Page 150 of Marks of Rebellion

"Jerry is waiting at the gate." He points to a man who wears mostly black.

"Thanks for everything."

"Stay safe. Tell Jerry to get the doctor when you get to your room."

"Will do." I sling my backpack over my shoulder, get out, and carry my Flower to the gate.

Jerry is another former Marine buddy of Mack's. He joined the cruise line after retiring and has a room ready for us, based on the passports Tinker's friend created.

It's dark, except for the lights of the cruise ship. It's a ship that began its journey in Brazil and will end in Europe. One of the stops is Bermuda.

Jerry and I hardly speak. I hand him our fake passports, and he navigates us through the entry point where the employees get on the ship. We go directly to our room.

I lay Vanessa down on the bed and turn to Jerry. "Can you have the doctor come right away?"

"Yes." He picks up the phone and gives instructions. "I'll stay until he comes. Do you need anything? I've stocked your fridge with waters and some food, but I can gather some other things if needed."

"I think that will be fine for now. Everything she needs, I believe, will need to come from the doctor."

"Ring if you need anything during your stay."

"Thank you." I stroke my Flower's head. "This doctor...he is trustworthy?"

"Yes. He is excellent, too."

I nod, blinking hard, and kiss Vanessa's forehead.

The doctor arrives. Jerry introduces us and leaves.

"Call me Faron," the doctor tells me.

I fill him in on what I know has happened to Vanessa.

He examines her. She has a slight fever. He says, "To speak in normal terms, from what you're telling me she's been through, I think her nervous system has collapsed."

"Is she able to recover?" A fear so deep takes root in my gut, making me catch my breath.

"She needs rest. Love. Hydration. And to feel safe."

I nod, not able to talk.

He points to the balcony. "Some sun and salt air won't hurt, either. But it's going to take some time for her to bounce back."

"But she will?" I swallow the emotions pooling in my throat.

He stares at her then looks back at me. "I think she will."

"What about her wounds?"

"I'm going to leave some antiseptic spray and wraps here. I'll check on her tomorrow morning, but if you can make sure any open wounds stay clean, she should be okay."

"And her hives?"

He kindly smiles at me. "Rest. Time. Love. Safety."

I release a big breath.

"Tell you what. Why don't you shower, and I'll watch her?"