Blurbs

Can't Let You Be - Phoenix Nest Blurb

The air almost felt like it was swirling.

A light breeze rolling out of the air conditioner off to the left side firmly fastened under the window, blowing cool air against the dark curtains and spilling out across the floor. Passing over the carpet to the wall opposite a bed the gusts drifted across Cell's legs. The bite of the cold caused her to blink, leaning her head off the wall to glance down as she felt a light ruffle of her shorts. She breathed out a sigh, running her hands over her bare arms.

What time was it?

She briefly glanced around, able to parse a general idea glancing over to the light tinge of orange reflecting through the curtains. Still evening.

She'd just arrived back from an escort to a local medical supply depot run within another camp. Albeit a worthwhile trip to replenish their dwindling supply of painkillers, she'd managed to swipe a couple ounces of cannabis. Reminded of it by the skunky odor she glanced down to find the rolled paper still smoldering on a small plate at her side.

Good, couldn't have dozed off for more than fifteen minutes. Leaning her head back, she breathed a disdained sigh and closed her eyes again.

"Always forget I don't like this stuff." She grumbled to herself, squeezing her eyes shut as the grogginess subsided.

Her head slightly turned reflexively at what she thought may be a sound but remained leaned back, her brow furrowing as her uncertainty was answered with a few light taps against the door.

"Come back with a warrant," She replied with words casual enough not to express hostility, but a firm enough tone to inform her visitor it was not a welcome to come in without identifying themselves.

"Left some evidence on the counter, ma'am. Gonna need you to open up," The voice of Dingo replied, his tone steeped in a mock southern accent, "Look like someone mulled on the good cutting board."

"Ugh," Cell's brow knit tighter, leaning forward as she rubbed her hands over her face, "Fine, go ahead."

The handle to her door twisted, swinging outward just enough for the marksman to lean in the door. He glanced around a moment before his nose wrinkled, pushing the door fully open with his other hand holding onto the strap of his bag still hung over his shoulder. He blinked a couple times before his eyes landed on Cell, taking stock of her condition before they floated down to the plate then darted back up to her, "That the best spot for an 'ashtray'?"

"I only sat down for a minute," Cell replied as she leaned her head back against the wall, half hooded eyes meeting his before squinting against the hallway light.

"Reeks like it was longer than a minute," He chuckled, leaning backwards to thump his bag down in the hallway, "Made its way all the way to the hallway outside the door, must be some Grade A stuff."

"Maybe too much, I'm already over it," Cell waved a hand dismissively, tucking her legs against her chest as she ran her hands over her shins.

"Aheh, sorry. Turned the air on," He apologized with a jab of his thumb over his shoulder, pushing the door shut behind him, "Stuff made it all the way to the front door."

"Just give me a minute and I'll be out," Cell assured defensively as he eased down to a sit against the wall at her side with a relaxed sigh, running his hands over his vest before resting them in his lap.

"You know I can't just let you be," Dingo replied with a friendly teasing tone as he looked to her, raising his brows to her, "Stuck in your head ain't a good place to be after too strong of a hit."