Page 30 of Anger

‘Alainen needs putting down like the rabid animal he is,’Callidora exclaimed.

‘I don’t disagree, but now is not the time. I shall come to the castle soon. But this is about to become a media circus,’Lanie said.

Noone disagreed. Lanie’s human persona was huge, and no doubt her shooting would already be hitting the news.

‘Just, everyone, keep calm. And nobody rush here. That would give Alainen another target,’Lanie continued, and reluctant agreements came back at her.

Her curtain moved in her bay, and a man in a suit entered with Fisher behind him.

‘I need to go, the doctors are here,’Lanie's mind spoke one last time and shut them all out.

“I am Sidney Cate, the manager here. Can I help you?” he asked.

“My name is Lanie Cross, and your hospital might find the media camped outside—”

“They have already arrived. We have security at the entrances, but we are slightly overwhelmed,” Mr Cate replied.

“Fisher, call for support,” Lanie offered.

“That would be most helpful,” Mr Cate agreed.

“My guard. Mr Ranson, I want him to have the best. Money is no problem. Ensure he receives the very best care possible,” Lanie said.

“And for yourself?” Mr Cate asked.

“I’ll wait. Ensure Ranson is the priority. Should I find otherwise…” Lanie let the threat hang in the air.

Mr Cate held her gaze. “Mr Ranson shall receive the best we provide,” he assured her.

Lanie nodded, leaned back, and closed her eyes. Ranson’s life was in his hands and Gods… If Ranson had the will to survive, that would go a long way. For Mac’s sake, Lanie hoped he had the fight in him.

???

Five hours later, Lanie had been plastered all over the media and tv stations along with the camera footage from those who’d filmed it. Simon had been called insane, amongst other definitions of crazy. The hospital had released a statement Laura had devised alongside the HR department.

Lanie had received surgery to remove the bullet, and although she could have pushed it out herself, she had to remain humanlike.

Mac had returned twice to check on her and Fisher before heading back to a private waiting area. All Lanie knew was Ranson was barely alive and critical and was being operated on.

Lanie was relaxing in her room with two security guards from her own team on the door when Mac entered. He looked tired and pale, and resignation and grief hung on him.

Lanie felt her stomach clench. “Ranson?” she whispered.

Mac ran a hand over his face. “He is alive but critical. He has a ten per cent chance of making it. The hospital can’t believe he’s held on this long, but they’ve said he could go at any time.”

“I’m so terribly sorry.” Lanie gasped. And she was. She’d liked Ranson, and he didn’t deserve this.

“It’s not your fault,” Mac replied.

Lanie disagreed; it was. But she could fix it. “I’d like to see him,” Lanie asked.

“Aren’t you recovering from surgery?” Mac demanded.

“Mac, please don’t argue,” Lanie replied.

“I’ll get a nurse and a wheelchair.”

Mac returned with a doctor and a nurse, who both agreed that as long as Lanie stayed in the wheelchair, she could visit Ranson. There were guards on his door, too, Lanie noted as they approached.

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