Crossed to the computer station. Unplugged the laptop carefully. Wrapped the cord, tucked both into Xavier’s backpack.
USB drive came next. Copied all the X-ray images methodically. The chip scans especially.
“Grab those.” Gestured toward medical supplies. Gauze, antibiotics, painkillers.
“Final check.” Scanned the clinic space. Make sure nothing appeared disturbed.
Everything looked normal. Untouched.
Except for the laptop-shaped hole and the missing X-ray films.
My palms shook.
Too late for second thoughts.
He crossed to me. Ready?
No. Terrified and exhausted and so far past my depth I couldn’t see the surface.
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
Moved toward the switch and turned it off.
Fluorescent lights died. Darkness swallowed us completely.
Couldn’t see anything.
Breath stopped.
Without sight, other senses sharpened. Xavier’s breathing beside me. Cold seeping through my coat. His presence adjacent.
He moved. Stepping nearer.
His palm found my elbow. Fingers wrapping gently. Guiding.
My heart hammered.
Then he tugged. Careful. Toward the back entrance.
The moment broke as we reached it.
Xavier’s touch left my arm. I heard him reach for the handle.
The entrance pulled open.
Two cops stood there. Flashlights cutting through darkness.
Everyone froze.
Before I could draw breath.
Before I could speak.
Xavier transformed.
Not a shift. A conversion so complete it defied comprehension.
Movement exploded.
