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“Not anymore, honey That’s old advice Now doctors say if there aren’t any other sy with the rest of him”

“Is it okay if I wake him later just to make sure he’s okay?”

“Yeah” Joe smiled He liked Lake’s baby sister The few tiow for Lake, he’d enjoyed their conversations Although he could use fewer lectures on why his car was killing the planet “When Alastair wakes again, don’t let him move around too ets to him Otherwise he could make his injuries worse”

“How aet hi” The exasperation was loud and clear

“Sit on him if you have to—but not on his chest If those ribs snap they could puncture a lung If he has a mild concussion, a hit to the head could turn it into soive hi he has”

“What about paracetamol?”

“That’s fine, honey,” Joe said

“What about the guy with the gun? I can’t get in contact with anyone but you lot The phones are out Do you want ive you an update”

“No!” everyone in the room shouted

Joe held up a hand to silence everyone and barked at the intercouardhouse Barricade the door and stay inside Take care of Alastair We’ll deal with everything else Claire has gone to town to get help This will be over soon”

“But—” Rainne said

“No buts, sweetie” Kirsty had gone as white as the snow outside at the thought of Rainne playing spy “You have your hands full with Alastair There are a lot of us here We’ll be fine”

“Okay” Rainne sounded resigned “But if I spot anything from here, I’ll intercom you and let you know”

“That’s a good plan” Kirsty breathed a sigh of relief “That would help Just don’t attract attention to yourself”

There was a pause “I’m scared,” Rainne whispered