Part 61 (2/2)

”Great. Hold that thought.”

It took Anubis and Bast helping to get him to his feet. He swayed slightly and blinked at Anubis. ”Hey, who's a good OW!”

Violence against Bystanders was permitted only in circ.u.mstances where it saved said Bystander, or Bystanders, from a greater violence. Claire figured calling Anubis a ”good doggie” was definitely in the greater violence category.

”You pinched me!”

”Yes, I did.”

”Okay, then. How did we do?” he asked, rubbing one cheek.

”Neither of you were found wanting,” Osiris answered. He stepped forward, and Claire wasn't surprised to find the three of them suddenly standing in front of the huge golden doors. Only now the doors were a standard height.

”Hey! We grew!”

Okay. That worked, too.

”Dr. Rebik?” The cleaned and ironed chinos hanging over his arm, Dean knocked on the door to room two. ”Dr. Rebik, your pants are ready.”

”Maybe they're having a nooner.”

Dean turned to stare at Austin in disbelief.

The cat shrugged. ”Why not? They're young and in love . . . oh, wait, my mistake, he's having his life sucked out and she's a reanimated corpse.”

”And it's twenty after ten.” He knocked again.

”I find it disturbing that you're more concerned with the time than the corpse.”

”I find it disturbing that you know what a nooner is.” About to knock a third time, he lowered his hand as the door opened and Dr. Rebik slipped out into the hall. Dean caught a quick glimpse of Meryat lying on the bed, wrapped arms crossed over her breast, then Dr. Rebik pulled the door closed.

One hand clutching the waistband of a pair of borrowed sweatpants, he stared up at Dean through bloodshot eyes as if unsure of who he was speaking to. ”Yes?”

Dean held out the chinos.

”Ah. Yes.” Comprehension dawned slowly. ”You were was.h.i.+ng them for me.” His hand trembled slightly as he reclaimed his clothing.

”You all right, Dr. Rebik? You're looking some poorly.”

”Some poorly?” The archaeologist managed a tired smile. ”It's the waiting. It's hard on Meryat.”

”Looks like it's hard on you.”

”We are as one in this.”

”Okay. Sure.” Frowning slightly, Dean watched as Dr. Rebik slipped back into his room. Meryat hadn't moved. If he didn't know better, he'd have to say she looked dead. As he stepped away from the door, he noticed a worn, brown leather wallet lying on the floor.

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