Page 26 of Lyric

Another kind orderly brought me a juice box. Fifteen minutes later, they brought a meal for Jinn. He woke at the clatter.

“I smell food,” he said.

“Yes. We thought maybe you'd like to eat something.” He turned toward me. “Would you like some, too? We can bring in another tray.”

I shook my head. “No.”

The nurse adjusted the cot so the back came up. Jinn was now sitting upright, and the bed tray was wheeled over. The blanket fell from his shoulders making him look more vulnerable and small. His hands came out from the sides of the blanket and he took the lid off his tray.

“Look.” He let out a short laugh, the first time I'd heard that sound from him. “Baked chicken, green beans, and a roll. Ohh and look at that. Jello.”

“Smells wonderful,” I said.

He looked up at me probably to see if I was joking, but I just kept smiling. I was so happy to be by his side and know he was safe.

About halfway through Jinn’s meal, a uniformed officer came through the door.

“Hello, sorry to interrupt. Are you Jinn Trata?”

Jinn nodded.

“Would you still like to make a police report?”

“Yes, sir.”

The officer began asking a barrage of questions. I was proud that Jinn answered each one clearly, without hesitation or fear.

This was the first time I got to hear his whole story, start to finish. My heart lurched in my chest when he said, “He wanted to claim me, but I said no. I did not give consent.”

From then on, Jinn had been stalked relentlessly.

When the officer discovered I had found Jinn, he had questions for me as well. I saw the twitch of his lips when he took down my name. He recognized me. I was used to it. But he didn't ask me any unnecessary questions. I was grateful he kept this strictly professional.

When he was finished, he said, “I think I have everything I need from both of you but if you think of anything else, contact me here.” He handed each of us a card. “I can tell you that we will do everything we can to hunt this dragon down. Our investigation has already begun. I can also tell you that we are familiar with this person and that he does have a record.”

Jinn looked shocked. “He's done this before?”

The officer shrugged. “That's all I can say for now. Do you know if you'll be spending the night here?”

“I don't think so.” Jinn looked up at me.

“I heard the nurses talking about releasing him after you took the report,” I added.

“Do you have anywhere safe to go?” the officer asked. “A parent, a friend, a relative. Somewhere he doesn't know about where you'll be safe.”

I stepped forward. “He can come home with me. I'll make sure he's safe, guaranteed.”

“What?” Jinn turned to me. “Lyric, you don't have to do that. You've already done so much for me. I can't ask for more.”

“Of course, you can go wherever you wish. But I have a big place with security and a very nice guest room just waiting for you. And you didn't ask. I invited you.”

Jinn looked back at the officer. “I guess I do have somewhere safe to go, then.”

“Well, as of now Colt/Coltan is at large. We will keep you updated.” He looked at me. “If I can get your address, sir, we can make sure there's extra security in your neighborhood. I'll have a car drive by every hour. My advice is to stay out of sight as much as possible.”

“But I have work,” Jinn began.

“If you have any sick days, take them. Just my advice,” the officer said.

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