Chapter 51

Once inside, Tyler ground to a halt again, simply standing there, suspended. Alec lit the mantle, pushed him down on to one of the spindlewood chairs, and turned to put the kettle on. Tea, for shock. He went into automatic care-for-the-survivor mode so familiar from his time in France, putting a match to the fire that was already laid in the grate. He fumbled round finding tea leaves and the teapot, not bothering to talk. Whilst the tea brewed he went into the bedroom and got the quilt off the bed. “Take your jacket and sweater off, you’re covered in blood.” He proffered it to the other man, who stared at him blankly. Right. Sighing, he draped the quilt on the table edge and put his hands on the lapels of Tyler’s suit jacket. The sleeves were sodden, the blood still wet despite the elapsed time. “Come on. Let’s get this off you.” He manhandled him until Tyler realized what he was trying to do and joined in, stopping again when he saw his blood smeared hands.

“Mira,” he said.