The Yellow Sign by James Hodge

Author:James Hodge [Hodge, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-03-16T20:00:00+00:00

7

After a gigantic dinner, Blaine went in search of Room 312. Alone, thankfully. Amber was busy with another class, which gave her a chance to meet up ‘Doctor Daniel’ on her own terms.

What Alice had said was true. This part of the school was completely empty. Blaine scouted out the area about thirty minutes before she was supposed to meet the doctor. Every room in this hallway was deserted. Some lights clearly needed maintenance, as they’d been allowed to flicker and die.

The dust buildup is certainly encouraging.

Blaine waited inside Room 312. The lights in every other classroom were still on, so she didn’t try to hide in the dark. Feinstein would’ve understood, but if this was a different man, she’d have no way to explain her caution.

Or it would just make her seem crazier.

She’d stopped by her locker and grabbed her purse, just in case. Having her pistol nearby was a sure way to help her relax. Especially when meeting a possible stranger.

It didn’t help that much.

The classroom door opened right at 19:00. Punctual. A man stepped through, dressed in a yellow robe. He turned to her, and her heart leapt.

Feinstein.

He’d shaved his head, and that beard was much longer than she remembered, but it was unmistakably him. She’d recognize that face anywhere, with those bright eyes and grim expression. Some things never change. But where was his hat? Feinstein went nowhere with his head uncovered. Odd.

Those robes were not an encouraging sign, either.

They look pretty stylish to me.

Feinstein’s face lit up when he saw her. “Hyde. It’s good to see you. I wasn’t expecting you to be my ‘homeless veteran’ consultation today.”

Hyde. No one else on this campus would have known her military nickname.

“Long story, Jekyll,” Blaine said. “Doctor Xanthe seems to have a very low opinion of me. She made a couple assumptions when we met, and now, well…”

“I wouldn’t say she has a low opinion about you. She had a lot to say, in fact. Much of it positive. She didn’t need to say much to convince me to take this consultation, but she was ready to go to bat for you.”

“That’s encouraging.”

“She’s a kind woman. I wasn’t sure about her at first, but I’ve come around. Now, what’s this about? Why did you ask for a doctor? Alice mentioned your hands, but not in great detail.” He looked at her gloves. Right. They hadn’t spoken since before Oxbow.

“They’re not important, Jekyll. I only asked her to get us together because I needed to find you. What’s going on? Your wife’s worried sick and I’ve spent the last two days thinking you might be six feet under in the woods out by the farm.”

“I spoke to Inbar last night, Hyde. She’s far from worried. I’ve explained everything to her. There’s nothing for either of you to be anxious about. I’ve gone on religious retreats before.”

“Is that what this is? A religious retreat?”

“Why, does it look like something else to you, Hyde?” One of his eyebrows rose. “Are you here in an official capacity?” Shit and damn.

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