As Lloyd left, Nikolai poked his head in and said, "Dr. Lee?"
She looked up. "Yes?"
"There is a disagreement, between my patient and myself. She wants to go back to her room tonight and sleep there. I think she should sleep in the infirmary, where she can get help by the intercom, if she should need it. I understand that Christy is not planning to sleep here tonight, so Åsa would be alone–"
"I get the picture. Is she with you?"
The door opened and Åsa and Nikolai came in. I caught a glimpse of Lloyd out in the hall, apparently waiting.
Åsa was looking somewhat better, but I could tell that she was still unsteady, though she seemed to be trying to hide it. She had a bandage on her neck.
Nikolai tried to hover as she moved to the empty chair, but she glared at him and he backed off. She sat down, the first person to sit there without being invited to by Dr. Lee, and I wondered if this was a violation of protocol.
Jan Sleet and Dr. Lee glanced at each other for a moment, then my employer addressed Åsa. "Are you well enough to talk?" she asked.
"Of course. I'm fine. I'm just a little tired."
"Where did you go last night? Before your injury?"
"I didn't go out. I wasn't feeling well."
"I've examined your clothes. You were clearly outside during the rain."
She shrugged. "I don't remember going out."
"What about your neck?"
She chuckled. "Maybe I cut myself shaving. Why, do you think it was a . . . vampire?" She said it in a spooky voice, her eyes wide. Then she snorted. "I thought you were supposed to be a detective."
"Åsa," Dr. Lee said quietly, "you will sleep in the infirmary tonight. Nikolai, please arrange that you or Betty will be available by intercom all night if needed. And Åsa, please do let them know if you need any help, no matter how minor. Tomorrow we'll figure out what we need to do about tomorrow night." She nodded and turned her attention back to us, and from their reaction it was clear that this was a dismissal. Åsa did not look happy, but if she was annoyed or resentful she kept it under control. They left, and I noticed Lloyd in the hall again.
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