Page 4 of Red Marked

I eat the second half of my sandwich in two bites, washing it down with the last of my soda.

My team is scattered throughout the hall, finishing their lunch. The debrief went well. Our planning was on point. I’ve got one stop to make before we have to be airborne again.

I stand and look up at the clock on the wall. I’d better make it quick.

Taking big strides, I walk to the holding wing. Quake is awake in the third cell and in his human form. He doesn’t look at me when I stop at the window. He’s sitting on his bed, clothing untouched. His heart rate sits steady on the monitor bolted to the wall next to the door.

They still have him on low-level sedation, which they will slowly taper in the coming days, depending on how well he does.

“There you are.” Dr. Alastair Pryce walks up to me in the corridor, a grin on his face. “Well done, Flint. All of our hard work is about to pay off. The Council will be thrilled. They are hoping to rehabilitate as many feral males as possible, starting with Quake over here. We hope to have five percent back in society within the next year.” He rubs his hands together, telling me information I already know.

I don’t mind. He’s excited. I get it.

“You are a superstar,” he tells me, eyes gleaming.

“The team did most of the work.” I fall into step next to him as we walk up the hallway.

“Modesty doesn’t suit you.” He claps a hand on my shoulder. “This right here is the difference between a pilot program and permanent funding. We are already proving to be a success, and the doors are barely open. It won’t be long before we’re in charge of multiple facilities. Me at the helm and you as head of security.”

“Chances are good there will be a third clinic before the end of the year,” I say.

“I think it’s almost a given. So far, all of your SOPs and training are paying off. The clinic is running like a finely tuned machine.”

“Don’t speak too soon,” I say. “There are always snags along the way, Dr. Pryce.”

“Of course.” He nods. “How are the interviews for your final team member coming along?”

I had a resignation during training and haven’t found the time to replace them. “I’ve narrowed it down to three candidates. I will set up interviews in the coming week or two. For now, the team runs just fine with one person under.”

“Don’t leave it too long. I know you’re under pressure, but you don’t want to end up short-staffed. You will be leaving us in a few months to set up the second facility. This one needs to be fully functional by then.”

I smile. “It will, but you’re right. I’ll get on it ASAP.” I nod. “So far, Atlas looks like the clear candidate to take over from me as head of security for this facility. We’ll have to wait and see.”

“Good man.” He pats me on the back again.

I look in the direction of the pad. “We’re heading back out in five minutes,” I say. “I’m hoping to bring in a second male before sunset.”

“That would be wonderful.” He turns back toward the holding wing, grin still in place. “Go find me more patients. We’re going to make such a difference on this island.”

I nod. The thought of these ferals being integrated back into society makes me feel good. I hate that they’ve been reduced to animals. Especially considering some of them didn’t commit crimes that were all that heinous.

Cindy’s checking the dart case when I reach the pad, and Brian’s got one boot braced on Ash’s foreleg, tightening the strap under his belly.

“Ready to roll?” I ask them.

“I was born ready,” Brian says, smirking.

“Yes, boss.” Cindy nods, checking the cinch on her rig.

“What about you?” I ask Atlas.

“Absolutely.” He nods at Rift and Saber, glancing at the others waiting on the pad. “We were waiting for you.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

I undress and shift quickly, taking point.

We take off. It’s slow going at first. We fly low, using all our senses.