Page 25 of Dark Flame

As promised, the team of Russian contractors completed three cabins by month’s end, and three more slated to be completed within the week. No one wanted to ask how they achieved it all without contract approvals or inspections, but they all agreed the work appeared to be up to code and beautifully done.

The cabin designated as a medical facility became the first totally completed. With the help of Uri and Tom Cullen, Adam was able to create a state-of-the-art medical facility with x-ray equipment, a CT scanner, lab analysis, and much more. They wouldn’t advertise for patients, but they wouldn’t turn away any wayward travelers who needed assistance.

“I can’t believe we were able to complete this so quickly,” said Adam, looking around the small waiting area. “It should have taken months to get all this done.”

“The men need the money we’re paying them. They desperately want their citizenship, and we can help provide that with the right funds,” said Uri.

“Well, I’m all for living the American dream, but are their intentions good, Uri? I mean, I worry about why they’re so desperate to be here.” Adam eyed the other man and looked out the window at the hundred or so Russian workers scrambling about.

“They are my friends, I assure you,” said Uri. “Most of these men came from work camps in the worst parts of the Soviet. They only want to make enough money to buy their papers and then get real jobs.”

Adam nodded, marveling once more at the amazing medical clinic that he could now call his own. Ivy walked into the clinic and smiled at Adam. Regan followed close behind, as always.

“Good morning, Doc,” she said, smiling up at the big man. “Good morning, Fiona, Mr. Uri.”

“Good morning, Ivy. Good morning, Regan. Are you here to see Adam?” smiled Fiona.

“I am. The rash is still on my back and hurting more and more lately. I’m having trouble sleeping at night,” she said, squirming a bit, wiggling her back around against her shirt as she spoke.

“Come on back to one of the treatment rooms, Ivy,” he said, waving a big arm down the hall. “We’ll be right out, Regan.”

Ivy entered the room and removed her top, placing a sheet around her torso. Outside the room, Adam and Fiona whispered in the hall.

“You’re worried about her. Why? Isn’t it just a rash?” asked Fiona.

“I don’t know. Rashes don’t last for weeks on end. I’m concerned it might be something else.” Fiona looked at him with questioning eyes, tilting her head to the side in a quizzical manner. “Listen, we have no idea what was in that pink dust, and I have no way of knowing how each person’s body might react to it at certain ages. I know what my body did, but that’s all.”

“You think this might be something related to the pink dust?” she asked.

“I have no clue, but I’m hoping to find out.” Adam opened the door to the exam room and stepped inside, Fiona at his side.

“Let’s take a look at this,” he said calmly.

“It really burns, Doc. Sometimes, it bleeds too.” She was calm, but the concern in her voice echoed in the room. “I also feel really tired lately. I can’t figure out what it is.”

Adam lifted the sheet and examined her back once more. The raw marks were more prominent, open wounds definitely showed signs of bleeding.

“Any fever, Ivy?” he asked, feeling her forehead.

“No, not that I’m aware of. I just don’t feel like me. You know what I mean?”

“I know what you mean,” he said, smiling at the young woman. “Sit up for me. I want to do some blood work and take a small biopsy of the area so I can look at the skin under a microscope.”

“Yeah, that’s what they did last time,” she said casually.

“Last time? Ivy, you didn’t tell me this happened before,” he said in a stern tone.

“Oh, I-I guess I forgot to say that. It happened when I was younger, maybe thirteen or fourteen. I was with a foster family, and the doctor took a biopsy. He said he couldn’t see a reason for the rash and that it would go away in time. I suffered with it for almost a year. It did subside, but I have to tell you, it was a miserable year for me.”

“Okay, okay, next time, just let me know if this is a reoccurrence, okay?” She nodded apologetically.

“Fiona and I will get the sample kit ready, and then you’ll be good to go. I’m going to give you something that should ease the discomfort and, hopefully, the itching. Has Regan experienced any symptoms? Any signs of a rash?” Ivy shook her head, but Adam thought he should ask Regan directly.

“Regan,” he called toward the waiting room. Regan pounced out of his seat and half-jogged toward Adam’s voice.

“Is everything okay?” he said breathlessly.

“Yes,” smiled Adam, “I was just wondering if you were experiencing any similar symptoms? Do you have any rashes? Bleeding? Discomfort?”

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