XANDER POV
She is the most peculiar individual I have ever come across. Lou strode confidently into the room, with Tyson following closely behind. Each of them held a small collection of essential items in their hands. She leaned against the door, observing as individuals continued to arrive with an array of cleaning supplies. Her countenance remained stoic, devoid of any emotion, and bereft of any warmth. Lou abruptly halted in his stride, pivoting towards her and flashing a charming smile.
With a deep sigh, she leaned forward and peered outside, checking for any sign of arrivals before finally latching the door and turning to face the room. As she stood there, scrutinizing each and every one of us, her presence seemed to captivate our gaze. Her hand, almost subconsciously, clasped the rubber wristlet on her wrist, and with a snap, she repeated the motion two more times. Despite the bloodshed from the previous night, she appeared unfazed. However, presently, she exuded an air of unease.
Not a soul stirred, save for Tyson, who promptly began administering my intravenous antibiotics and deftly unwrapping the robe to delve into the particulars. I averted my gaze from her and turned to Tyson, whose scrutinizing stare lingered on the sutures adorning my thigh. After briefly glancing in her direction, he returned his attention to me.With an air of calm, she strolled towards the bathroom and gently closed the door behind her. The reason for her prolonged absence remains a mystery to me, but it afforded me ample time to dress myself following the shower, with the assistance of Lou. The moment I rose to my feet, she emerged from the bathroom, donning a breezy beach dress and carrying a tote bag over her shoulder.
I addressed her as "Dorothy," though the name seemed ill-fitting for her.
"Here, take this, its contain a sum of funds sufficient to cover all expenses, including those incurred for therapy. Expressing gratitude for your assistance."
Tyson and Lou appeared to have deemed my behavior as irrational.
As for myself, I have never before give the golden card to anyone. Despite its outward appearance as a typical card, I have merely granted her the immunity from imprisonment or persecution by members of the criminal underworld and Law enforcement. She will be almost untouchable. Last night, it was her remarkable agility that came to my rescue. Despite requiring further procedures, it was the initial aid administered by the medical professional that ultimately saved both my leg and my life. An x-ray was necessary, along with additional measures, yet the prompt and effective care provided proved to be critical. Therefore, I am filled with gratitude.
With a swift motion, she retrieved the item from my grasp and deftly slipped the card into her purse.
"I hope for your speedy recovery. Nevertheless, I also desire to avoid any further encounters with you and your company. With a sense of urgency, I must depart from this room to indulge in the pleasures of snorkeling. When i return, I fervently hope that the space will be vacated and all traces of the recent events erased from existence. This vacation is of utmost importance to me."
As she departed, I couldn't help but replay the scene in my mind. The way she had expressed her need for a holiday lingered in my thoughts. Her back receded towards the door, until her steps came to a halt. With a sudden pivot, she turned her head to cast a final glance in my direction.
A gentle curve graced her lips as she smiled.
Lou stood there, stunned, his grip on me almost faltering as Dorothy departed.
Lou once again came to my aid, providing much-needed support. With their assistance, I was able to rise to my feet, preparing for the arrival of the medevac helicopter.
I issued a firm command to the crew, directing them to carry out her instructions precisely.
"You heard her, do as she says" I declared, as Tyson and Lou escorted me to the helipad, situated on the same level as the Captain Deck.
The desolate hallway lay before us, devoid of any sign of life. Lou had issued a directive to the Captain, instructing him to divert anyone, including the cruise staff, from our path, immediately following Dorothy's departure. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't help but feel that her name was ill-fitting.
"Could you confirm whether the woman in question is a nurse? "
As Ty finally broke his silence, I couldn't help but anticipate the inquiry that was about to escape his lips - one that mirrored my own upon laying eyes on the sutures. As he tended to me, I couldn't help but observe the intricate depth of his gaze. After careful consideration, it was determined that an X-ray was necessary to confirm whether a surgical intervention was required for the repair of my bones or tendons.
"She stated that she was a seamstress," I observed, noting Tyson's equally perplexed expression.
"That…"
"Shocking? I must admit, I experienced a similar range of emotions when i learn of the situation. It was precisely for this reason that I felt compelled to present her with the card as a gesture of goodwill".
"Well, Luck was on your side as well. Had the bullet been extracted improperly, the risk of sepsis and potential limb loss would have been a grave concern, Xavier. This is no trivial matter."
"Im fine, isnt it?" i said with a firm tone.
One might wonder how she manages to afford such a luxurious suite. "Tyson inquired," came the question. Lou's sour mood cast a pall over the already desolate hallway, rendering it even more dreary.
As we reminisced about Rio, the image of her as a mistress to a wealthy tycoon came to mind. Such a pity. Her beauty and talent are undeniable, rendering it unnecessary for her to compromise her integrity by engaging in a relationship with a married man.
Life can be a challenging journey, and it is not our place to pass judgment on the choices made by others.
As we arrived at the helipad, the pilot caught sight of our approach and swiftly maneuvered away from the whirring blades to greet us. With a gentle hand, he assisted me and listened intently as I divulged the details of our evacuation strategy. As relayed by Tyson, it was deemed necessary for me to spend a brief stint in the hospital for observation. Once I am given the green light, it will be imperative for me to undergo physical therapy in order to restore my leg's dexterity.
With Willy currently detained on our base and under the watchful eye of my personnel, my thoughts drift to the insolence he so brazenly displayed towards me, causing a darkening of my gaze. Today marks the beginning of my mission to dismantle their organizations. It will serve as a cautionary tale to any other group foolish enough to cross a Killian, no matter how insignificant their actions may seem.
Upon entering the helicopter, I adorned myself with a pair of headphones and reclined my body, shutting my eyes in anticipation of takeoff. As we flew past Hoyos Island, a picturesque scene unfolded before my eyes. Clad in their colorful bathing suits, a group of people frolicked on the sun-kissed beach, their laughter and merriment carried by the gentle sea breeze. My attention is drawn to the lone figure gracefully drifting atop the tranquil surface. Squinting my eyes, I discerned the figure of Dorothy suspended in the water, her bathing suit betraying her location with its vibrant hue. I recollected how she had donned it beneath a diaphanous beach cover-up, and couldn't help but surmise that this getaway was precisely what she had been yearning for. Curiosity piqued, I find myself pondering the reason behind...
As I pondered over the matter, my thoughts drifted to a question that had been lingering in my mind, waiting to be posed to Tyson.
His medical expertise was required by me.
" Is one of my eyes slightly smaller than the other?"
As soon as I spoke, he emitted a sharp sound of shrieking laugh, as if something had tickled him. Lou's laughter was uncontrollable as well as he hugged his stomach.
Dorothy had managed to plant a seed of doubt within me, causing frustration and concern.
DARN IT.