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Jon and Seiji’s Monstrously Macabre Predicament

Page 23

by A.J. Sherwood

“Understood, you tell me when its safe to go.” Borrowman looked worried, though.

Hell, I was worried. I grabbed the suitcase Donovan had kept an eye on for me, turned, and hustled back to the nearest room. I started praying as I moved. Prayed we’d gotten here fast enough, that I could undo this, that these poor people wouldn’t pay the ultimate price.

I’d do my best. It was all I could do.

There was no possible way for me to get to every patient tonight, there just wasn’t enough hours in the day even if my stamina could keep up. Which it can’t. I was a powerhouse, yes, but every powerhouse has its limits. With this kind of delicate, concentrated work, my limit was about eight hours. Anything over that was migraine inducing and I’d be useless the next day. It was already seven in the evening, I’d had a full day, and anticipated a worse day tomorrow, so it would behoove me to handle the emergency patients tonight and get an early start in the morning. So that’s what I did, I tackled the worst three patients first before stopping.

The hospital director hovered right at my side during most of this. She was helpful, probably because she saw nothing but medical malpractice lawsuits incoming at Mach Holey Moley and was trying to offset that as much as she could. With the help of a triage nurse, I was able to make a short list of who needed immediate attention, who could wait.

Jon had needed to go and do other things, a.k.a. interrogate the maniacs, and had left ahead of us. It left Lachlan and I catching a Lyft, which was fine. While we waited on the car to arrive, he slid his hand into mine. I leaned into him, my head resting against his shoulder.

“Tired, love?”

“Very but it was a good day. Horribly good day?”

He chuckled a little. “Agreed there. Too tired to meet the apprentices, then?”

“Oh, was that a possibility today?”

“It is. Donovan said Abby and Skylar are already at the station.”

“All right, fine by me.”

Our Lyft finally arrived. I loaded in suitcases with Lachlan’s help and then relaxed into the backseat. So lovely being able to sit down. Been on my feet hours now and my aching soles were sending up complaints.

Fortunately, we made good time to the station. Getting out, I lugged suitcases to the door but Donovan had anticipated us, and met us there, showing us to the Humvee so I could put suitcases in the back. Bless him for that, I didn’t want to cart them all over the station.

We signed in, although that took a little doing, as the cop at the desk did not really like that Lachlan was armed with a sword. Which was funny as the last cop on duty hadn’t given a fuck. We had to explain this was a just-in-case measure because of the psychic being interrogated, but even then, it was only Donovan’s assurance that let Lachlan keep it. I didn’t think it would come in use, but I did want something on hand to stop the man if he did somehow go out of control. I did not underestimate crazy.

We clipped on visitor badges and followed Donovan up to the second story. I had to ask, “Donovan, what about the psychic?”

“Oh, he’s being held next door. They have two cells they can put psychics into, just in case. Which comes in handy for temporary holding like this. He’ll go straight to a more established prison once they fully process him. He’s coming up for an interrogation with Jon now, so your timing is good.”

Yes, so it would appear. I had two thoughts about this interrogation, but I wanted to see him first, evaluate him. I’d been too focused on the patients to get a look at either cannibal.

Donovan ushered us into the viewing room near the interrogation room, and upon entry, I realized we weren’t alone. Two teenage girls waited on us. Ah, the apprentices. I took them in curiously. On the surface, nothing unusual about them. The redhead was pretty, her expression open and curious, with a short build. I could sort of see the resemblance to Jon. This surface impression was wholly different than her actual being, as she was a powerhouse of willpower, protective instincts, and intellect. I pitied the fool who crosses this child, she’d flatten him. I knew in a blink she was an anchor, with a very strong bond to her psychic, so she must be Skylar.

The brunette standing next to her was cute, curvy figure, tumbling curly brunette hair halfway down her back. She took my breath away for a second. So, so much like Jon. I could see her potential, her ability, her good nature—wow, damn, no wonder Jon had taken her as an apprentice. I would have, too.

Donovan did the introductions. “Skylar, Abby, this is Seiji and Lachlan.”

“Hi!” Abby came right to me, offering a handshake, and I knew that smile of delight on her face well. Jon had reacted the same. Instantly liked me, eh? Well, feeling was mutual. “Great to meet both of you even if you’re hurting my eyes.”

“Sorry.” I grinned back. “To be fair, so are you.”

Donovan blandly handed her sunglasses from a pocket, which she immediately put on.

Skylar also shook hands with both of us, taking our measure, but she seemed satisfied. Not one to blindly trust, eh? Well, anchors did tend towards the overprotective. Part of their makeup, really.

“Uncle Jon said you might be able to help Abby turn things down a notch?” She canted her head a little, eyes curious.

“I might be able to, it depends. That said, Abby, can I examine you?”

“Sure.”

I gently turned her so I could see the back of her head and it only took that moment. Ah, yes, same problem. Not as bad, fortunately for her.

Donovan and Skylar were both hovering and to them, I explained, “Similar problem. Limiter isn’t functioning as it should. Not as bad as Jon’s, at least, hers isn’t atrophied.”