Page 21 of Arresting the Warlord

The General snorted.

Poof! One second we were in the conference room, the next we were in sick bay. “Whoa! Can you give me a little warning next time?”

“Never argue with or contradict the Overlord,” Jake countered.

“But…”

“He knows everything,” Jake stated emphatically.

“Seriously?”

“He knows your birth father is Aldo Dragos and all about your unique talents.”

“But he’s never met me,” I protested, then it hit me. “He was either in my father’s head or you snitched on me.”

“Both. Navajo shamans fascinate Zarek.”

“So, he took a peek?”

Jake shrugged. “I would have.”

If Jake wasn’t so tall, I’d punch him in the face. I looked around the spotless room. Six top-of-the-line regen tubes lined the back wall. There were four examining tables with all sorts of gadgets to ensure a sterile operating field and enhanced diagnostics. I could sense my father’s essence in the first tube, but all I could see was a thick white fog. “Do you know how’s he doing?”

“Elder Tsosie will make a complete recovery,” a gentle voice said.

My shoulders sagged in relief.

“I told you Shrek’s the best medic in the galaxy.”

“You did.” I turned and my jaw dropped. Shrek had green skin, tubular ears and exotic features.

Shrek smiled. “I know. I look like the ogre in that vid.”

“That you do.”

“I sent you CeeCee’s scans,” Jake said.

Shrek checked his scanner. “A badly bruised sternum, a concussion and a cut on her forehead. How much of your blood did your mate drink?”

“I’mnothis mate. I’m his partner,” I growled.

Shrek turned a surprised gaze on Jake.

“CeeCee’s my partner. We’re investigating a series of murders,” Jake stated.

“I see.” The medic scanned me. “Your injuries are completely healed.”

“Good. When will I be able to talk with my father?”

“In eight hours,” Shrek replied.

“That long?” To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I really needed my father’s advice.

“I placed a change of clothing for yourpartnernext to the decontamination shower,” Shrek added.

“Decontamination shower? Do I have alien cooties?”

“No, it’s just convenient.” Jake urged me toward the door. “It’s just down the hallway. You’ll feel better once you get a shower, clean clothes and food.”

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