"It's just a cough, Elijah," he protested, though he was still out of breath. "And what's yer best plan then. She's... wait." The dizziness got worse. He stopped, pulled away and leaned his back against a house. He put his palm against his forehead and closed his eyes. "She's Paul's wee lass. She's my responsibility. And I had no clue."

Like he had had no clue about Simon. He felt sick.