“Yes, he was there until his personal IP network information went offline.”
“Couldn't that mean... that he could be dead?”Please let him be dead.
“Yes, but even so there are still traces... We’re worried about your safety. We'd like you to come down to the station.”
No one's worried about my safety.
Clara had to remind herself that Marsha was only trying to do her job. But something felt off. The years hadn’t gone by without her learning a thing or two to protect yourself. She took a moment before she answered, calculating her response.
“Okay,” she agreed. Her mouth ran dry but she still swallowed despite her parched throat.
“We’ll be able to keep you safe here and set up a protective patrol. I'll come and get you. Where are you?”
Clara licked her lips. “I'm out, but I'll head there right away. Are you sure Santino couldn't be dead?” Clara's stared at the dog which stood right beside her. It had moved closer without her realizing it.How did I not notice?
Marsha spoke up, “We can’t take chances with your safety, Clara. Are you sure you don't need an escort? Just tell me where you are.”
Nowhere I'm telling you.“On the road. I'll be there soon.” Clara hung up and squeezed the small, archaic phone in her hand. An inexpensive model, a throwback to a more primitive era of technological evolution. Vintage was cheap and always in style.
Santino knows.Marsha and the Pecos PD could no longer help her.It's only a matter of time before he finds me.A black light flashed, catching her eyes and driving them back to the giant metal canine beside her.
I'm safe here, she told herself as she stared at the beast. For the next three months, he can't get to me. For the next three months, she'd have a frightening giant metal dog to protect her. It did come with a warning sign.
Clara dropped her phone on the bed and walked into the bathroom, intent on washing away her fear, worry, and the ill-timed conversation with Marsha.
She wouldn't let it affect her chances.
***
THE DOG WAS GONE WHENshe left the bathroom but the moment she stepped back into her room, another chime sounded for access.
This is it. I'm about to be fixed.
Clara ran her fingers through her blow-dried hair, feeling alone now that her companion had once again vanished, and opened the door.
Tohim. Her heart skipped a beat.
A very angry, very cocky looking Cyborg doctor stood on the other side.
Previous worries drained away as Dr. Canis, once again, took up all the space and all her thoughts. He fit the door frame, shoulder to panel, his pushed back hair touched the top.
His eyes narrowed on hers and she narrowed hers right back. He eventually looked away and swept his gaze across her room.
She had neither unpacked nor made a mess. She preferred order and cleanliness since everything else around her seemed to be a chaos that she couldn't control.
And that chaos extended to the extremely attractive man in front of her. His appearance alone was enough to intimidate her.I shouldn’t be allowed in his presence...
“Is it time?” she asked, breaking the silence.
“Yes, follow me.” His voice was clipped and strained and she didn't know why. In fact, she didn't know why he was here at all. Clara thought, hoped, that she would no longer be dealing with him.
“You're taking me? I thought there'd be another human... an android at least?”
“No. Only me. Who would want a human doctor anyways? That would be like asking a toddler to finger-paint your house and the androids are dealing with more important things.”
Wooow.Clara rolled her eyes.
Only him?It dawned on her.Only him. Only him...A shiver ran through her.Where’s the dog when I need protection?
