“Major, the doctors said that Ms. Woods’ surgery was successful. But why hasn’t she woken up?”
Devin and his vice-commander, Henrick Layton, were waiting in a hospital in Mapleton, Thymion. The latter had become concerned when Kira was still unconscious hours after her surgery was completed.
Devin scrunched his brows and ordered, “Go and check with the doctor.”
Similarly, he was becoming a little anxious as well, though it stemmed from the urgency to return to his base and continue performing his duties rather than concern for Kira’s safety.
After all, Devin did not wish to be held down by such messy affairs on his trip out of the base.
After receiving his orders, Henrick left immediately to consult the doctor.
Devin pulled out his phone as he waited for Henrick to return, thinking it would be a good time to check for any updates from the base.
To his surprise, the first thing he saw when he unlocked his phone was a notification of an incoming text.
The message came from a subordinate he had ordered to follow Sabrina in Clear. Major, we followed Ms. Hayes to Clear last night. There was an accident outside the city.
Devin’s expression darkened the minute he saw the word “accident,” and he stopped fidgeting with the cigarette in his hand.
An accident? What accident?
He immediately opened the video that accompanied the text message.
Boom!
The video was downright terrifying. Devin saw two vehicles ramming into the rear end of Sabrina’s rental car, sending it slamming into a road divider and mangling the hood of the car in an instant.
This damned woman! I told her not to run around and to go home immediately!
Devin’s heart almost stopped when he saw the moment of impact.
Soon, the subordinate he had sent to trail Sabrina sent him a zoomed-in video of the rental car. Right before the horrifying impact, a bespectacled man hugged Sabrina tightly and saved her while she was being thrown out of the car.
As a result, he ended up cushioning her.
Right then, Devin received a text message: Major, Ms. Hayes is safe. Isaac Sheerwood appears experienced in these matters. He knew what he needed to do to save Ms. Hayes.
Devin’s heart sank instantly, and his expression grew somber a moment later.
Of course that *sshole has experience! How else could they experience such a smooth trip into Yaleview? Someone with Isaac’s background can’t enter Yaleview as and when he pleases.
Devin steeled himself and fired off a text to his subordinate: Stop following her. It’s a waste of time!
There was a hint of rage in the tone of his last sentence.
The order surprised his subordinate in Clear.
What does the Major mean? Is he suspicious of Isaac? But I didn’t see him trying anything funny during last night’s accident.
In fact, the subordinate recalled being more surprised by Solomon’s appearance to rescue Sabrina just as he was about to approach the rental car and potentially give away his identity.
Still, despite his confusion, the subordinate obeyed Devin’s order without further protest. He left Clear shortly after.
Meanwhile, Henrick approached Devin just as he brought a close to his surveillance on Sabrina.
“Major, the doctor said that she’s fine. Ms. Woods’ vital signs are stable, and she’s on track to make a complete recovery. He said that she’s probably unconscious because the anesthesia hasn’t worn off.”
“Good. You can stay here to monitor her situation. I’m heading back to the base,” Devin said and prepared to leave.
Henrick was struck dumb by his words. “M-Me? Major, I—” he trailed off.
Isn’t it inappropriate for me to be the one taking care of a young woman?
However, Devin made his displeasure clear as he added, “I’m not asking you to hold a vigil. I’ve contacted her parents, and they’ll be here this afternoon. Why are you so worried?”
Henrick stared at him wordlessly.
The silence stretched on a few minutes longer before he nodded sheepishly. “All right. I’ll leave after her parents arrive.”
Devin began walking toward the door when an ear-piercing shriek filled the room.
“Aargh!!”
The young woman who was supposedly still out cold after her surgery suddenly opened her eyes.
“Ms. Woods? Are you awake?” Henrick was elated as he ran toward her bedside.
“Aargh!” Kira screamed again as she fumbled to touch her leg before spasming uncontrollably in agony.
Hence, Devin had no choice but to postpone his departure.
He frowned at Henrick’s panicky behavior. With a sigh, he headed out to find the doctor.
When the doctor arrived, he began examining Kira.
About ten minutes later, he addressed Devin, “Mr. Jadeson, your cousin is probably struggling to cope with the pain of losing her leg after the effects of the anesthesia wore off. Please don’t worry too much. This isn’t unusual behavior.”
Meanwhile, Henrick was brimming with questions for the doctor.
“Sir, shouldn’t you prescribe some medication for her? The pain of losing one’s leg must be unimaginable, let alone for a young woman like her.”
His concern for Kira bordered on excessive, and Devin’s expression soured.
“Henrick Layton, you’re overreacting. Losing a leg is bound to be painful for anyone. It’s got nothing to do with gender. Just look at our troops. Did you happen to forget that we have female soldiers too?” Devin reprimanded him.
