At the same time, the little nightly voices continued to speak to Rahne. I asked Sasifraz for an explanation. “Sasifraz, what is it with these four kids?”
“I told you and your friend I couldn’t protect you if I stopped doing my job.”
“But, who are they?”
“The children I killed—quieted so they would never speak. They are another part of The Mark. Now, you’ve opened the door. It’s not my fault. You wanted me to change my job. Consider it changed. They’re not my problem. You’re on your own.”
There wasn’t much for me to say to that. He’d changed his job. How was I to know he was holding closed a door to so much more than I knew?
(The Mark. That cracks me up. WHAT DO YOU MEAN? The “Mark.” Get it. Part of an elaborate con. A CON? Yeah, a con set up by someone really wicked. WELL, THAT HELPS ME FEEL BETTER. I do my part.)
* * * * * * *
I called Rahne on a Friday two weeks after the first episode of my right leg not working. It had resolved but I woke up again with my right leg not supporting me. “Rahne, I can’t walk on my right leg. I need help. My knee won’t hold me up.”
Rahne came and took me to Group Health again. I was x-rayed and examined. “We don’t know why this is happening. You’ll have to see your regular doctor again.”
“What do I do in the meantime?” I lamented.
“We’ll give you a pair of crutches.” So, I graduated from cane to crutches.
* * * * * * *
Life with Rahne was the bright spot in my life. I felt as if I’d fallen in a hole of pure love. Rahne’s touch was powerful and romantic. Things with Adrian had quieted down to a dull roar. She was with Leslie two nights and then with Rahne and I for two nights. Not the best for a two year old. But, the best I could arrange with Leslie.