Page 72 of Redemption
“Yeah, no problems at all.”
“You got the samples? And he didn’t fight you?” he asks curiously.
I lift my gloved hands, holding up the samples. “Blood and urine. So, yes and no. He was actually very civil when I talked to him.”
“Well, fuck me sideways,” he says under his breath, eyes widening as he takes the samples from me.
“Eh, he wasn’t too bad,” I reply, hiding the smile I have for how proud I am that he fought back every step of the way. “I’ve handled much worse in the past, but like you said, he is in awful shape. It probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to let his care be handled consistently; that way, the person handling his case is immediately made aware of any changes to his mental or physical status over the course of his recovery.”
“Yeah, that’s actually a good idea. Since you were able to get those samples out of him without any trouble, I’ll let you take him on. But make sure he’s recuperating as quickly as possible. David wants him on a project detail ASAP.”
“Sounds good.” I pick up the next clipboard from the pile and head back down the hallway.
The rounds go relatively smoothly—a scraped knee here, a busted finger there, nothing crazy. Stitch and Locke even offered to let me leave and get some rest, but I refused them each time, making sure to check in with Hawk a handful more times just to prove to myself he’s still there and is ok, instead.
Not to mention, it’s also a strategic choice.
In every experiment, there are variables and constants. Likewise, in search and rescue missions, depending on the circumstances, it’s typically best if one person remains at a designated spot, acting as a constant, if you will. If the missing person is on the move—acting as an ever-changing variable—the chances of them running into someone standing still at a place ofinterest are higher than if the many moving variables try to find one another in the chaos.
In my case, I’ve managed to infiltrate a medical facility. A living, breathing hub for any community. Which means everyone’s bound to come through here eventually, especially if they’re new arrivals needing to take those tests Locke was referring to. For all I know, Aly and Jax might fall into my lap just like Hawk did, and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to intercept their“care”if that does happen. In the meantime, there’s still plenty of knowledge to be gained from the other people stopping in with those minor scrapes and strains.
Hours inevitably go by, and, before I know it, I’m back at the Infirmary’s data desk, putting the final file back in the cabinet for the night.
Stitch comes around the corner then, smiling as he takes me in. “Hey, you. Looks like you’re fitting in nicely. How’d your first shift go?”
“I think it went pretty well. Accomplished a lot today.”
“New guy even managed to get number three to actually comply with testing without the need for sedation,” Locke interjects with astonishment.
Stitch’s eyebrows lift, stunned. “Really? Well, from what I’ve heard, that certainly hasn’t been an easy task to handle. Good for you.” He tilts his head to the doorway. “Come on, I’ll show you where you’re staying. After everything you’ve been through, I’m sure you’re bushed and could use some rest yourself.”
Although I’m exhausted—having barely had any sleep in the past forty-eight hours—I’m weary of leaving Hawk behind and can’t help but ask, “You sure you don’t need me to stay a little while longer?”
He shakes his head, “Nah, Locke is about to give everyone dinner, and there are just a few more samples left to process. Won’t take but an hour or so before Forge shows up for the night watch.”
Reluctantly, I give in and allow him to lead the way out onto the dusky road, silently saying asee you tomorrowto Hawk. Although, I’m still anxious at the fact that I have no choice but to leave him alone in that room for the night, I’ve just been made the sole provider in charge of his care. Which means I’ll know where he is all day, every day, so he’ll be easy enough to keep track of and keep safe.
All I have to do now is find Jax and Aly.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Dare
Earlier...
My back and shoulders are a bundle of knots when the sun rises. I’m too old to be holding watch on the floor, propped up against a wall like a discarded ragdoll. But, for her? I’ll endure the aggravating pain associated with it. I lean forward, getting to my knees and then finally to my feet. The groans and grunts of my exertion do absolutely fuck all to aid in my morning rise. Theotherfucking rise in my pants isn’t doing much to help matters either, but with a quick adjustment, a trip to the bathroom, and a personal talk to the most eager, yet delusional, member of this group, I’m ready to start the day.
No, I’m not.
Who am I kidding?
Why on God’s green Earth would I willingly want to bring the love of my life to that new-age Hell otherwise known as Phoenix Rising?
That’s easy.
I don’t want to.
If it were up to me, we’d be about thirty miles in the other direction by now. But unfortunately, it’s not up to me anymore.I’ve relinquished the reins on this mission, acting more like a bodyguard than a team leader. Regardless, she needs to realize if she wants to infiltrate the town and save her...boyfriends..., she can’t do it without an actual plan.
