When Chase finished the tasks Simon had planned for him he tried to stay a little later to help clean up. Simon wasn't having it though and told him as much with a stern, “You can't avoid Morgan forever,” just before he ushered him out the door.

Chase stood outside the infirmary for a moment, staring at the door in betrayal. After a brief moment, he turned back towards the center of the village where the manor stood proudly.

He took a deep steadying breath and ...