Page 43 of Dark Medicine

“It’s okay, Uri. You’ll see them again,” said Kane.

Uri nodded, spinning the knife again. The long handle lost balance, the blade spinning in the air came down hard, slicing through Uri’s hand. Startled, he looked down at the knife protruding from his hand, the intensity of the pain causing him to gasp. He gripped the handle and pulled. Blood spurted from the wound.

Fiona moved quickly, grasping Uri’s hand in her own. He stared at the woman who so willingly offered help. Her hand gripped his own. She winced, small beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

“What are you…” he whispered. Uri realized the pain in his hand was dissipating, the blood flow had now stopped. He looked down and noticed Fiona’s hand covered in blood, his and hers. “What?”

Fiona stood straight, pulling her hand from his. Adam poured a glass of water over her hand and the blood washed away. Repeating the process, he cleaned Uri’s hand. Uri looked down, astonished at the lack of wound.

“I-I don’t understand. I… Oh God!” he said quietly.

“It’s my gift, Uri. Moore was right. I can heal. Please, don’t tell anyone of our gifts,” she pleaded.

“Never! Never will I tell anyone. I knew. I mean, I knew of your gifts. It’s just seeing them in action is completely different. The cliff and then this. I can’t even fathom what you’ve all been through.” Silence filled the room as they all sat staring at one another. Uri was so puzzled he continued to look down at his hand and then at Fiona’s.

Spook stood from his chair and walked toward the Brennan’s computer and printer. The paper was feeding quickly without any cue.

“We’re booked to leave early in the a.m. Uri, get your Russian contact moving on getting the three of you back. We will meet in Wyoming in two days’ time. We can’t go back to our homes or the office. It’s being watched.”

“How did he do that? He never moved,” said Uri, staring at Spook.

“I’m a pink duster,” he said, grinning.

“I know, but how?” Spook lifted his hand to stop Uri.

“Perhaps it’s better you don’t know all of our secrets, Uri. This way, if you’re caught, you can only claim to know about Fiona.” He nodded and then shook his head in bewilderment.

“Well,” said Adam, standing with a glass of champagne in his hands, “to friends and our rendezvous. Arrive alive, my friends. Arrive alive.”

“To friends,” said the group, raising their glasses. Uri sat still until all eyes turned toward him, smiling. He raised his glass, once again amazed at their ability to forgive so readily.

“To new friends,” he said quietly, “and long lives.”

“And long lives…”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Crossing the Canadian border was easier than the three had expected. A quick show of their passports, all fake of course, and they were on their way to Wyoming. From Calgary, they traveled south through Montana and some of the most beautiful scenic views God has to offer. The highways had only a scattering of cars, which made for easy driving. By the time they reached Wyoming, Uri took over the wheel while Adam stood watch in the passenger seat, and Fiona slept.

“What made you buy a place so remote?” asked Adam.

“I think you know the answer to that. I suspected that something was fishy with Moore long before I could admit it to myself. I think subconsciously, I knew that I needed to start making preparations. Melanie and my family are everything to me, doctor. Losing my parents the way I did, showed me the importance of relationships, and yet I still fucked it up royally.”

“You haven’t fucked it up yet, Uri,” said Adam, staring into the night. “You’re doing the right thing now, and that’s all you can do. Your family is being watched by three of the best men we know.”

“Special Forces?” asked Uri.

“You would think so, but no. Well, one of them is. The other two were ex law enforcement, but SWAT and bomb squad. Kane uses them a lot in some of his cases.” Uri nodded his head, a dour expression covering his face.

“If this goes badly,” he said, looking down at his hands, “If my family…”

“Uri? Everything will work out,” said Adam, gripping his arm.

“If it doesn’t, Adam, I need you to promise me that you will end my life. I’m not sure I’ll have the courage, and I’m not sure what I’m capable of if my family dies.” Adam watched the stoic face of Uri Bellum fill with hatred, remorse, anger, and compassion all at the same time. He nodded at the man and hoped he would never have to fulfill his promise.

The secure satellite phone beside Adam buzzed, and he looked down at the text message from Spook.

“They’re at the cabin with your wife and daughter. All are safe. The extra men are staying on for security. They’re waiting for us.”

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