Page 56 of Alpha Fate
“The stranger?” It’s a stupid question. I know who she’s talking about.
“Edirn Alpen,” Gage growls, underscoring my thoughts. I can feel him bristling.
Shit. Not again.
“When did he wake up?” I ask.
“Dunno. Doc caught me walking by and told me to find you post-haste.”
“Is he okay? Did she say anything about whether he’s improved or not?”
“He’s awake, right? I’m guessing that’s an improvement.” She shrugs again. “Unless it’s one of those terminal lucidity things.”
“Terminal what?” She’s not making sense.
“You know. That moment of clarity before death?”
My mouth drops open.
Clarity before death?!
I’ve never heard of such a thing.
“Or maybe it’s not,” she adds casually. “Anyone’s guess. You can find out for yourself if you go on over there.” She dusts her hands together. “My job here is done. Have a nice day, y’all.”
“See you ‘round, Stone.” Gage doesn’t sound impressed at all right now.
“Sure. And, Heller…”
“What?” he asks.
“Your fly’s down.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice his head dip. “No, it’s not.”
“You’re right. But you had to look down to check it first, didn’t you?” She snorts out a laugh and then turns on her heel. “Later, suckers!” She flips us the bird as she saunters away.
Nice.
“What was that?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
“That’s the kind of madness I have to deal with on a daily basis.” Gage scrubs a hand over his face, then pauses when he sees me glancing around. “What are you doing?”
“Looking for my shoes.” I spot a pair of trainers I’d kicked off last night and head over to slide my feet into them.
“Shoes?” He frowns at me.
“I can’t walk down there barefoot, Gage.”
“You’re going to the clinic?”
“Of course I am.” I kneel to tie my laces. “Didn’t you hear what she said? He’s asking for me.”
“That doesn’t mean you have to go,” he snaps.
“What? Are we back here again?” I know my expression is thunderous when I look at him. “You literally just apologized for pulling this same shit a day ago.”
“I did. And I meant it. But I think we have some talking to do right now, don’t you?”