Countdown to Clan and Conviction - 4 Days

             

            A physician stepped out of Hurs’ room, interrupting Gelan’s train of thought.  Gelan knew the doctor on sight, the ever-efficient Imdiko Nameq.  He straightened and called out to interrupt the man, who was busy tapping on his handheld.

            “Doctor?”

            Nameq glanced up at Gelan in quick acknowledgment before going back to inputting information.  Gelan waited patiently for him to finish his notes.  Nameq was older and already clanned.  Too bad, Gelan had thought more than once.  Every time he saw that sleek-featured doctor, he got deliciously evil thoughts in his head.  Like how the much slighter Imdiko would be easy to dominate, unlike a Nobek.  That thought had Gelan peeking at Wynhod from the corner of his eye.  Of course, fighting for superior position wasn’t all bad either.  Sometimes even losing could be fun, especially to a man like his former lover.

            Finally Nameq switched off his portable computer and gave Gelan his full attention.  As always, he was the epitome of  polite competence, getting to the point without being prodded.  “Hello, Investigator.  Your friend Hurs is quite addicted, to the point that the withdrawal is trying to kill him.  It’s going to take some time to flush the Delir completely out of his system.”

            Gelan hid his impatience at the news.  He had expected as much.  “How long until I can question him?”

            Nameq shook his head.  “Not before tomorrow, I’m afraid.  Nobek Hurs is not even remotely a part of our world right now.  Call me in twelve hours and we’ll see if he’s coherent.”

            Twelve hours.  Gelan allowed a sigh to escape before finding graciousness.  “Thank you.”

            The doctor’s gaze flicked to Wynhod, who stood at Gelan’s shoulder.  “Your men will be ready this time, I hope?”  Nameq’s tone held a slight edge.

            Gelan assured him, “Without question.”

            “Good.  I’ve already had to sedate Hurs’ mother.  Any bigger shocks to her emotions, and she’ll be going to need in-house care.”

            “Understood.”  Gelan didn’t pretend the grimness he felt.

            Nameq walked away.  Gelan turned to Wynhod, whose expression was curious.  Well, the Dramok could satisfy that curiosity and impress on his partner the need for the highest level of security at the same time.

            Gelan said, “The last time we brought a live one in suffering from Delir withdrawal, we had actual hope he’d become lucid enough to interview.  It looked good.  Dr. Nameq thought the addict wouldn’t be forced to live his life out in psychiatric care.  However, someone from the gang slipped in.  He killed the poor bastard before we could question him.”

            Wynhod’s eyes widened.  “Was he guarded?”

            “The investigator in charge at the time didn’t think there was a need.  The junkie had been placed in stasis for the drug flush.  He wasn’t going anywhere on his own until the withdrawal was over, at which time he’d be taken to headquarters for processing.  Everyone felt confident enough to leave him.”

            “No one thought anyone would care about a druggie, I take it.”

            “That was the idea.  That’s why I ended up heading the case from that point on.” 

            The two men said simultaneously, “No mistakes this time.”

            A grin took hold of Gelan’s face, echoed by Wynhod’s laugh.  Just like the old days, they were on exactly the same page.  It was like the last seven years had never separated them.