Music of Souls

***

Sarah was sitting in the drawing room waiting when they returned. "How did it go?"

"Fine, they were very understanding, said to take all the time I need." He put his hand on her shoulder. "I'm ready if you are." Sarah stood and they headed to the holding room, hand in hand.

Once they were gone, Elisabeth began to pace. "Now what?"

Jackson took her in his arms. "Now, we wait." She held him tightly, desperate for the reassurance of his touch. He kissed her forehead. "Let's go for a walk."

"What if they need us for something?"

"They won't for a day or so. Let's enjoy some fresh air while we can."

When they returned, they busied themselves cleaning up from the party. Jackson had called Consuelo and told her they had plenty of help, so she needn't come.

After dinner, he said, "I think I'll go down and check on them."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, I think it will be better if I go alone."

The door was open; Sarah wouldn't need to lock it for some time. They were on the sofa, Connor lying down with his head in her lap. He was still conscious, yet already displayed a grayish pallor. Sarah wore a pained expression that caused Jackson to cringe. He asked, "You need anything?"

"No."

He poured drinks for them both. She started to refuse, but he insisted, "Don't be a martyr. You know you need this."

She accepted it with a sigh, "You're right. I guess I am my own worst enemy."

"How you doing, Skippy?"

He barely lifted his head. "Just peachy."

Jackson remained long enough to finish his drink, then asked, "Anything I can do?"

"We're good."

"All right, I'll leave you to it then." He kissed Sarah's cheek and patted Connor on the back. "Hang in there buddy. I'll check back in the morning."

***

By day three, Connor had lost consciousness. He had not needed a transfusion, so the transition was imminent. Jackson and Elisabeth took turns sitting with Sarah; she seemed to be reconciling herself to their new reality. Jackson seized every opportunity to point out the upsides, and tried his best to lighten her mood. He understood her anxiety stemmed mostly from worrying Connor would leave like Standish had.

Elisabeth conducted a lecture on day five, so Jackson did his best to entertain Sarah. When she returned, she cooked dinner for the three of them. Sarah had not eaten anything since the party, but they convinced her to join them. The three sat in the kitchenette of the holding cell since Sarah refused to leave Connor, even for a minute. While eating dessert, they heard a muffled moan from the bed. They all stared at one another for a moment, then Sarah went to the fridge for a bottle of blood. She put her hand on Connor's forehead. "You better go. He doesn't want you to see him like this."