"I'll still send him a statement tomorrow, so if he asks I'll let him know you're safe and nothing else. He may feel alone in there but I've tried to make well sure he knows he's not." As much as he could with the limits of text messaging.
He resists the urge to kiss the top of Chris' head, not for the worry that he'll give himself away but because with the tightness of that returned hug - a cling, nearly - he's not sure if he could bring himself to actually leave were the levee to break. It feels a close thing and he'd encourage it otherwise, but he can't in good conscience when he and Amelia have grim business to attend to.
"You're safe now, Chris. I promise." He pulls away first, squeezing his friend's arm as he goes, giving an encouraging smile. "Get some sleep and know you're protected while you do. Jacob's probably cold and wondering after you."
He turns to join Amelia, sliding a hand on her arm in silent signal that they should be going. He tossed one more look to Chris before they step away, expecting to have to wrestle himself into leaving and feeling only fierce protectiveness and resolve. "We're only a call or text away, though if it doesn't go through right away try again in a few minutes. We'll wake if we hear it twice, I'm sure."
And their phones will be left off until through with their business, so. An excuse. Everyone here needs sleep so it's believable as anything, and careful phrasing to make it clear he will be with Amelia and it may put anything Chris is worried on their condition to rest. Calculated. Careful.
no subject
He resists the urge to kiss the top of Chris' head, not for the worry that he'll give himself away but because with the tightness of that returned hug - a cling, nearly - he's not sure if he could bring himself to actually leave were the levee to break. It feels a close thing and he'd encourage it otherwise, but he can't in good conscience when he and Amelia have grim business to attend to.
"You're safe now, Chris. I promise." He pulls away first, squeezing his friend's arm as he goes, giving an encouraging
smile. "Get some sleep and know you're protected while you do. Jacob's probably cold and wondering after you."
He turns to join Amelia, sliding a hand on her arm in silent signal that they should be going. He tossed one more look to Chris before they step away, expecting to have to wrestle himself into leaving and feeling only fierce protectiveness and resolve. "We're only a call or text away, though if it doesn't go through right away try again in a few minutes. We'll wake if we hear it twice, I'm sure."
And their phones will be left off until through with their business, so. An excuse. Everyone here needs sleep so it's believable as anything, and careful phrasing to make it clear he will be with Amelia and it may put anything Chris is worried on their condition to rest. Calculated. Careful.
"Sleep well."