Cloud Invasion: R-D 2 (R-D #2)(7)
I didn't want any of that, and didn't intend to take anything he prescribed. No, I wouldn't recommend going against doctor's orders for anyone else. Things were different for me, now, and I had personal checks and balances to ensure that all those internal things were managed without the use of medication-for the most part. In fact, I was doing exactly that while talking with Leo.
I recalled vividly the pain in my chest and the last rush of fear as I fell when Hal Prentice's clone shot me. I knew I'd die. Leo had an injection of the drug ready. He and Auggie had made plans for such an emergency, and had needles ready for Rafe and me.
Rafe hadn't needed another injection; his shields held and Hal Prentice's clone never had a chance when Rafe broke his neck, in addition to breaking the device that kept him from dying when I'd attempted to kill him.
"I think those devices are really expensive," I blurted, startling Leo.
"What devices?"
"The kind Hal Prentice's clone had attached to his neck. That's why none of the others had one that day. The enemy placed that one where it would do the most good."
"What brought that up? Just curious-I'm very interested in what you have to say about that-Colonel Hunter will be as well."
"I was just thinking about that day, what happened, what I saw in Hal's clone, why he didn't die-what it felt like to almost die a second time."
"Corinne, it was barely two seconds after you said that wasn't a light burden. You shifted gears really fast."
"Sorry-I know it's confusing," I said. "But all of it raced through my mind that fast."
"Is this another change?" he asked.
"Maybe, although things always tend to run through my mind-it's part of being a writer."
"Then let's talk about Sarah Fox and Carol Dane," he said. "Do you feel like three people?"
"No. The other two are fa?ades. Just names I use to keep from losing all my work and income, in case I have to change identities again."
"That's important to you?"
"Very important to me," I nodded.
"Are you willing to tell me who you were before?"
I knew he wanted to know before, and hinted at it several times, but this time, he'd come right out and asked. "That's a complicated story," I sighed. "And one I'd prefer to only tell once. Can we wait until Rafe and Auggie are here and I'm in a better place emotionally? That way you can all hear it at the same time and ask all your questions during the session."
"I'll arrange it whenever you're ready," Leo nodded. "How do you feel, now? Shaky? Have bouts of depression or anxiety?"
"In some ways, yes, but I think I'm better equipped to handle those things this time."
"Are you sure?"
"I think so."
"I'll let you go for two weeks with no medication, but at the first sign of those symptoms returning, we'll consider prescribing something."
"That sounds fine. I hope you won't have to make the effort."
"While it would please me greatly to know you don't need it, I have reservations," he said.
"I know you do," I agreed. "I hope they prove to be unfounded."
"Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"
"Marcus," I said.
"What's wrong with him?"
"He's an ambitious overachiever," I said. "While most people would see that as a strength, it sort of sours when he's trying to please Auggie by pushing me into the ground. His priority, as I see it, should be his patient and not necessarily his boss or his desire for an important promotion."
"I'll have a word with Colonel Hunter. Perhaps he should tell Marcus exactly what he needs to do where you're concerned, instead of having thoughts of pushing you too hard in order to complete his assignment early and move up."
"Thank you. I just want his focus to be on the right things, for the right reasons," I said.
"As do I, but if it's August he wants to please, instead of me, then the word needs to come from Colonel Hunter."
"Tell Auggie I'll take the blame for this, as long as Marcus doesn't try to take it out on me afterward."
"I imagine that Rafe may have something to say about it, if that happens."
"Just tell Marcus that it's for his own good, and I can fight my own battles, thank you."
"I see," Leo focused his gaze on me. "You're not threatening him, are you?"
"I sure hope not," I said. "But he either needs to get his priorities straight, or he needs to find another way to kiss Auggie's ass."
"I'll give that some thought before going to Colonel Hunter," Leo said.
"Thank you."
*
"I hear you don't like Marcus," Auggie stormed into the suite while Rafe and I were having dinner later.
"I like Marcus fine. He just has no sense of humor and he wants your job," I pointed out as tactfully as I could. "Want dinner?"
"What?" Auggie stopped in mid-stride. That was a shame; he had a really good walking snit going when he burst into our kitchen.
"You can see it, can't you?" Auggie took a seat at the kitchen island, where we'd sat down to eat. Rafe didn't say a word, but I could tell he was somewhat amused.