Page 26 of The Dire Reaction

When Angela arrives an hour later, she’s a whirlwind of intimidating presence. I think it’s her wild blond hair with the shock of white at the temple. Becky cowers to the side, acting fearful as Angela assesses Alexander.

“Well, that’s fucked,” Angela says, her brown eyes scowling down at Alexander’s exposed midriff.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard her swear, but it doesn’t surprise me. His new appearance IS fucked.

“I’m going to call his doctor, and have him transferred to the hospital to get checked. This isn’t normal. Did you notice he has some deformities in his hands also?” She directs the comments to Becky, but inspects his hands while she talks. The fingers have curled, and his hair has darkened and thickened on his arms, too.

I hadn’t noticed either. Too distracted looking at his new doggie dick. Geez, what is wrong with me? I feel bad for the guy, once a respected judge, and now he will be poked and prodded like a science experiment.

Angela pulls the blanket all the way off of him, exposing his feet.

They’ve changed too. His feet are longer, the toes larger and wider spaced. The dark hair of his legs have grown down over the arches of his feet. He used to be all gray haired, but now I notice even his head has darkened. He even looks noticeably younger.

“His hair is darker? How?” I ask, pointing at his head.

Angela shakes her head. “I have no idea what is going on. I hope the doctor can offer some insight.”

She pulls the blanket back up to his chest. A flash of disgust appears on her face which she quickly hides.

Not that I blame her. He’s pretty disturbing right now.

It doesn’t take long before a transport team arrives, and my house is filled with medical personnel and a gurney. They transfer him to the stretcher amidst exchanged looks of disbelief at his features.

Before long, it’s just Angela and me left in my kitchen.

“Thank you for coordinating that so quickly.” It’s nice that I really don’t have to do much regarding his care. The trust takes care of paying her, and she’s always good about keeping everything on task.

“Of course. It’s my job. And I knew Alexander, before. So, I like to always be apprised of his situation.” She gathers her coat and puts it on before picking up her purse.

That’s the first I’ve heard that she knew him. And I’ve been working with Angela for six years now.

“I never knew that you knew him before?” From what I’ve heard, he’s been like this for ten years or so.

She rubs her temple with a pained look. “Yes, Alexander and I go way back. It’s why I make sure I remain his case manager.” She gives me a weak smile. “Thank you again, Sam. I’ll let you know when he’s ready to return.”

“Let me know what they figure out. I’d like to know if it’s contagious.” The thought of a dog dick. Fuck.

“I get that. I’ll be sure to let you know what they find out.” She leaves like she arrived, in a whirl of her long coat and her arm waving behind her.

Chapter fifteen

DANI

Sam:Steaksonthegrill tonight. Boy, have I had a strange day.

Me: Me, too. Steaks sound amazing!

The cease and desist order came by certified mail. I can’t believe they wouldn’t call. But, I guess that’s the government for you.

“Please refrain from initiating any more of the experimental protocols due to unforeseen side effects. Dispose of all remaining samples via incineration.”

What the heck does that mean?

The number on the bottom of the page disconnects me twice before I sit on hold for forty minutes listening to awful elevator music.

There’s no doubt I look grossly unprofessional going in and out of patient rooms with my phone in the pocket of my scrubs playing hold music. But, I need to know why I have to cancel Thor’s treatments, and what the side effects are.

I wonder if it’s what caused Sam and me to get sick? It did happen the night after one of his treatments. But, I didn’t get sick last night, even though Thor got another dose.

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