Page 108 of Theta

"I need a phone," I say. "Now that it's safe, I really, really need to get ahold of our people."

Dr. Lia takes her own cell from her lab coat pocket, unlocks it, and hands it to me. “You know how to dial the States?"

"Um?”

She takes it back. "Say to me the number." I tell her, and she dials a long string of numbers, and then hands it to me without actually putting the call through, yet. “I will tend to your man. He will be okay."

"Thank you, Dr. Lia."

She just smiles. “If you need a job, I always need more good nurses.”

"Tempting," I say. "I sort of went missing without a word, so I'm not sure if I'll have a job when I get back."

"You will not make very much money, working here for me, but many are the people who need help."

"You don't go into emergency medicine for the money," I answer. "Thanks for the offer. I will very seriously consider it."

She nods and then leaves, tapping at her tablet, scanning a chart or set of orders as she sweeps out in the focused, bustling, imperious way of doctors the world over.

I set the phone on my sternum because I can't hold it to my ear, and tap the call button. It rings twice.

"Story!" Mom's voice.

"Mom," I whisper, my voice tight and strangled. “Oh god, Mom."

"Where are you?"

"A monastery turned hospital outside Golfo Aranci on Sardinia."

"A hospital?"

"Ahh…well…yeah?”

"You or Killian?"

"Both?"

"Story. Talk to me."

"We're alive, Mom. We'll both be fine."

"But you're hurt."

"Pugli is dead."

"I know. We just heard." A pause. "How do you know?"

I let out a breath. "Let's just say the news could not possibly have come at a better moment."

"Story…" a pause. "Are you okay?"

"N-no." My throat is hot and tight. "I need you."

"Dad is already on the phone with Uncle Harry."

"How did you know it was me calling?"

"Who else is going to call me from an unlisted number at one in the morning?"