Heartbeat

Chapter 18- Clem Cont'd

Clem sat next to Granny, who was in her bed, unconscious. The medik had just left, declaring he didn't know what else to do for her but to make her comfortable. Clem had never been able to learn how to heal well. She especially struggled with any internal issues. Every Grisha hired to train her was so afraid of Granny that they never pushed Clem in areas where she wasn't comfortable. Clem always wanted to focus on compelling, a place she naturally excelled. Clem tried to feel where the poison was in Granny's body but thought that she would come up against a wall that she couldn't push through. She couldn't face the failure.

After an hour, Sol arrived at the house. The door was left unlocked; Clem wasn't concerned with someone coming in and attacking; she wanted no delay in someone being able to get in and help. Sol entered the room and stood behind Clem.

"Zelda has announced that she is taking over," Sol stated. Clem didn't turn to look at her and kept her eyes focused on Granny.

"Did she say anything about me?" Clem asked, her voice sounding hoarser than she expected.

"She held a moment of silence for your stress at this time. She revealed to everyone that Granny is your actual grandmother. She spoke about the unfair expectations Granny put on you, how you need this burden lifted, and that she is willing to help by taking charge."

Clem snorted; it was an intelligent move—Shrewder than Clem expected from Zelda.

"Fine, I'm sure she will do well." Clem heard Sol take a few steps closer to her.

"So you will let her take charge?"

"I don't care. She wants the power of taking charge; she can have it. I need to focus on Granny." Clem could feel Sol hold back.

"So, the antidote that Meg and I concocted was unsuccessful?"

Clem turned in her chair, raising an eyebrow at Sol.

"What antidote?"

"Meg is a fabrikator; she and I created an antidote for the scarlet poison that I assume Granny drank. She left an hour ago to bring it here."

Clem stood up from her chair and left the room, going down the stairs to the front of the house. Sol followed her.

Clem looked out the front window, the streets were busy, but there was no Meg in sight.

"Sol, Meg hasn't been here. You're sure she left to come here?"

Clem turned from the window and looked back at Sol, who nodded.

"I am certain she left with Sal behind her. We all left at the same time."

Clem felt nervous. She looked out the window again; no Meg or Sal was in sight. Clem's thoughts raced. Did Meg run? Would she take her chance and go? Sal wouldn't leave with her, not without Dal. Clem realized she hadn't seen Dal all day either. She wiped her sweaty hands on her trousers at her side, heart racing. She checked the window thrice, hoping Meg and Sal would appear in the street.

"What do you want to do?" Sol asked. Clem turned to her. She wondered if she was considering leaving too. Clem had to focus. Meg had an antidote for Granny, and so Meg had to be found.

"Gather all the Mice, do a search. Sol, I want you to ask around at the docks specifically. Meg always sticks near the water when she walks the city. I'll stay here and wait. Send Dal to come here so they can run messages if I need them, keep one of the other Mice, and maybe Kai can stay around the Warehouse and keep an eye out. Understood?"

Sol nodded; she was about to turn but hesitated.

"Meg told Win and me to appear loyal to Zelda. Win is there now, taking her orders. Do you agree with that?"