Melissa sat next to him. It had been almost two hours since she had administered the antibiotics and Liam was sleeping more or less peacefully at the moment.

Renee studied them both before answering the question.

“That was indeed my idea. It seemed wise to get Liam an alibi, just in case the Taelons grew suspicious. And maybe we’ll be able to free some of our own people in the process. Why do you ask, Augur?”

“I had the feeling it had something to do with Doors. We owe you our gratitude.”

“Not until we know for sure that the Taelons take to the story, but thanks anyway.”

“And what will you do when your plan works?”

“Turn Liam over to them, naturally. We’ll deliver him to DC General.”

“How will you get in without being seen?” asked Melissa.

“There are other ways into that hospital than through the front door, Dr. Park. You should know.”

Melissa opened her mouth to answer her when suddenly a heart-ripping scream came from the bedroom. Instantly Melissa jumped to her feet, Augur just one step behind her and Renee bringing up the rear.

Liam sat up in bed, eyes wide open and unfocused, panting for breath. His expression was one of pure terror. Quickly Melissa sat down next to him and she cupped his hot face between her hands.

“Liam, wake up!” she said sternly, “It’s just a dream!”

It took her voice a couple of moments to get through, but then he suddenly looked at her, still frightened. Tears welled up in his eyes as he recalled the awful dream and she could feel him start to shake.

“It’s okay, Liam. Come here.” She pulled him against her and he began to sob against her shoulder. Softly stroking his back she murmured comforting words.

Augur could do nothing but stand in the doorway and look at the scene before him. A noise behind him made him turn to see Julienne.

“What’s going on?” she asked as she pushed her hand through her unruly hair.

“Liam woke up screaming just now,” explained Augur and he threw a look at Renee who looked at Liam with a strange expression on her face. There was contempt there, that Augur wouldn´t mind slapping of her face, but at the same time he saw compassion and sadness. Renee Palmer, he decided, was a lot more than pretty looks and a high social position and he wanted to find out more.

Julienne nodded as she walked past him and seated herself across from Melissa. The blond woman smiled at her even if she looked a little pale. Only then did Julienne notice the IV line in Liam´s arm and she looked at her friend with a question in her eyes.

“Jonathan,” answered Melissa, “He send antibiotics too.”

“Thank God for that! How much did you give him?”

“Considering his heritage, a lot. I hope it takes effect before the fever does damage.”

“I hope so too,” nodded Julienne as she stroked Liam´s bare back.

A few minutes later Melissa felt Liam relax in her arms. He shifted slightly, murmuring something she could not make out and fell asleep with his hot face against her neck. Very carefully so as not to wake the young hybrid she eased him back into the pillows and pulled the blanket up to his chin.

Suddenly exhausted Melissa yawned and Julienne smiled at her.

“Go get some sleep, Melissa. I´ll stay with Liam. And I´ll let you know if anything changes.”

“Thanks, Julienne,” nodded Melissa and she left the room.

Julienne dipped the washcloth into the bowl of ice water on the nightstand and placed it on Liam´s forehead. Within minutes she had to replace it as his high temperature warmed it.

For now Liam slept peacefully, although his breathing still sounded strained. But to the trained eye of Julienne it looked as though the antibiotics were finally taking hold.

Behind her she heard Augur let Renee out and a little later he joined her in the bedroom.

“Who is she?” asked Julienne as she once again replaced the cold compress on Liam´s forehead. Augur sat down in the chair next to the bed.

“Her name is Renee Palmer and she works for Doors International. I don’t know much else about her yet. But I’m assuming she can be trusted. She brought us the medicines and she was the one to come up with that story about Liam being held hostage. Doors leaked it to the press.”

“It sounds as though we have a lot to be thankful to her for. Do you trust her, Augur?”

“I’m not sure. I want to, but all my instincts tell me to run as fast as I can,” answered Augur and it made Julienne laugh, “How is Liam?”

“Still running a high fever, but he seems to have calmed down a bit. My instincts tell me that he’s through the worst.”

“Some good news at last.”

“Yes, we all need that, don’t we?”

“You could say that again. I can’t believe how much things have changed over the last two days. It seems my old life is ages away. I wonder if things will calm down again soon.”

“For that we can only wait.” said Julienne a little wistfully and silence followed her remark. Julienne smiled when she looked over and saw that Augur was about to fall asleep. Softly she nudged him and he opened his eyes.

“Go and get some rest, Augur. Before you fall over. I´ll manage things here on my own.”

“Alright, I guess I’m kind of tired. I´ll see you later.”
“Sleep tight, Augur.”