by Crystal Dawn
If she had her sister Leann, she could keep her with her. She’d be around twelve now. If only there was a way to rescue her and her life would be good. This job wasn’t what she originally wanted when she was in medical school. But it would be alright. Risa had dreams then, she no longer had any expectation of fulfilling any of those dreams now.
The blight that was Origin had ruined any chance she would ever find cures for diseases. Her grandma had died of breast cancer and that was what Risa had wanted to cure. Now she was just happy to be allowed to save lives and stop suffering. When they had raided the facility she worked at, she’d been afraid she’d never work as a doctor again.
Risa didn’t know why they’d given her this chance, but she wouldn’t mess it up. She knew who had enjoyed being abusive and cruel. There were some nicer people, they just hadn’t worked in her section. If it was her choice who to eliminate, she knew who to exclude. None of the evil assholes would be here to ruin things for everyone.
She started unpacking her bags as she went through things in her mind. Risa wasn’t sure how they would get pictures of Leann to her now. Everything she received, hell, anything anyone received here went through security. If they sent pictures of Leann to her, security might realize what was going on.
Her head started hurting as it often did when she worried about her little sister. The life she lived had been influenced entirely by her desire to save her sister. Leann was all she had left. Her parents were dead now and neither of them had siblings or living parents. Her only living relative was a young girl who had been kidnaped to gain Risa’s compliance.
Once her unpacking was done and she looked over the plans, she laid down and went to sleep. If she woke early, she would find a snack. If she woke in time for work, she would have breakfast. Risa was exhausted and fell asleep immediately. The alarm went off a while before she woke.
“Oh, crap!” It had gone off for five minutes before she woke.
Five minutes was no problem, sleeping through her alarm was. Habits like that worried her. If she ignored her alarm, how could she trust herself to wake? Maybe it had been a reaction to stress and not enough sleep? Right now she needed to get dressed and eat before meeting with Lu.
Risa got dressed in jeans, a T-shirt, sneakers. She slipped out the door and looked to be sure it locked and it did. Now she headed to the cafeteria where once again, everything froze as she stepped into sight. They slowly went back to what they’d been doing before, eating or talking.
She grabbed her tray and other items then went and selected her food and drink. Once her tray was full, she sat down alone. Eating quickly, she finished and dumped off her tray and its contents. Now she was ready to face her first day of work.
Once she entered medical, she found Lu already waiting for her. Nicor and Asog were there too. “Good morning, everyone.”
They all chorused back a good morning. “I am glad to see you this morning. Did you get settled in okay?” Lu asked.
“My place is nice and all my things arrived. Thank you.”
“I’m glad. Now here’s the list and let’s get down to business.” Lu directed.
Risa took the list and glanced over it. It was a comprehensive list that seemed to contain everyone she’d worked with at Origin with doctor’s credentials and some she only knew by reputation. “The top three names are a no go. David Forrester is okay. Glen Hampkins is good, Noelle Secondary, Parnells Atkins, and Freddie Jenkins are all alright.”
“What about Cirrus Hale?” Lu asked.
“You don’t want him.” She admitted.
“You’ve been a big help. What did you decide about the plans?” Lu wondered.
“They look good.”
“I’m glad you approve. I’ll let them know to get to work. I’ll let you and your team get started on the schedule.” Lu said and waved over his shoulder as he left.
“Okay, so Risa, we need to set up a work schedule.” Asog suggested.
“Agreed. What do you suggest?” Risa asked.
“I like working nights. I also don’t mind working twelve hours a day if I get two days off.” Asog said.
“Me too, but I can work days or nights.” Nicor offered. “Wormwood is coming in at six. He’ll work twelve hours shifts too and switch between shifts when necessary.”
“Is the four of us all we have?” Risa asked.
“Yes.” Nicor and Asog agreed.
“How many will Lu hire?” Risa asked.
“Three is the goal, but he might hire more if it seems necessary.” Asog said.
“It might work out. Let’s lay out the schedule based on the four of us and change it once it’s necessary.” Risa offered.
When they were done, she worked the least hours but she was on call during other shifts. Nicor was a trained and certified nurse’s assistant, but was working on becoming a licensed practical nurse. She would be helping them all move to the next level. Wormwood was taking classes to become a Nurse Practitioner.
It seemed the Island had its own government and its own education system. Therefore it would issue its own licenses. From what she had seen, their requirements in education were spot on. Her qualifications were good enough to oversee their medical and the needs of students working to move forward in their medical careers.
This was turning out to be a challenging job she could look forward to. Risa took it on trying to do the best she could. She didn’t see Lu or Win for several days. It was Win that led Cirrus Hale through the door and up to the desk she was sitting at. She was sure she looked shocked when the evil bastard was brought to her.
There was no choice. but to act civilized. If he could get word out that she’d done anything against him, they’d kill Leann. “Cirrus, I never thought I’d see you again.” She said. She’d never wanted to see him again.
“It’s wonderful to see you here, Risa. I hear you’re in charge.” Cirrus said. Yeah, that had to chafe him. He’d been in charge when they’d worked together before.
‘So they tell me.” Risa admitted.
“Cirrus is here to work with you as a doctor.” Win explained. “He has good qualifications.”
Somehow the demons must have missed the part about him being a sadistic bastard when they were checking out his qualifications. They certainly hadn’t asked her about his abilities, only if he was acceptable. Once he set his sights on a male, they eventually died or disappeared. Cirrus was bisexual and often dallied with the lab residents. Sex for him was more about punishment and control. He’d tried to seduce her, but she hated him too much to allow it. She’d told the overseer who dealt with all labs at the time that she wanted to protect her sister, but not if she had to accept Cirrus’ attentions. He was told to leave her alone.
Shortly after they arrived, Win left. “So I’ll be running things now.” Cirrus said.
“Like hell you will. If you do anything out of line or try to rape anyone that’s drugged, I’ll turn you in and have them kill you. The others will never know.” Risa threatened.
“Forget about your sister?” Cirrus taunted.
“No, but something can only be held over someone’s head for so long. She may be better off dead than if she’s held by a sadist like you.”
“You don’t mean that, Risa. You just want more attention from me.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong, you asshole.”
“I’ll enjoy it when I get my chance to break you. You can call the shots for now, but it won’t be for long.”
“Since I’m in charge now, you can work in the lab. I don’t want any patients to have to deal with you.”
“You’re just jealous, Sweetheart. They like me better.” Cirrus teased.
“Only if they don’t know you.”
“Show me this lab of yours.” He demanded.
She led him to it and stepped aside. “It’s organized the way most labs are. If you can’t figure it out, come find me.”
Slipping out the door, she went to her office and tried to figure out h
ow Cirrus could fool Lu and Win. They were smart, but so was he. It was also in his best interest to convince them he was a good guy who had made a bad choice. She was still amazed he’d convinced them so easily.
She got back to work on her paperwork and ordering necessary medicines and supplies. It was tedious, but someone had to do it. Risa stared out her door and saw the door to the lab was closed. Cirrus was not trustworthy, but she didn’t think there was access to anything he could use in there.
Asog came in and asked her to lunch so she locked her office and they left. They walked down the hall to the cafeteria. “You didn’t lock your office. What’s wrong?”
“Lu picked one of the guys I told him not to. He’s already plotting to get in charge. I’m not sure what kind of damage he could cause if he was.”
“I can’t understand why they would do that. I’m sure they have some reason.” Asog insisted.
“Oh, I’m sure they do. I’m just not sure what it is and if they truly understand what the guy is like.”
“They’ll be watching him and keeping everything secure.”
“I hope they know what they’re doing.” Risa admitted.
Chapter 4
Tricks on You
Win’s stomach felt queasy. He was certain it was a reaction to the shocked look on Risa’s face when she’d seen Cirrus. It was more than just a disgust of the guy and his methods, there was something personal there. He’d picked up something on Cirrus’ part too. The male wanted her, but that would never happen, ever.
Hopefully bringing the asshole into their home wouldn’t turn out to be a mistake. Lu knew Cirrus was evil, but he hoped to learn something from him. They had. Lu had invisible cameras all over medical and they had picked up the whole conversation between Risa and Cirrus.
It had proven the point Lu had made before about Risa being forced because of Leann, her baby sister. Lu had also pointed out that Risa refused to let Cirrus the monster have free rein in her medical. Win had watched it all closely and he’d seen when it was over and Risa was alone in her office she’d been shaking.
He hoped Lu hadn’t underestimated this man. Risa seemed fearful of him and she was a strong woman. That meant something. Lu hadn’t uncovered who was in charge at the facility in California. While Risa was the most gifted doctor, she wasn’t cruel enough to suit Origin. It was looking like it may have been Cirrus.
The man had pushed her hard before he finally gave in and did as directed.
“So what do you think?” Lu asked.
“If he wasn’t at the top of the heap in California, he was close to it. He’s interested in Risa, but she is frightened of him. She hid it well, but I sense it. What do you think?” Win asked.
“I agree, but even though we suspected he might have been running that facility, I now wonder if he was an officer in the company. He’s confident that he can run over her and he was upset she didn’t just give in. The man thinks he can contact the outside and he may even be in control of the site where her sister is.”
“You still want to attempt to recover her?”
“She’s a child. Of course I want to recover her. I understand we need to look out for our own people, but what are we if we allow children to be harmed?”
“Point taken. I was just curious. I agree the child should be recovered and someone punished for taking and keeping her.”
Lu chuckled darkly. “You just want to dole out some suffering. I don’t blame you for that. We were on the receiving end for so long. When we do go, don’t kill them. They may answer some questions.”
“Of course. If they die, they won’t suffer anymore. I want to see them suffer, a lot.” Win admitted. “I just hope in the end the tricks not on you.”
“We have to find out what the man knows. Otherwise it will hang over our heads like an axe.”
“I understand. It’s just a big risk to take.”
“You’ll be helping me.”
“How can I help?”
“You’ll be pretending to be interested in Risa. While you’re sniffing around, you can watch Cirrus.”
“Now wait a minute! I have no interest in that woman.”
“That’s even better. You won’t be distracted. I’m not single. I’ll take Stef in as much as I can, but I can’t pretend to be a mooning male. You’ll have to do that.”
“He is interested in Risa.”
“I’m not blind. That’s obvious.”
“How will you explain the baby and the other children?”
“Step children.”
“That’s the only believable explanation under the circumstances.”
Cirrus couldn’t know the demons and the gods could reproduce. Eventually that secret would get out, but maybe all the old Origin personnel would be dealt with by then. Why they thought they owned the gods and demons and had a right to their offspring, who could say? For now, he thought the lid was on that secret and that was where it needed to stay.
“Okay. If there’s no one else to do it. When do I start?” Win asked.
“As soon as possible. We need to insert ourselves in medical as often as we can. That man is up to something.”
Win agreed. After killing a few hours with paperwork, a work out, and taking a shower, he decided it was time to get back to the problem of Risa and Cirrus. One problem was that to accomplish something, Cirrus had to have a way to communicate. That’s what they needed to discover. He headed to medical when it was nearly supper time. Risa was in her office doing paperwork.
“Hello. Are you busy?” Win asked.
“Not really. Did you need something?”
“I thought we could go to supper and talk a bit.”
“Okay. Let me put up these papers and we can go.” She slid them into a drawer and got up following him out the door. Risa closed and locked her office door. It would seem weird if Win didn’t already know about Cirrus and that Risa didn’t trust him.
“Are you two going to supper? I’ll just tag along since I’ve never been to the cafeteria before.” Cirrus said.
“Why don’t you go with Asog? I have something personal to discuss with Risa.” Win said smoothly.
“Of course. I didn’t know.” Cirrus said, but he looked unhappy. Too bad, he would be unhappy often.
“No problem. Maybe some other time.” Win said. It was obvious that Cirrus wasn’t used to hearing no.
Win held the door open for her and she walked through. She seemed relieved and it was obvious to Win that Cirrus had planned to make her take him to supper. He would probably try again tomorrow. They entered the cafeteria and got their trays and other items. They received plenty of attention, but when he looked back at them, they looked away.
Curiosity was in their eyes and he knew they wondered if he was laying a claim. It was tempting to do, she was a beautiful woman, but no, he couldn’t. They loaded up their trays and moved to a nearby table that was empty and sat down.
“Tell me about Cirrus.” Win asked softly.
“I can’t stand him. He’s cruel and filled with hate. I think he became a doctor to do sadistic things to patients. More than anyone I ever met, he fit in with Origin. There’s nothing soft, sweet, or loving about that man.”
Win arched an eyebrow. “That’s pretty harsh, isn’t it?”
“You’ll see. That man is too dark to ever change. There’s something inside him that is pure evil.”
Win chuckled, but when she just stared at him, he stopped. “You’re serious.”
“I am. I can’t tell you anything, but I fear you’ll find out first hand.”
At that moment Win determined to investigate. There hadn’t been any demons living for long periods of time at the California facility Risa came from although some stayed there short term. It was gods and human females they experimented on there. Rich people visited for treatments for various ailments and Win remembered Cherish, Hermes mate, had been the result of fertility treatments her parents had received. Maybe she would know something.
&nb
sp; “How are you liking your position so far?”
“The job is fine and so are most of the people I work with.”
A subtle or not so subtle dig at Cirrus. “I’m glad you’re settling in well.”
“It’s a beautiful place. Sunny beaches, tropical fruit, and lovely people.”
Win decided the people here had gotten lovelier once Risa had joined them. Lu making him hang around her wasn’t going to be good for him. He was afraid he might grow attached. Abe, one of the band members, came in. He got his tray and sat with them at the table.
“This is Abe. He’s in the band and plays keyboard most of the time. This is Risa our new doctor.” Win introduced.
“Lovely to meet you, Abe.” Risa said with a smile.
“My pleasure to meet you.” Abe declared with a wink.
Zepar, the band’s drummer, wandered in and got a tray and sat down at their table too and Xap, who played bass guitar followed him. They both filled their plates and sat down at the table. Win introduced them because he had no choice. If he didn’t, they would just introduce themselves.
“Looks like the Demon Band is all here. I believe Lucifer is supposed to meet us shortly.” Xap said.
“Why are we all meeting here and why wasn’t I told?” Win asked.
“We’re having a practice session and Lu wants the lovely Risa to come.” Xap admitted.
“Why?” Win wondered.
“I believe he wants her to sing. You know how he is. Everyone that stays here long gets to.” Xap concluded.
That was especially true of females. Lu had this idea to do a duo with a female singer. It had to be someone that knew about them. Stef was a good singer, but she wasn’t professional level and had no desire to try to be.
“Excuse me! Why would Lu think I’d want to sing?” Risa asked.
“It’s alright. Just try and if you aren’t up to it, he’ll forget about it.” Win said.
“What if I am up to it, but I don’t want to?” Risa questioned.