Page 31 of Jump or Fall
Kim nodded, then looked at Gordon, her green eyes scanning him. “Need help finding a place to stay?”
He shook his head.
“Suit yourself. If you change your mind, call.” She tossed a card onto his tablet. “Bye, doc.”
A burning sensation ripped through his face. He muffled a scream in his arm.
“That’s common,” the doctor said. “The rapid healing has some unpleasant side effects, but it’s preferable to enduring weeks or even months of healing. Do your best not to scratch when the burning turns to itchiness. I’ll come back when it’s time to remove the bandage and then you can be discharged.”
He pressed his arm against his face, shaking violently. It was almost as painful as the blade itself.
When it finally eased, he reached for his tablet. The enforcer's card landed on his lap.
Kimmie Alphito
Division Eight Enforcer
and Community Liaison
He snorted. She was tall, but barely looked old enough to drive, let alone work as an enforcer. Maybe it was an Eight thing.
He set the card aside and checked his tablet history. The only activity while he had been unconscious was the registration being viewed.
Good. The doctor was honest.
His account still had money, but he needed to move the funds to an alias or live on credit keys. There was so much he knew. He needed to start fresh.
Another wave of fire licked through the nerves in his face. He slammed his fist into his thigh and bit back a scream.
With this round of agony came clearer sounds and more sensation—except his upper lip.
Two more excruciating waves later, Dr. Kaur returned to remove the bandage and IV.
“I know I already told you this,” she said, “but do whatever you can to not scratch. If you’re feeling up to it, you can speak now.”
Tentatively, he wiggled his jaw side to side and opened his mouth a few times. The skin of his cheek was tight and raw.
The doctor examined the healing wound, pressing gently on different areas. “Try to move the right side of your nose. Then smile.”
His nose barely budged as he tried to force it by moving his mouth. His attempt at a smile was even worse—only the unscarred side responded.
“Please tell me this isn’t forever,” he croaked.
Her dark brows knit together. “It’s hard to say, Mr. Rusu.”
“Anything that can be done about the scar?” he asked with an edge to his voice.
Dr. Kaur shook her head. “Scar repair surgeries are banned. The only thing I can offer is a salve containing allantoin. It can help reduce the appearance, but its main perk is reducing pain and itching.”
“Thanks.” He read the label. “Masaru Beauty?”
She cleared her throat. “Yes, it’s marketed towards women. We all have skin though.”
Gordon grunted.
“I’d give Kimmie a call if I were you. She knows everything about Eight.”
He stood. The sudden motion made him lightheaded. “I’ll try to manage.”
