* * *
A white windowless van with the words: Physical Therapy—At Home Care, backs into the parking spot in front of our room and two middle-aged men get out and approach our door. I watch them through the window and determine they are Healers and not a danger to us.
I nod and smile at Chris, who opens the door after they knock. The older man says, “I’m Andrew Stuart and this is Robert Yates. Clara asked us to come.”
The two Healers enter the room and assess the situation. Andrew explains the complications that will arise if the police are involved. Andrew tells us that our only safe option is for he and Robert to discreetly move the bodies into the van so they can be transported to a secure location where final arrangements can be made.
As difficult as all this feels, we’re all in agreement.
Andrew and Robert carry the two Runners in a way that makes them look like they are alive, but unable to walk, and place them in the back of the van. If any motel guest happens to catch the activity in the parking lot, they won’t suspect anything out of the ordinary.
The Healers come back into our room and talk with us before leaving. I sit on the bed, excluding myself from the conversation. They ask the others what happened and check them over for traces of poison, including everyone from Chris’s room. I’m relieved, knowing Jonas will finally get the care he needs for his raging cancer. However, they look him over and move on to the next Runner. I jump up off the bed and approach the one named Andrew. Chris eyes me from across the room and tells me with his mind to stop.
“Excuse me sir, may I speak with you a moment?” I say to Andrew.
“Certainly.”
We step outside and, before the door closes, I catch Chris’s stormy expression.
“The last boy you checked snores all night long. Is something blocking his airway?” I try to sound innocent.
“I didn’t pick up on anything.”
“He holds his head a lot as if he’s in pain,” I lie.
“Does he complain about discomfort?”
“No.”
“There’s probably nothing to worry about.”
I nod, realizing this Healer most likely doesn’t possess exceptional healing skills. I will search out a better one when the clans converge in the clearing.