Katherine Kurtz - Adept 05 - Death of an Adept_157

circleand would collect the wedding cake and champagne before noon. Adamfor his parthad little to
do besides show up at the appointed timeonce he had seen the two mothers ensconcedso he made it
his morning’s task to see to the comfort of his bride’s father. As he joined Dr. Saloa for his morning visit
to Lockhart’s bedsideit became immediately apparent that Lock-hart’s pain was breaking through.
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“I’d like you to get some sleepAlan” Saloa saidafter noting that Lockhart had spent a restless night
and declined his morning medication. “Will you please let me order you a sedative? Just to hold you
through the afternoon.” Lockhart slowly shook his head on the pillowthe effort obviously costing him
considerably.
“I’ve got plenty of time to sleepafter my girl is marriedAndy” he whispered. “I don’t want to risk
being muddle-headed.” “How about if I put you to sleepthe way I did yesterday?” Adam saidglancing
at Saloa. “I promise you won’t be muddle-headed; but I will ask that you let Dr. Saloa give you another
half-dose of your usual pain medicationto make my work easier. Would that be all right?”
Wearily Lockhart noddedhis eyes heavy-lidded with pain only barely held at bay. Signalling with a
glance that Saloa should fetch the indicated medicationAdam settled beside Lockhart’s bedgently
taking his hand as the other doctor slipped quietly from the room.
“I think you’ve made a wise decisionAlan” Adam murmuredgently stroking the back of Lockhart’s
hand. “Close your eyes nowand let yourself go back to that place of peace and comfort you found
yesterday. Take a deep breath and let it outand feel the pain draining away as you float and drift….”
Lockhart was deeply asleep by the time Saloa returnedrelaxing even more profoundly when the
medication had been administered. Saloa watched in something of amazement as Adam bent to murmur
final instructions in Lockhart’s earthough he did not speak until they had left stores nike