Page 28 of Tribute
The psychiatrist glanced at his colleagues and then at Palk. “When everyone involved in your care agrees that you are stable enough to manage on your own.”
“So, like now, you mean?”
“I don’t think you’re quite ready, Anna.” The doctor smiled sympathetically at her. “Physically you need to regain yourstrength and mentally . . .” She sighed. “You still seem quite fragile.”
“When I am ready, can I go back home?”
“And which region would that be?”
Palk laughed. “She means her mythical planet Earth.”
She refused to look at him, focusing on the doctor instead. “It is not mythical and it is my home planet.”
“I’m sorry. We cannot process such a request. When you are considered rehabilitated, we will offer you accommodation and employment in any Mitan region you want and a substantial lifelong pension from your grateful government.”
“I see.” She nodded. “Thanks.”
The physician rose and smiled at her. “We’ll need to see you again in thirty days. Do you think you will be well enough to come to the hospital by then?”
“I’m sure I will be.” Anna didn’t get up. She was more exhausted than she’d anticipated, and she had a sense that until Palk left, things weren’t going to get better.
Of course he didn’t fucking leave with the others. She’d guessed right.
Rehz returned from seeing his visitors out and glared at Palk. “You’ll miss your ride, sir.”
“Oh, I miss him all right.” Palk stood up. “Strip and get down on your knees, Akran.”
“I told you, I’m done with that. Now get out, or I will report you to your superiors for unbecoming conduct, sir.”
“I have no superiors!” Palk snapped. “Obey my order.”
Rehz took two hasty steps until he was right in Palk’s face. “Fuck off.”
“What’s wrong, Akran? Are you scared that your little trainee won’t think you’re man enough to fuck her once she’s seen you on your knees servicing me?”
“This has got nothing to do with her.”
Palk swung around to where Anna Lee had risen to her feet. “It has everything to do with her. You’ve gone soft, Akran. Do you really think she’ll want you?”
“Leave him alone.”
Rehz jerked his head around in disbelief as Anna faced down Palk.
Palk chuckled. “Well, damn, the little female’s protecting you now? What did you do? Fuck her senseless again?”
“He hasn’t touched me.”
“Really? What a mistake.” Palk reached out and grabbed Anna by the hair. “You obviously need a firmer hand.”
As she screamed, Rehz wrapped one hand around his trainer’s throat.
“Let her go.”
“She needs fucking, Akran. If you’re not the man to do it, I will.”
“You hurt one hair on her head and I’ll eviscerate you.” Rehz tightened his fingers around Palk’s throat. “Now let go of her.”
With a strangled gasp, Palk released his grip, and Anna fell to the floor.
