71

Mikel stepped into the darkened room; Fabian was sitting next to Mercy's bed.

Mercy lay sleeping. Her skin was marble white.

Fabian sat, as still as the statue of a man, staring at Mercy. His face was grim.

Mikel approached them; his face reflected concern.

"Fabian, what is wrong?"

Fabian barely spoke above a whisper. "Loretta is gone."

Mikel furrowed an eyebrow. "You let her go?"

Fabian's eyes narrowed. "I had to. She was poison."

Mikel sounded less than convinced.

"This is not like you, Fabian. You never give up on people."

Fabian's jaw tightened. "She hurt Mercy. That's not forgivable."

Mikel's gaze dropped to Mercy. "How is she?"

Fabian's voice lost its tension. "She'll recover. Physically."

Mikel knew what he was talking about. "Emotionally?"

Fabian's face darkened. "That's different."

Mikel nodded. "I'll find Loretta. Bring her back."

Fabian's eyes snapped back, squarely at him. "No. Leave her alone."

Mikel's eyes appeared to round. "You're letting her go once and for all?"

Fabi