Page 8 of Lucie
At the mention of theMutahshoemaker’s name, a shudder went through him.The man had been among the first who, less than a week after recovering from the virus, suddenly turned on several of his patrons and began stabbing them with an awl. One man died and two others were severely wounded before the battle lord’s guards managed to subdue him. It was because of all the testing Fergus and LiamMaGrathdid on the man that everyone learned about the cause and origin ofthe Damaged.
“Dad had no idea how close he’d come to dying from the virus when he and Mother were up inCoradoat Rocky Gorge.”
“They didn’t know at the time that that was how the virus started,”Mistellenoted. “When those infected people took it to the otherMutahcompounds, they had no idea how devastating it would become.”
“Dad’s blood helped to saveso many people.”
“Yep.” She gave a nod. “That’s why Fergus and Liam were able to make a serum to help cure anyone who came in contact with the virus.” She grimaced. “Too bad it doesn’t work if the people have already gotten over the virus, like that family. If they’d been truthful and told us that theyhadcontracted the disease, what that mother did when she turned may have beenavoided.”
She groaned loudly, stretching her arms above her head. Her golden-red hair, so much the same color as their father’s, glinted in the lantern light. “I’m tired. Bet you are, too.” She gave him a side-eye. “I hear Matt really did a number on you out on the practice field.”
“When doesn’t he?” Getting to his feet, Lucien reached for the door latch. “I think I’llgo pack. See you later at dinner, okay?”
“Sure! Any idea what we’re having?”
He paused. “It smelled like armadillo.”
“I love armadillo, especially when it’s roasted in the shell. I hope Berta includes some of those roasted pecans with it.”
Lucien smiled. “Me, too. Later, sis.”
She waggled her fingers at him in goodbye as heclosed the door behind him.
