Page 321 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘Sir, Julian getting out was my fault. I take full responsibility—’

‘Holtz will be punished, and you will assist me in the execution of that punishment, as will my headstrong son. If you wish for Jessamine to be kept out of the matter, you will ensure today’s medical goes smoothly. Tell her she will be helping her friends. Tell her it’s a bodyguard mission. She’ll like that, I believe.’

Powerless. Helpless. Useless.

Jaw clenched against an authority he has no power to challenge, Lachlan nods. ‘Yes, sir. I understand.’

‘Good.’

✴

That afternoon, four medical personnel arrive through the main gate at ten-fifty-three in an unmarked black van registered to a Helixx subsidiary. Control verifies each face against the live personnel database.

Their equipment clears chemical, radiological and explosive screening.

The physician in charge presents digital authorisation carrying Penhalyx’s biometric signature.

Lachlan wants to shoot them all.

But he doesn’t.

He allows himself to become the vessel for Penhalyx’s will.

They use the smaller medical suite in the East Wing, exactly where Jules gave blood last year.

The team lays out two identical collection sets, a transport case waiting open on the counter. Matte silver, temperature-controlled, fitted with two rows of narrow sockets. No laboratory name. No courier documentation.

They don’t seem interested in maintaining the pretence at all.

Jules and Mimi are waiting outside.

Lachlan has already prepped them both. Jules agreed quietly, though he turned a little pale. Mimi had no qualms at all after he explained it just as Penhalyx said to.

‘I’m not scared of blood, Daddy,’ she reassures him.

Lachlan is still their bodyguard, whatever else he has failed to remain, so nobody objects when he inspects the equipment.

Most of it seems standard.

The collection sets are not.

Last time, Julian’s blood went directly into bags.

Today, there are bags and vials, each prepared in duplicate and labelled for both of them, Julian and Mimi’s full legal names printed above corresponding subject codes.

They request Jules first, who seems to have mostly overcome his fear of needles and sits staring blankly ahead. It’s impressive, if a little worrying.

The vials are filled first, then the line is redirected into the bag.

Lachlan watches it swell.

‘That’s enough.’

The physician checks the measure. ‘Not yet.’

‘He’s pale.’

‘His vitals are stable.’