The Mesmerized

“Are you sure it’s safe? He’s right next to that thing.” Arthur fidgeted from foot to foot, reminding Minji of a child who was afraid of getting in trouble.

“If they try anything, I’ll shoot her.”

Arthur nervously ran his hands over Alec’s body, checking the exterior pockets of his jacket, then his jeans. Minji was relieved when he didn’t notice the inside pocket of the jacket where Alec had tucked the small tablet.

“Check the diaper bag, too, Arthur.”

Arthur swiftly obeyed, casting anxious looks in the direction of the mesmerized. When he finished, he plucked a water bottle from the bag. “Nothing, Lenny.”

“Well, that makes things a little more complicated, but we’ll figure it out.”

“I’m going with you,” Alec declared.

“No, you’re not. We’re taking the little girl and Mindy with—”

“Minji.”

“Minji with us. You’ve already proven you’re colluding with the enemy, Alec.”

“Just what do you think we’re trying to do?” Alec demanded. “We’re trying to close the door and stop all of this.”

“And kill the entity?” the deputy queried.

Shaking his head, Alec said, “No. We weren’t. We figured out a way to get it home.”

“I told you! They’re on its side!” Arthur’s shrill voice filled the night.

The mesmerized bristled.

“Arthur, I suggest you keep silent. You’re stirring them up,” Deputy Hatcher ordered.

“We don’t need to hurt it,” Minji persisted. “We can send it home.”

“How?”

“Open the door and let it leave our world,” Alec answered, and for the first time, it sounded like he was passionate about this choice.

“And what if more come through? Look at what just one has done?” Deputy Hatcher shook his head adamantly. “Enough of this. No more talking. We have a job to do. Hand over the cards, Markham. Give them to Minji.”

Grudgingly, Alec reached into his jacket to pull out the cards. His eyes meeting Minji’s, she could almost hear the wheels in his head turning as he contemplated his options. For a second, she feared he’d pull his own weapon. Instead, he handed her the two cards, keeping the tablet and remaining card out of sight.

“I’ll take care of this,” Deputy Hatcher said in a gruff voice. “Since you seem incapable of doing your duty.”

Alec glowered at him intensely.

Putting more pressure on her arm, the man directed Minji toward the waiting SUV. “Move along.”

Minji stumbled, but caught her balance. She glanced toward Ava. The little girl was following. It broke Minji’s heart to see that Ava’s hands were trembling.

“Give those to Arthur,” Deputy Hatcher directed when they arrived at the SUV.

With a sarcastic smile, Minji extended her hand. “Don’t lose them, idiot.”

With a frown, Arthur took the cards. “You’re a traitor.”

“You’re still an idiot.”

To her surprise, Deputy Hatcher handed her the keys. “You’re driving. Just aim the SUV right down the center of that pathway. This road leads straight to the facility.”