Meg marched up to the front desk. “We’re here to take our coydog home.”
“I’m sorry miss, but doctor has strict orders on him. He must stay for two nights. His injuries were just too severe and he’s under heavy sedation to keep him from damaging himself further. You can go see him, but there is no way the doctor would allow him to leave the veterinary hospital so soon. The doctor’s in with another patient now, but if you’ll wait, I’m sure he’ll speak with you about what is in the best interest for your pet.”
Meg let the woman talk for just a moment, more so she could catch her breath than to hear what the tech had to say.
“We’ll go back to get him now,” she enunciated clearly. The same dazed expression curled around the technician’s eyes as they did around everyone who stood bare under Meg’s powerful influence.
Meg rounded the desk and walked past the girl. “Danny, can you be a big boy and walk? I have to carry Maze. Okay?” Danny nodded his head earnestly, still trying to wipe the tears off his face with his pudgy hands. Meg gently set his feet on the ground, stood and pushed open the door to find her Maze.
Chapter 26 Home Is Where Mom Is
Margo had just finished packing. She was going home today and couldn’t be happier about it. The cell phone in her purse started vibrating loud enough for her to wonder how they could make a phone do that without it breaking itself.
“Doesn’t that shake things loose inside?” She thought aloud as she rolled carefully to the neatly made-up hospital bed where her bag was waiting next to her suitcase. She picked up the phone thinking she’d have to ask Evan about the whole phone-on-vibrate thing.
Glancing at the caller ID she saw it was Theo.
“Hi honey! Where are you? I thought you’d be here an hour ago?”
“Mom, it’s me, Meg.”
“Meggie? What’s wrong dear?”
“Mom, we don’t have much time. You need to get out of the hospital yourself and meet us back home.”
“Why, what’s wrong?” Margo’s voice took on the protective-mother’s edge, however wheelchair bound she still was.
“We were attacked by Arkdone’s soldiers on our way to come get you. It’s all over the media. He forced us out into the public eye and…you need to meet us back home.”
“Home? You don’t mean with Greg Burns, do you?”
“No Mom. We’re driving, but you need to fly. Get there as quick as you can and hunker down. They’re going to be coming for us.”
“They?”
“Everyone…the authorities, media, curiosity seekers…everyone knows we’re different.”
Margo took a trembling, deep breath.
“I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault.”
“Stop, Meg. This is not your fault. None of it is; none of it ever has been your fault. I’ll meet you back home.”
“Yes ma’am,” Meg mumbled, miserable.
“Meg, do you have everyone with you—is everyone okay?”
“Yes, ma’am, everyone is with me, but Evan’s hurt badly. Sloan is working on him now.”
“What happened to him?”
“He’s suffered second degree burns on the left side of his body. He was trapped in the SUV when the gas tank exploded.”
“Oh, dear Lord! Please watch over my family,” she prayed aloud.
“We’re already on our way. Can you get out of there and go directly to the airport?”
“Yes, I have my credit cards. I’ll call you when I land. Can I talk with Theo?”
“Um, not really. He was knocked out cold in the battle. He’ll be fine, but he’s just—”
“As long as he’s alive.” Margo pinched her eyes closed trying to stay calm.
“Sloan says he has a steady heartbeat and is breathing normally.”
“Wow…okay.” Margo was thinking how surreal this conversation was and would be to any other mother. Her life with her children had quickly turned in to one disaster after another.
“I wish I remembered you, Margo.” Meg’s voice was small, childlike.
“I remember enough for the both of us, Megglet. Try not to worry; we’ll figure this out together, okay?” she forced herself to say.
“Together,” Meg repeated holding on to the power of that one word, though inwardly she sensed the woman’s fear and doubt.
Chapter 27 Consciousness is Severely Overrated
Creed had taken over driving the full-sized van. His blue gaze swept the road before them defensively as he took very seriously the responsibility of getting the family safely to their destination. There were nine of them in the van, including himself. Evan was the most injured. Greg was still knocked out from the incredible jolt of the taser. Theo was slowly coming around. The rest of the family was doing what they could to process what had just happened to them.