Page 51 of Catching the Kot'oll Driver

I grit my teeth. Maybe that’s a bit fairer, but I still don’t like that. “It feels like we have to walk on thin ice because of dumb criminals.”

“That’s a gang.”

“I know, it still... Fine, I understand. I’ll stay here.”

The captain nods. “That’s the smart move. I’ll leave you to accompany Grihul. From the doctors, he is fine.”

“Yeah, that’s what they said. The healing ray worked great on him, and he should be fine very soon. I hope he wakes up soon.”

“Let him know our gratitude... for his help in fighting crime.”

I nod. Maybe he meant to say to thank Grihul for helping me, but... “Let me know if you need me.”

“Sure.”

I head out of the room, going back to Grihul’s room. Am I too sensitive to think that they just hate smaller beings like me?

Grihul is still on the bed, I head to his bedside when something touches my thigh. I almost jump, but it turns out to be a corner of the blanket.

He is up and he blinks at me. “Oh... What’s wrong?” He waves to me. “I’m just trying to test my hands.” Maybe he moved the blanket and it touched me, which I wasn’t expecting.

“Nothing, I’m just glad you’re up. How are you feeling?”

“Good.” He lifts his arms... his... three arms but the injured one. That one is still on the bed, not moving. I thought the doctor said he was fine.

“Grihul... That arm on the bed...” Is that arm broken beyond repair?

“Oh, that one? It is hooked up with all the cables, so I think I shouldn’t move it.” He wriggles his fingers on that hand. I let out a breath, almost suffocating myself earlier.

I smack his good shoulder. “You are such a crazy one. I almost thought that arm was done.”

He chuckles. “Come on, I told you I’m fine. The doctor said I have enough soft tissue to take the blow without my bones breaking.” He flexes his arms as if he is so strong that blocking the hit with his body is a smart idea.

“Yeah, fat is soft tissue.”

“Ha!” He rolls his eyes. “Where do you even see fat in these arms?”

“All I see is a dumb kot’oll trying to act smart.”

He huffs. “Seriously?”

I take a seat on the chair by his bed. “Yeah, you’re so dumb that you’d stay and fight with me instead of running for your life.”

“What are you even talking about? I’m not running anywhere before I make sure you’re safe. I’m the male.”

“Yeah, sounds like those who keep saying that I’m a small being.”

He winks. “Tere’s a time and place for being the smaller beings.”

“Like?”

He wriggles all his fingers. “When you’re in for a good time, or let me carry you around.”

I sigh. “So... I think you agree that a being like me is just not the material to be police.”

He blinks, seemingly trying to come up with the right words.

I clear my throat. “Just be honest with me. I won’t be mad.”

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