Page 125 of The Fates We Tame

“I love it when he speaks all respectful,” Niro says.

Vex puts his head down to hide the smile.

“As it’s midnight, all the doors around the facility are locked to the outside. I have a schedule for each of you. I hand-picked a small team. Sophia, Lori has stayed to see you for physio, whichI’m sure will make you both happy. And then you can follow up with Raheel for massage therapy. You know the way?”

“I remember.” She starts off down the hallway.

“Soph. Wait,” I say. “Niro will come with you.”

“I will?” he asks.

I nod. “Yeah. I need someone I know will die trying to keep her safe. She took out three cans and can flip a switchblade. She’s more like Cat than she is anyone else. Women like that are rare, and I know you can handle it.”

Niro salutes. “I got it.”

“I will be meeting with you first, Theo,” Doc says. “I have scans arranged too.”

Bates squeezes my shoulder, then reaches for his Glock. “Vex and I will split up and do a perimeter check.”

Doc glances at him. “In my facility, you will put the gun away unless it is an absolute desperate last measure. I try to keep people alive in here, not kill them.”

It reminds me of something Sophia said, and I smile.

“With respect, I’m trying to do the exact same thing,” Bates says. He doesn’t put his weapon away. He does concede to lower it though.

Vex and Bates begin to check the exits.

“Tyler, Theo told me a little about your situation. With that information, I asked Dr. Curran if he would see you. He’s a veteran, purple heart. Retrained as a psychologist upon retiring from the military on medical grounds. I feel like he will be the perfect fit for you.”

A tall Black man with the walk of an officer appears. He’s Spark’s size, and I see my brother’s shoulders sag in relief.

“Walking to the other side together,” I remind him.

Spark nods, but heads towards Dr. Curran.

“So, it’s just you and me, Doc,” I say.

“Yes, Theo. There are very few people I would stay awake until midnight for, but you happen to be one of them,” she says. She unlocks the door to her office and gestures me inside. “I would prefer, in the event of future visits, that you and your…friends…come unarmed.”

I take a seat on the beige chair. “You really need some color in here, Doc.”

“It’s restful.”

“It’s bland.”

“I’m glad to see you are having fewer challenges with your speech. And I noticed you didn’t respond to my comment about the weapons.”

“That’s because they’ll be armed next time.”

“Next time, I will not let you into the building if you have them with you. That is my boundary. Your friends can keep you safe from the outside.”

“You’re a tough negotiator, Doc.”

She smiles at that. “I feel like the terms under which we are meeting mean I do not need to maintain my usual polished veneer. So, how have you been feeling, Theo?”

“Like I got bashed in the head by a rock. Twice.”

Doc leans forward on her desk and rests her chin on her hands. “So, we’re finally going to get honest.”