Chapter 22
As the mask would be taken off, Kellan’s heart hammered against his ribs. An unbidden smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
But in that instant, Kellan realized his fingers were jammed tight. The mask might as well have been soldered to Zina’s face, not a budge.
Kellan’s expression shattered on the spot, crumbling piece by piece.
Through the haze of shock, Kellan heard a voice, “I told you once, didn’t I? Mr. Carter, no prying into who I am. Second warning.”
Zina’s voice was icy, but Kellan read between the lines. If he dared repeat such actions, his father wouldn’t stand a chance.
Zina returned to the bedside and looked Patrick over carefully. Only then did she add, “He should come around sometime today. If you can swing it, take him home. Too many variables here in the hospital.”
“So soon?” Hayden asked. But he caught sight of Kellan’s dark look out of the corner of his eye and clamped up in an instant.
Kellan spoke up, “You already have my contact info. If anything comes up where you need help, just give me a shout.”
Without a word, Zina kept packing her silver needles. It wasn’t until she was on her way out that she shot Kellan a detached look. “Try not to be so brash next time, Mr. Carter.”
Hayden’s heart was about to pound out of his chest. ‘Does she have a death wish, talking to this Grim Reaper like that?‘ he thought.
“D, Doctor…” Hayden stammered, trying to smooth things over. But the words died when he saw Kellan actually curve his lips and give a nod.
Left thunderstruck, Hayden slumped into a corner, looking like a deer caught in headlights.”
Kellan walked Zina out, but came to a halt just outside the hospital door. After steeling himself for a long moment, he finally asked, “Have we run into each other before?”
“No.” Zina replied flatly, “Mr. Carter, you’d be better off cleaning up your own house than wasting brain cells on that stuff.”
Zina wouldn’t normally bother with Kyle, but she was more than happy to get under his skin if the chance came her way.
Kellan nodded seriously, his gaze still fixed on the direction Zina had gone. But he couldn’t help wondering again, ‘Have we truly never met before?‘
But the figure had faded from view, leaving Kellan’s musing unanswered.
H
Zina slipped into an empty corner, took off her Bauta Mask and set it aside. Only then did she finally relax. The hour was getting late, and it was time to head back to the Lambert mansion.
וד
Zina hadn’t told a soul about her hospital visit. Therefore, she used a car of the Base, parking it a short distance from the Lambert mansion, and was planning on walking the rest of the way.
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Chapter 22
After all, if anyone looked too closely into the identity of the Masked Doctor, they might uncover the link between The Pit and the Base. Getting entangled with a legitimate powerhouse like the Lambert family would do more harm than good.
Suddenly, a group of people burst out of nowhere, giving Zina a real start.
The guy leading the pack looked mean as a snake, with greasy hair and an ill–looking face. He had one eye permanently half–closed, and favored one leg when he walked. Even so, he clearly carried weight and held a position to match.
The others were dressed in worn–out, grimy clothes, looking like a disheveled group who’d trekked a hard journey to get here. Zina heard them call the man leading them David.
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