One hundred and eleven: Disappearing sunlight

Taking a deep breath, I coughed and rolled over to retch. Then I threw up. After that, Kiran helped me finish getting dressed again, although I kept flinching at his touch. Not far away, there were the sounds of fighting and yelling.

"I'm sorry," Kiran said when I cringed away from him, although all he was doing was rubbing his chin. "I'm sorry," he pulled my stiff body into his arms. "I'm so sorry I lost my temper and hurt you. I'm sorry I scared you. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry I said those mean things to you too," I whispered in his ear, but was still unable to relax with him.

"Come on," he pulled me out of my hiding place back onto the path. Then he got me to tell him everything that had happened so far about the man when he had chased me and what had happened just now. His expression darkened and turned a thunderous colour when I repeated what the man had said and done. When I finished, he nodded and led me out the bushes to the path.

Iain and other soldiers half dragged their still struggling captive to us.

"Is this the man?" Kiran asked me and I nodded.

"That's him," I said, "but I think he's not the only one. Surely he has a partner. Those wires could only have been put in under or beside the gravestone when it was first installed."

"Look into it," Kiran barked at someone I couldn't see from where he was half hugging me to him, so that I couldn't see much.

"Might be the man who was killed the other night," Iain said.

"Might be," Kiran said. "Look into it anyway." Then to me, he said, "I'll take you back to the apartment. Stay there this time. It's not a good time for you to be wandering around until I have sorted out the big messes in the Compound. It's not safe at the moment. You'll be let out once it's safe for you. Understand?"

Nodding, I walked under Kiran's arm feeling miserable. He took me by the medical clinic where I had a short checkup and the doctor did a brief physical exam. After a few questions on other matters, the doctor sent Kiran out of the room to find out the full story from me. We talked for a long time and the doctor didn't rush me. He examined me further and in more detail in some areas, based upon what I was saying. He asked me about my mental health. I was just glad there was someone who listened. Listened, understood and cared enough to see if I was okay. Then, leaving me in the office, the doctor went out to speak to Kiran. They spoke for a long time, while I hugged my knees.

"Jean," Kiran rapped me on the head. "Come on. Let's go."

I blinked at him, surprised for a moment that I hadn't realised when he had appeared beside me, nor how long he'd been trying to call me. The doctor gave me a cheery thumbs up, but I couldn't find anything to smile about, so I just nodded my thanks.

Kiran kept looking at me on the way back to the apartment. Did I have booga hanging out my nose? Was there snot smeared on my cheek? Was I growing something I didn't know about?

At the apartment, Kiran kissed me goodbye.

"When I'm next free," he said, "I'll take you out to the city. I'll find a way for you to see your old boss and team leader again. You need some friends and company."

I tilted my head at him, trying to figure out why he would say that. Did he have an ulterior motive? Maybe I should make plans just in case.

"It will depend on what our security is like," Kiran admitted, poking my cheek with a smile. "I know you'd like to get out, but we might have to invite them in instead. Maybe I should organise a meeting for you with some of the other Bosky ladies that are working here. You haven't met any Bosky girls besides the Doc's slaves and Aylissa. My mother and sisters have met you, but I doubt you remember. You weren't well at the time."

"No," I shook my head at him. "I don't remember at all."

"Didn't think so," he gave a tired smile, rubbing his face. "I won't be back tonight. Take care of yourself."

I caught hold of his sleeve, when he was turning and pulled him back.

"Look after yourself," I looked up into his eyes. They were a rich, warm colour that spoke of too many late nights and not enough sleep. "Make sure you get enough sleep."

All I got in reply was a kiss on the top of my head and his shadowed back disappearing into the bright sunlight.