But all I can think about are his dark eyes and a gravel voice. Grim doesn’t even know I’m alive. Why am I so fixated on him?
I try to think about something else, anything else, and my mind drifts back to my conversation with Dr. Greenberg.
I was starting to get a little bored. Even though I need the money, I was thinking of applying for another position. There was a post advertised at the hospital. It would have meant working for an extra year or so to reach my financial goals, but I’ve changed my mind. My role here at the clinic is critical.
I’m doing important work. Work that matters. Work that saves lives.
And that’s worth everything.
5
Grim
I park in my usual spot at the clinic.
Another elderly lady, called Eldra, sits in the passenger seat next to me. She hums softly to herself like this is a pleasant outing instead of what it really is. She’s a petite elderly female shifter with silver hair pinned up in a neat bun and kind eyes that make guilt twist in my gut.
I climb out and walk around to help Eldra from the vehicle. She’s chatted non-stop since I picked her up.
“Are we here?” she asks, as I open the passenger door.
I nod and grunt an affirmation.
“Oh, good. How lovely.” She takes my arm as we head toward the entrance, humming a cheerful tune. “You are so big,” she tells me, craning her neck.
I grunt again.
“Don’t talk much, do you?”
“No.”
“That’s okay.” She smiles. “I like the big, silent types.” She winks at me.
Every instinct is screaming at me to tell her not to go in, to run instead. To never get that vaccination.
But I can’t. Not yet. Hopefully soon. Maybe even this time next year. I have to get to those doses.
No fucking pressure.
For now, I have to keep playing my part. Even if it makes me sick to my stomach.
As much as I hate to admit it, Kaine wasn’t crazy. He was right. The Mainland is controlling us. And I’ve been their enforcer, their muscle, dragging people in to get poisoned.
My hands clench into fists at my sides.
The door chimes as we enter. Sally looks up from her computer and gives me her usual warm smile.
“Morning, Grim.” Her eyes shift to Eldra. “Good morning. You must be Eldra.”
“I am indeed.” The elderly female smiles. “I’m so sorry I’m a bit late for my appointment.”
“No, you’re right on time, thanks to Grim,” Sally says. She types something into her computer. “One of our nurses will be with you shortly. You can have a seat, if you like.”
I find myself wishing it were Sally who had access to the vaccinations. She already likes me well enough. There would be no complications.
But no. She’s just the receptionist. The nurses are the ones with the access I need.
Sally waves us toward one of the treatment rooms. “You can go through to Room Two.”
