with me as possible before I die?”
“Naturally, I do.” She had no comprehension just how much he ached to be with her.
“And what about Josie? I need to finish making her wish come true.”
Josie Ansley was an adorable girl of only six with a rare case of Batten disease, currently staying at Serenity House with her parents. A bright, energetic girl only a couple of years ago, she’d deteriorated quickly both physically and mentally. Ellen was doing everything she could for Josie and her family to give them a restful vacation in Serenity House. She spared no expense, had an excellent staff, and spoiled every family who came.
While Batten disease was fatal and had no known cure, the family had heard of an extremely rare experimental gene therapy drug for Batten. Josie’s parents were now raising money for the treatment with the hope of giving it to their daughter soon. Of course, Ellen and the Serenity Foundation were helping not only with the funding but also in attempting to speed the drug’s process through MHRA regulators.
“But what if this water has the power to heal you?” he asked.
“And what if it doesn’t?”
Harrison wanted her to take the risk. If she didn’t, she’d most definitely die. But if she drank it, there was a possibility it could heal her.
“Please, Ellen.” His voice rose with the earnest passion that burned within him. “Won’t you at least consider it?”
A sob escaped from her lips. She clamped her palm over her mouth, spun toward the lift, and stepped onto the metal grate.
“Please, love.” He didn’t care that he was begging. He worked his fingers around the cork, loosening it. Pieces crumbled away until the flask was open, ready, beckoning.
With her back facing him, she shook her head.
Desperation crept into his chest and began to constrict his airways. He had the feeling he could plead with her the rest of the day, but every scenario ended with her refusing. He understood her fears about falling into a coma and losing the little time she had left. He didn’t want to miss a single second of a single minute of her life. But what if the water could save her?
“Do this for me, Ellen.” He spoke quietly, but an embarrassing amount of hoarseness crept into his voice.
She spun, her expression fierce, her fists balled at her sides. “Harrison, please. You’re making me feel guilty for how I want to spend my remaining days.”
He wished he could march over to her, sweep her off her feet...
His thoughts silenced, and he stared at the open spout of the flask. What if he proved the holy water could cure? If she saw firsthand the results, how could she deny his request any longer?
His pulse gave an extra kick as though urging him to prove it now before he thought of all the reasons why he shouldn’t.
He sloshed the flask, feeling the liquid move inside. Then he looked up at Ellen.
Her litany about having so much yet to do for not only Josieand her parents but the families yet to visit Serenity House came to a halt. As though sensing what he was about to do, her eyes widened with panic, and she began to shake her head.
With one movement, Harrison lifted the container and tipped the contents into his mouth. The liquid poured over his tongue and down his throat, tasteless, odorless, and without texture. It was a scarce amount, no more than a tablespoon.
“No!” Her protest came out constricted, her face turning ashen.
He wasn’t doing this for himself. He was doing it for her and only her. Because he loved her. Before he could speak the words, his mind went black. He felt himself falling, falling, falling, and then finally floating in oblivion.
3
ELLENCLUTCHEDHARRISON’SLIMPHAND. Drake had wheeled him from the vault to his bedroom on the second floor, several doors down from the room where she’d been staying. Now Harrison was on his bed, alive but unresponsive.
