Page 127 of My UnTrue Love
Those pale brown eyes finally met Bill’s. “You know who I am?”
“I got a suspicion. I never did meet another coyote with blue magic.”
Suddenly, Clementine made a small sound and Bill forgot everything else.
Chapter Twenty-Six
As he held tight, to his lost Love,
That fates had want to steal,
He beseeched the nameless gods above,
To undo his foolish deal.
Lyrics from the folk song “Crossroads Coyote”
Everyone’s attention focused on Clem, as she finally stirred. She gave another grumbling-moan, turning her head against Bill’s chest to hide her face against his shirt.
Bill’s newly-discovered heart leapt. “Darlin’? Open your eyes.” He pushed back a handful of shiny curls, so he could watch her face. “Open your eyes and look at me.”
“Bill?” Clementine blinked and then immediately cringed, like the light was hurting her. “Ow.”
He nearly wept with relief. “I’m here, baby. I’m right here.”
“I know. I heard you hummingMy Own True Love. I like the bridge.”
He gave a half-crazed laugh. “I’m glad.” He automatically moved his palm to shade her eyes from the light. “Damnation, have I missed you. I missed you so much. How do you feel?”
“I’m okay.” Clem’s gaze went to Hank, who came striding into the cell to assure himself of her recovery up close. “Did I faint?” She gasped, as if her memories started rushing back. “Oh my God!”
“Johnny attacked you.” Hank agreed, knowing that’s what she’d just recalled. He handed Clem her glasses and ran a hand over her cheek. “We’re gonna find him. Don’t you worry.”
“He was acting crazy, Hank! He took Hasten-2.”
“Fucking idiot.” Hank shook his head in disgust. “You’re sure you’re not hurt, Clemmie?”
“I’m fine. I promise. I just…” She shuddered, hunching closer to Bill. “I don’teverwant to see him again.”
“You won’t have to.” Nobody would ever see Johnny again, if Bill had his way.
Clem swallowed, like the whole ordeal had left her dazed. “He was so angry and he wouldn’t listen. He was ranting and raving and saying that I was supposed to marry him and not you.”
Bill’s grip tightened on her.
“He’s a stranger. I don’t know him, at all. And it was sodark.” She was scared of the dark.
Bill gritted his teeth, hating Johnny from the depths of his soul. “I’ve got you, now.” He somehow kept his voice soothing. “You’re not alone. You won’t ever have to be alone.”
Clem’s fingers clung to his shirtfront. “I saw pictures of all these other girls that Johnny hurt. He said they were lying, but they’renotlying. I know it. I got away, but he followed me, right into Luke’s apartment…” She stopped short. “Luke!” She sat straight up in Bill’s arms, looking around. “Where is he?”
The kid slowly got to his feet, his attention locked on her. He seemed nervous as hell that she’d reject him over his coyote’s savagery.
“There you are!” Clem smiled at him, her body relaxing. She forgot her own anxiety, because she had him to focus on. “Thank goodness you’re okay. I was so worried about you, sweetie-pie.”
The cutesy nickname seemed to break him. Luke’s face crumpled. He turned towards the wall, his hands coming up to cover his face and his shoulder shaking.
“Oh! Luke, it’s alright. It’s all gonna be fine. Bill and Hank are here, now. We’re safe.” Clementine scrambled out of Bill’s arms to go comfort the kid.
