Toys

Chapter 19

In my first blurred instants of consciousness, before I could even open my eyes, I was somewhat aware of movement-and also that I was floating along flat on my back.

Next came a sharp, clean smell. Antiseptic.

I was in a hospital!

The murmur of voices chattering all around me began to come clear.

One was a woman’s, soft, concerned, and very familiar-Lizbeth.

Another-a man’s, deep voiced and commanding. That would be Jax Moore, the Agency chief, my boss. Lizbeth’s boss as well.

There were others, but I didn’t recognize any of them at this point.

I realized I must be in New Lake City Hospital, the finest Elite medical facility in the world. I opened my eyes and saw that the other voices belonged to the personnel who were hurrying me on a gurney down a shockingly bright hallway. And to several other people accompanying us-all high-level Elites-some of whom I’d seen earlier at the president’s inauguration party.

It appeared that I was enjoying a taste of fame and celebrity. Lucky thing I was still wearing my tux-or, at least, what was left of it.

“Hays,” Lizbeth gasped as my eyes fluttered, her lovely face leaning close. “How do you feel, my darling?”

“Never better,” I mumbled.

The truth was, I hurt horribly all over, and the constant, astounding pain was getting worse fast. I’d been badly injured before, a number of times, but never in a way I couldn’t handle-nothing like this present, unbearable agony.

Of course, I’d never fallen ten stories before. Two or three, sure. Even four once… but ten was clearly more than the doctor, or doctors, ordered.

“What happened to the motorcycle rider?” I said through clenched teeth. “That killer scum? The skunk?”

“They’re scooping him up with shovels,” Moore growled at my side.

“Damn! I was trying to keep him alive.”

“We know-you gave it a hell of a shot. Now shut up and take it easy, we’re almost at the OR. You need some parts replaced, buddy.”