“Understood.”
“Where will you be once we’re done here?” I ask her.
“I would normally be at my desk on the admin floor, but Dr. Keller has asked me to set up in the hangar to tackle anything that arises. I’m just outside.” She gestures to the door.
“That’s a good call.”
“I’ll be at my desk if you need me,” she says as she leaves.
I walk out into the hangar and start pacing.
It doesn’t take long before the doors of the trauma bay open, and the shifter is wheeled in. Dr. Keller is at the head, wearing scrubs. There is a smear of blood across her sleeve.
I walk over there.
“Stand back!” she yells.
I don’t walk any closer. “And? How is he?”
“I’ll know more once I open him up, but he’s pretty bad. It’s a fifty-fifty chance he makes it.”
“He can’t die.”
“I’m not God, Magma. I know the ramifications and all I can do is my best.”
I nod. “Good luck.”
“Thanks. I’m going to need it.” She runs to catch up. Snare and the two assigned guards are there too, keeping a safe distance. The swing doors thump closed behind them.
I realize that Carla is standing next to me, a frown marring her forehead.
“If anyone can save him, it’s Doc Keller,” she says, her eyes still on the swing doors.
“I hope so,” I say.
Carla starts back toward her desk, which has been placed to the side and away from all the activity.
Then the front entrance buzzes open.
Flint comes through it. Hair damp at the temples, and a radio in one hand. He sees Carla halfway down the corridor and his face changes. His eyes brighten, and he smiles.
She smiles back. It’s shy and sweet. She gives him a little wave.
He winks and then jogs over to me.
“The perimeter is set,” he says. “Two on the back entrance, one at reception, one on the helipad stairwell. Snare’s men have the operating bay covered.”
“Good.”
“What’s the word on the Red?”
“It’s touch and go.”
“Shit. I’d better get back out there.”
He glances at Carla, who has her head down. She’s working on the iPad. Then he heads back out. I go to my makeshift office. I need to make sure that we’re all set to move the frontline at midnight.
I need to brief my captains to ensure that we are all ready for what could be coming our way.
