Chapter 43: Making Plans

Jake's POV

The sight of Ripley's golden eyes beginning to open must have been the most beautiful sight in the world. When she had said his name, however feebly, Jake had almost collapsed in relief.

Watching the love of his life wither away before his eyes had nearly killed him. He had prayed to every god and goddess that might listen, promising them everything he had to give if they would just wake her up.

His father had worked hard to convince him he needed to carry on with life as normal while Ripley slept. Jake had known he'd been right. If the person he suspected truly was the root of all this, it was best not to let on that something was amiss.

Cory might not have eyes and ears everywhere, but so much of his attention seemed to be trained on Ripley that Jake couldn't risk the man finding out what a sorry state Ripley had been in.

But then she had woken up, and for the first time in eight days, Jake had opened his fridge to find poison there.