Lightning Game (GhostWalkers #17) -Christine Feehan Page 0,64
neck is doing the same thing. When we get to her hip, you’ll see that it’s doing the same thing. Everything on that side of her body is working to keep her from falling or being off balance because she’s in such pain. She can’t lift that arm over her head. Or stretch it out in front of her. Not without excruciating pain. The entire body is trying to compensate.
“I’ve been working on quilts for all the children,” Patricia confided. “If you’re here for any length of time, you’re welcome to come and work on squares and learn.”
That’s a huge concession, Jonquille. Huge.
“Mama Patricia, I can’t thank you enough. No one has ever made me such a kind offer.” Jonquille had to look away. Tears burned behind her eyes. She was getting too emotional around these people. They were too nice to her and she wasn’t used to anyone treating her with respect or being kind.
Patricia’s gaze jumped to Rubin. “She’s a good girl, this one, Rubin. You were right. She is extraordinary.” She squirmed a little on the bed. “Are you nearly finished?”
“Is it difficult to lie in that position?” Rubin asked.
Patricia hesitated.
“I am your doctor,” Rubin reminded gently. “You have to tell your doctor the truth. Forget that I’m your adopted son too.”
Jonquille had reached the end of Patricia’s arm and hand and was moving as quickly as possible along the rib cage and down to the hip and leg, following Rubin’s sure hands. He never hesitated and his arms were steady, not trembling, although he’d had them extended for a period of time. She needed to work harder on stamina. Rubin was putting her to shame.
“Yes, I’m uncomfortable lying in any position,” Patricia admitted in a small voice. “Back, either side, even my belly now. I don’t know why.” There was worry in her voice. “Jane Rolly, you remember her, she got so she couldn’t sleep much, her body hurt all the time. She got the cancer, Rubin, and she was dead in three months.”
“You don’t have cancer, Patricia,” Rubin stated. “You’re not going to die, so you can put that right out of your mind. You’ll be cooking for those sons of yours, Diego and me, and now Jonquille, for many years to come. Probably old man Gunthrie as well. Has he been around?”
Jonquille knew the last question was asked partially to distract her so she could finish the examination. Rubin already had his palms so close to Patricia’s neck Jonquille almost abandoned the last of her inspection of the leg and ankle, but she forced discipline and then hurriedly followed Rubin.
“Are you certain, Rubin?” Patricia whispered. “I was so certain.”
“I’m certain. I’m going to work on you and show Jonquille how. You’re going to feel warm, even hot, in some places. Once we work on this side, we will have to work on the other side. Then I’m going to insist on examining your back. You can’t sleep because you’re doing so much hard labor and lifting loads that are far too heavy. I’ve talked to you about that before.”
Rubin’s voice was very low, gentle even, but extremely firm. His tone carried authority that wasn’t to be ignored, not by anyone. Jonquille found him fascinating. He didn’t need to shout or look cold and unfeeling. He could deliver his orders in a gentle, caring way, infusing them with a command, but not a threat. He made those around him want to obey him. He didn’t bully them into doing so. Her respect for him continued to grow.
The heat Rubin generated was far more than what Jonquille was summoning from the well inside of her, which didn’t make sense since she drew energy and her temperature was always so hot. He was a miracle to her, moving with absolute confidence over every part of Patricia’s neck and horribly scarred frozen shoulder.
Work with me, Jonquille.
Her heart skipped a beat. She might ruin everything. This was too big of a risk. Patricia was an incredible woman and she meant so much to him. If Jonquille made a mistake and hurt that fragile shoulder, making it worse … She shook her head.
Work with me. Feel the way the heat rises in you. Healing happens. You don’t do it yourself. You already have knowledge of the body. The scar tissue has to go. The faster we get this done, the more on her body we can take care of. You were born to do this.