Page 45 of Dark Medicine

“Almost there, baby,” said Adam.

“Geez, do we need a four-wheel drive for this?”

“Normally, that’s exactly what I use,” said Uri. “I’m sure Melanie picked it up. We have a secure place we keep the jeep. It’s an old abandoned mineshaft. When we come up, we park our family car in the shaft and then take the jeep. I have all the necessities, just in case, in that dusty old mine. Gas, food, blankets, everything.”

“Smart,” said Adam admiringly. “I would have done the same thing.”

Uri pointed ahead to a classic mountain cabin, the colors blending in perfectly with the surroundings. Two men stood on the porch, weapons drawn until one held up his fist. Uri stopped the car and waited.

“You thinking on shooting me, asshole?” said Adam, stepping from the car.

“I always want to shoot you, Doc, but not today,” grinned the gray-haired man. “How the hell are you?” Adam reached for the older man’s hand, his bear-like grip squeezing his fingers.

“I’m great, Ben, but try to spare my fingers. I need those to operate,” he laughed.

“Sorry, Doc. Who’s the beautiful redhead?” he asked, looking around Adam’s shoulder.

“Back off, old man. She’s mine,” growled Adam protectively.

Fiona rolled her eyes and stepped forward, offering her long fingers to the older man. She pulled her cardigan around her tighter, the cool brisk morning air causing her to shiver.

“Ignore him,” she smiled, “I’m Fiona Graham, sir. Thank you for being here.”

“Sir? I like her, Doc. Hello, Fiona Graham. I’m Ben Rollins.”

“Pleasure, Mr. Rollins,” she smiled. “And you?” Fiona turned to see the large, bronze-skinned man standing at the edge of the porch.

“Hello, ma’am. I’m Juan.” The big man was quiet, almost shy. He was nearly as tall as Flip, but his muscles more defined, his legs long and thick like the trees behind him.

“Juan. Do you have a last name, Juan?” The man winced slightly and then shook his head.

“No, ma’am. I don’t.” He turned, stepping off the porch and walking toward the tree line.

“Did I say something wrong?” asked Fiona.

“He really doesn’t have a last name,” said Ben. “At least not one he knows of. I found him on the streets of Mexico City when he was a boy. I brought him here to the states and raised him.”

“So, you adopted him?” she asked.

“Can’t adopt someone who doesn’t have a name, honey. I have no clue what that boy went through before I found him, but he was a mess. I strongly suspect he’s more than just the average Mexican kid. He’s massive, as you can see, highly unusual for the people of that region. I was able to forge papers for him so he could join the military. But Juan Smith hardly fits, don’t you think?”

“I’m really sorry. I had no idea. I’ll apologize to him,” she said, chasing after him.

“Wait!” yelled Ben, but Fiona was already following the footsteps of Juan toward the forest.

“You can’t stop her, brother. She’s a whirlwind of independence. Most annoying fucking thing ever!”

“Which is why you love her,” said Ben.

“Yea,” laughed Adam, “exactly why I love her.”

Uri stepped from the car, finally thinking it was safe. He looked up at the porch and walked toward the two men.

“Uri Bellum.”

“Mr. Bellum, I’m Ben. Your wife and daughter are inside safe.” Uri broke down, falling to his knees on the porch.

“I-I can’t thank you enough. I can never…”

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