by D. J. Dalton
After turning the corner, he stopped. The number of inquisitors around the door surprised him. A fairy stood with them.
Another elevator bank sat between Quinlin and the Restricted Ward doors. He walked to the elevator doors, turning his back on the inquisitors as he pretended to read from the clipboard.
“Here are the magic analysis results.”
Quinlin guessed that was the fairy.
“Thank you. We’ll call if we need further services,” a flat, unfriendly female voice made it clear the fairy’s business had ended and he should leave.
Two sets of footsteps came toward him. The fairy had an escort.
“Let’s test your security status, Paul,” Quinlin mumbled as he slipped the access badge into the elevator’s reader. The light stayed red.
While cursing under his breath, he flexed his hand. He’d need magic to gain access to the elevator.
“Parioida fulmenten.”
A sharp pain jolted up his arm. He groaned. His arm felt like it was on fire.
“This is a restricted area. What are you doing here?” the unfriendly female voice asked from directly behind him.
“I’m going to maintenance.” Quinlin reinserted the badge with his other hand. “But my badge isn’t working.” He turned around to face his accuser.
“Like I said, you’re in a restricted area.” She pointed away from the Restricted Ward. “Turn left at the end of this corridor. You’ll find accessible elevators a few yards down.” She waited for Quinlin to move.
“Thank you.” He walked away. In case the inquisitor was watching, he turned left at the end of the corridor as instructed.
A woman and a burly inquisitor approached. Her chestnut hair covered half her face. The inquisitor’s eyes shifted his direction. Quinlin nodded but got no reaction from him.
“Sir, excuse me,” a woman shouted.
While clenching his teeth, Quinlin turned. A middle-aged fox shifter rushed toward him.
“Me?” He raised his eyebrows, pointing to himself.
She stopped a few feet away. “Yes, I’m Nurse Bradshaw. I run the adult volunteer program. Are you new?”
His mind spun with potential answers. The lie needed to be believable. “I’m a new nurse’s assistant.” He glanced at the clipboard. “I seem to have gotten turned around.” He gave her his best smile.
“Oh,” she frowned, “I didn’t realize we were hiring.”
He flexed his aching hand. Just a tiny jolt to knock her unconscious would do the trick. He would call for help, then slip away among the chaos. His arm jerked, reminding him of his last magic attempt at the elevator. No, he would do this without magic.
“Welcome to Orlando Regional.” She extended her hand. “We can’t have enough assistants. Like I said, I’m Nurse Bradshaw.”
While staring at her extended hand, his nose wrinkled. The thought of touching a shifter turned his stomach. With no other choices, he took her hand, his face giving no indication of the excruciating pain shooting up his arm. “I’m Quinlin Turner, nice to meet you.”
“Come with me. We’ll review your schedule in my office.”
Quinlin fell in step with Nurse Bradshaw. As she babbled on about various topics, he nodded and threw in some ‘uh-huhs’ to feign interest. With inquisitors guarding the doors, the Restricted Ward proved harder to penetrate than he had planned. He needed an alternative plan to get through the heightened security.
She stopped at an office door with Adult Volunteer Coordinator stenciled on the window. “Here we are, Quinlin. I’ll log into Human Resources and pull up your schedule.”
He followed her into the office. As the door closed, he pulled the syringe from his pocket, jamming it into her neck.
While she let out a scream, he jerked her around, covering her mouth with his hand. More contact with a shifter. It made his skin crawl.
“Now, this will only take a minute.” He smiled, watching her go into cardiac arrest. Her body shook, and her eyes widened with fear. Once her eyes closed and her body went limp, Quinlin let her drop to the floor.
“Dirty shifter.”
Quinlin left Nurse Bradshaw’s office, circling around to the employees’ locker room, where he changed out of the scrubs. The dirty shifter had given him an idea.
Chapter Nine
Keren
Keren followed Briggs into the hospital. The bitter antiseptic smell with undertones of soaps and cleaners attacked her senses. One hovered over their heads.
“They aren’t letting visitors in. She’s under protective custody.” Briggs smoothed his hair.
“But I’m her daughter. Shouldn’t they let family in?”
Briggs faced her. “Keren, you’re suspected of being a Dark Guild member. You’re lucky you’re not in jail.”
She noticed the dark circles under his eyes. This was taking a toll on him, too. “Please, Briggs. I need to see her.”
He looked both ways down the corridor, then let out a low growl. “Alright. Follow behind me. Cover your face with your hair. I’ll do my best to get you in to see your mom.”
She reached up to his shoulder. While standing on her tiptoes, she pulled him down and kissed his cheek. He reminded her of the forest after a spring rain shower.
“Thanks, I appreciate what you’re doing.”
They navigated their way through the corridors and elevators, arriving on the fourteenth floor. Turning a corner, her eyes locked on the large Restricted Ward sign. She fought her impulse to run to the door, smash it open, and demand to see Mom.
A woman guard stopped them at the door. “Can I help you?”
Briggs towered over the woman. He pulled out his badge. “Yes, I’m Captain Wilson, and I’m here to see Captain Holloway.”
She took the badge, then nodded toward Keren. “And the young woman?”
“Captain Holloway asked to speak with her.” His authoritative tone impressed Keren.
The woman handed back his badge. “Wait one moment.” She turned to a control panel. It scanned her retina, and the door slid open. “Have a nice day, Captain Wilson.” The woman gave him a wink.
Keren pursed her lips, scowling at the woman. Briggs didn’t realize the power he had over women. Every inch of him was muscle. His chest strained against the starched blue uniform shirt. She shot the woman a nasty look.
Briggs stepped aside, allowing Keren to enter first. “Thank you. You too.”
When the door closed behind them, Briggs spoke in a low voice, “Stay close. I’m not sure which room she’s in.” One flew ahead, stopping by a room three doors down on the right.
“I think it’s that one.” She pointed to where One hovered.
They walked over. Briggs pulled the chart from the door and read the name. He raised his eyebrows. “How did you know?”
She shrugged. “Just a lucky guess.”
“Excuse me, may I help you?” A silver-haired man in a white lab coat approached them. He snatched the chart from Briggs.
“This is Ms. Stewart’s daughter. She’s here to visit.” Briggs pushed Keren forward. Her skin tingled at his touch.
Sweat trickled down her back. If the doctor called security, they would arrest them both. Everything Briggs worked for would be ruined. She held her breath.
“I wondered if family could visit her.” He extended his hand to Keren. “I’m Doctor Niles, your mother’s physician.”
Tension released from her body. She drew in a deep breath and shook his hand. “I’m Keren. Can I go in now?”
“Of course. I’ll give you an update on her condition.” Doctor Niles walked into Mom’s room.
Briggs scanned the corridor. His rugged hand rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll wait out here.” His lavender eyes met hers. She recognized the bear, just on the verge of breaking out, desperate to keep her safe no matter what the cost. His eyes softened. He leaned in and ran the back of his hand along her cheek. “Don’t stay too long.”
She felt her face flush under his touch.
“OK.” She lingered a moment, then pulled back and entered the room.
Machine wires and probes crawled across her mom’s skin. Two IV bags dripped unknown concoctions into her bloodstream. One bag’s liquid had a purplish hue, the other was a translucent liquid. The audible heartbeat confirmed she was alive, but her pale, drawn complexion said she clung to life.
Keren approached the bed, taking her mom’s fragile hand. It felt chilled. Wide golden bands clung to each of Mom’s wrists. Keren knew from watching inquisitor television shows these cuffs restricted a sorcerer’s use of magic.
She frowned, scrutinizing the black spots on her palm and the charred appearance to the tips of her fingers.
“What happened?” Keren looked at Doctor Niles.
“Powerful magic struck her, and she’s in critical condition. We aren’t sure if she’ll survive.” The unsympathetic delivery slapped her in the face. She clenched her teeth, wanting to lash out at the doctor for his deplorable bedside manner.
He continued, not noticing the tension in the room, “It should have killed her.” He looked at her mom’s chart. “She showed the residue of an old protection spell. That’s the only reason she’s alive.” He hesitated. “That, and she fought back.” He pointed to her mom’s hand.
“I don’t understand.”
“Magic burns humans when they use it.” He stiffened. “It’s not natural.”
Keren’s mouth went dry. The doctor had to be wrong. Mom can’t use magic. “Could someone have burned her hands? To make it appear she used magic?” There had to be an explanation. Her mind raced through memories, searching for any clues to help her understand. “Or she got the burns from blocking the attack.”
“It’s possible.” He flipped through the chart. “But these follow typical patterns for magic use.”
Someone with magic could simulate the patterns. This might be a setup. But why? And who?
Doctor Niles mentioned a protection spell. Her hands trembled as bile rose in her throat. She needed to hear the truth. “Tell me about the protection spell.”
“Well, we found the residue of an older protection spell.”
“How do you know it was older?”
“The magic analysis report showed signs of deterioration, but it appeared strong enough to possibly be why she survived. At its full potential, it might have protected your mom from sustaining any damage at all. A pretty powerful fairy cast the spell.”
Her head spun. She promised Mom she would manage the re-protect appointment, but then told Ms. Oakdove to reschedule. She was too caught up in what she wanted, not taking care of Mom. Now, because of her, she was on the brink of death.
The doctor’s pager buzzed. “Excuse me, I need to address this.”
“Wait, can you call me if her condition changes?”
“Yes. Write your phone number in the chart.” He hurried out of the room.
She leaned close to her mom’s ear. “You hang in there, you’ll be fine. Just keep fighting.” Tears streamed down Keren’s cheeks. “I’m so, so sorry. I’ll make this right.” She squeezed her hand. “I promise.”
Her mom stirred.
“Mom, it’s me. You’re going to be alright.” She choked down a sob.
“Keren.” Her weak voice was barely audible over the machines. “Protect…”,
“Mom, yes, I’m so sorry I didn’t let Ms. Oakdove re-protect the house.”
“Keren,” the heartbeat monitor’s pulse quickened, “protect yourself.”
“What, me? No, mom, I’m good. You just worry about getting better.”
Her mom’s eyes fluttered in their effort to open. “Dark Guild, are you safe?”
The hair lifted on the back of her neck. Could it be a coincidence Mom mentioned the Dark Guild? They have been in the news. Or maybe she’s aware of the charges against her.
“Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll clear your name. You’ll get better, and things will go back to normal.” She never thought her life was normal, but compared to today, her life was downright boring.
Mom squeezed her hand. “Protect yourself, don’t trust…” Mom’s eyes closed. Her breathing was shallow but steady.
Even from a hospital bed, Mom thought of Keren first. “Don’t trust whom?” But she didn’t respond. Keren rested her forehead on the bed. “Don’t trust whom, Mom?” she sobbed into the blanket.
Briggs pushed the door open. “It’s time to go.”
She lifted her head, wiping her tears. After placing Mom’s hand back on the bed and adjusting the covers, she gave her a kiss on the cheek and followed Briggs out of the Restricted Ward.
As they approached the lobby, she heard Nadria’s voice.
“Keren!” Nadria raced down the corridor, tackling her into a tight hug. “I was so worried about you. No one gave me any information.”
Keren wrapped her arms around her, burying her face in the crook of Nadria’s neck. She smelled like freshly fallen snow. Inhaling, the aroma soothed her frayed nerves.
The evening’s events took a toll on Keren’s strength. Her legs wobbled.
“You should sit.” Nadria guided her to a chair. “Are you alright? Did you visit your mom?”
“I don’t want to sit. I just want to leave.” Keren’s head swam. “I saw Mom. She’s in terrible shape.” Fresh tears streamed down her face.
Keren looked up at Briggs standing behind Nadria. His drawn face and glassy eyes made the dark circles even more noticeable.
“You poor thing.” Nadria wrapped her arm around Keren’s shoulder. “I’ll stay with you tonight. You can’t be alone.”
Keren allowed herself to be led to the exit. “I can’t go home. Our property’s been seized.”
“They have kicked you out of your own home?” Nadria’s voice flared with anger. Her eyes shot darts at Briggs. “How can that happen?”
“It’s not his fault. He helped me get in to see Mom.” Keren gave Briggs a smile.
He exhaled, smiling back. “I’m heading back to the station. I have a long night ahead of me.” He pulled Keren into a hug. Her body flooded with warmth, and she melted into his arms. She felt his heartbeat pounding in his chest.
“Do you want me to call my mom and ask her if you can stay over for a while?”
“She can stay with me.” Nadria rubbed Keren’s back.
“Alright.” Briggs nuzzled her away. “Call if you need me.” He kissed the top of her head and walked out of the hospital.
Keren swayed. A wave of lightheadedness washed over her.
“Whoa.” Nadria caught her by the arm. “Let’s get you home and in bed.”
Chapter Ten
Keren
Keren sat on Nadria’s gray futon sofa in borrowed ninja turtle pajamas.
“Are you feeling better?” Nadria tucked a soft comforter around Keren. “Can I get you something to eat?”
Food couldn’t fill the hole in Keren’s stomach. Mom clung to life after a magic attack. Things would be different if only she had let Ms. Oakdove re-protect the house. Maybe it wouldn’t have stopped the attack, but Mom’s injuries would have been less severe. She slumped back on the couch.
“No, I’m not hungry.”
“What about tea?” Nadria pushed loose strands of hair behind Keren’s ear.
Keren looked at One perched on the far end of the sofa. Its wings folded in, and the unblinking ruby eyes staring at her. She looked around, spotting Two standing by the front door. She loved having her imaginary friends around. They comforted her in a way she couldn’t explain. But she had to focus on figuring out how to help Mom. It was best if she got rid of the distraction.
“Tea would be nice. Do you have mine?”
“Yes, I’ll make you a cup.” Giving her a peck on the cheek, Nadria went to the kitchen.
One lifted off the couch and followed. The severity of the situation set in. Biting her lip, she wondered how long she could stay with Nadria until the inquisitors started suspecting her involvement. To keep Nadria safe, she’d have
to find another place. Maybe a hotel where she wouldn’t put any of her friends in harm’s way.
“Keren, what kind of tea did you say this was?” Nadria stood in the kitchen doorway. She poked at tea leaves spread on a plate.
Keren hesitated. Had Mom ever told her about the tea ingredients? “I don’t know. It’s the tea Mom buys that controls my visions.”
“Are you seeing them now?” Nadria looked around as if she could find them.
“Yes, Two is by the front door, and One…” she pointed over Nadria’s head, “is hovering over your head.”
After pushing the tea leaves around with her finger, Nadria took a couple of quick sniffs, then shook her head. “Keren, I think these herbs dampen magic. The Herbology group I attended the other night talked about this leaf. They passed around samples.”
Keren frowned. “That makes no sense.” She felt like she’d fallen into someone else’s life. Everything she thought she knew crumbled around her - someone wanting to attack her mom, Mom asking about being safe from the Dark Guild, and now she learned her tea was an herb that dampens magic. She struggled to focus on any one thought. They swirled like a whirlpool in her mind.
Nadria brought her back to the present moment. “I know, but I’m positive these are the same. It can have some serious side effects.” Nadria set the plate on the counter. Sitting on the coffee table across from Keren, she clasped her hands. “Can you do me a favor? Since the visions are calm, can you skip the tea, just for now?”
One stared at her, and Two lifted its head like they were also waiting for her answer. This seemed important to Nadria. As long as the visions didn’t interfere, she wouldn’t drink the tea.
She nodded, pointing to her backpack. “OK, just drop it in there.”
“Thanks.” Nadria dropped the tea in the backpack.
Then the floodgates opened, and everything inside Keren rushed to get out. “They charged Mom with a magic crime. They think she’s a member of the Dark Guild.” She put both hands on the back of her neck. “Briggs told me I’m a suspect, too, and they could arrest me at any time.”