Page 124 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

“Doctor’s almost here,” Tech said, walking fast beside them. “Elevator secured?”

“Elevator secured,” Free answered.

“Where are the others?” Xander asked.

“God and Day are behind us. Ruxs, Green, and Steele are staying in the field,” Tech said.

Cassidy moved as if a boulder was sitting on his chest. The elevator felt miles away, but he concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other.

The vest had saved his life. He knew that. But the body didn’t care that bruised ribs were better than holes. Pain punched through him with each step, and the graze along his shoulder had gone from burning to a sick, hot pulsing.

They reached the service elevator bank and Tech hit the call button.

The doors opened immediately.

Cassidy guided Xander inside. Tech followed, then turned to press the button for their secured floor.

“Hold on!” an anxious voice blurted.

A young guy rushed towards them, having come through the same entrance.

He was maybe in his early twenties. Slim build. Dark, messy hair sticking out from beneath a Dodgers ball cap, and damp at the ends as if he’d been sweating. He wore a Nike hoodie, ripped jeans, and expensive sneakers.

His face was sun-tanned, eyes wide and fixed on Xander with an intensity that made the last shred of calm in Cassidy go sharp as he crowded Xander into the corner and shielded him.

Tech blocked the doorway before he could enter and planted one hand against the kid’s chest.

“He’s not doing autographs,” Tech said.

The guy looked past him, staring at Xander. “I need to talk you in private, please.”

“No,” Tech and Cassidy both said in unison.

“Please, it’s important,” the guy begged, arm holding one side of the elevator door open. “You probably don’t recognize me.”

Tech shoved the kid backwards. He stumbled but recovered fast.

The doors began to slide shut and the kid’s face twisted with panic.

“I know who’s trying to hurt you, Xander Vale!”

The doors closed leaving them in dead silence.

Xander went still against his back.

Tech reached inside his jacket, pulled a black-and-chrome .45 from his holster, and aimed it at the narrow gap.

“Open the doors, Free,” Tech said quietly.

The elevator doors reversed.

The young man stood on the other side, staring down the barrel of Tech’s gun.

He let out a shocked yell as he turned to run. He made it half a step before he slammed face-first into God’s chest.

God didn’t move and the kid bounced off him as if he’d hit a brick wall.

God caught him by the back of the neck with one massive hand and hauled him into the elevator.