The Mesmerized

“Same here,” Alec said with a nod.

“But then in the most recent attacks, I didn’t feel the effects other than the cold and that strange sensation like silk thread brushing over me.”

“Like a spider web.” Alec slightly shivered.

“Exactly.”

Jesse finished with Alec’s head injuries, then focused on some small gashes on his shoulder. Minji observed what appeared to be a military tattoo on Alec’s upper arm.

“So, if you’re truly immune, I wonder what that means?” Alec mused.

“It means we are lucky she’s around to make sure we don’t crash cars into poles,” Jesse answered. “We’re hoping to leave in the morning and it’s looking like she’s our driver.”

“Where are you going to go?” Alec slightly winced as Jesse started stitching him up again.

“East Texas,” Minji answered. “Near the lakes.”

“That’s a long drive,” Alec said. He wasn’t looking directly at Minji, but she had the impression he was watching her.

“I can handle it.”

“Though I might ask for a detour to check on my folks,” Jesse said somberly.

“Simone and Arthur will probably want the same.” Minji sighed, feeling beleaguered all at once. It was intimidating how so much responsibility was shifting onto her because of her immunity. How could she take care of everyone?

“Don’t think about it right now,” Alec suggested, clearly reading her expression. It was a little unnerving. Usually only Jake could read her that well. “It’s the middle of the night. Everyone should get rested before major decisions are made.”

Jesse made brief eye contact with Minji indicating he had also heard the authoritative tone lacing the comment.

“Why’d you come here?” Minji demanded.

“To not be alone,” Alec replied simply while watching Jesse tend to the ragged tear on his shoulder. “And for medical assistance.”

Something about his manner made Minji wonder if his answer was the full truth. Then something occurred to her. “You haven’t asked about Arthur.”

Alec directed his keen blue eyes at her briefly before resuming his observation of Jesse’s handiwork. “What about him?”

“You came here because of his phone call, but you haven’t asked about him.”

Alec bestowed her with a crooked smile. “No, I didn’t. I figured he was asleep along with the other woman you mentioned. Simone? Besides, I needed some serious stitching up, so I’m a little distracted.”

“He did take a hard blow to the head,” Jesse commented.

“What branch of the service were you in?” Minji pointed to his arm.

“Army.” Alec turned his full attention on her. “Retired.”

“And you didn’t talk to anyone in the Army about what’s happening?”

“They’re all mesmerized now.”

“But before they were mesmerized?”

Alec’s face became expressionless.

Jesse gave Minji a quizzical look. “He said retired.”

“I was just wondering if he knew something. That’s all.” Minji shrugged, but she noted Alec had avoided answering her question.