A Great Leap (First Draft) - Outer Realms Book 1

Chapter 22

"So..." Joel asked as Mikayla drove and Dominic rested his head head on the window in the back, "Cameron is... part of your furry family?"

"Friend of the family," Dominic replied, staring at the window, "He's human."

"Like our victims then."

"More like Nick. Not Rhys. He didn't know. Nick didn't know everything though. Few people do."

"So you don't go around killing and howling at the moon but I'm still surprised more people don't know about you."

"Secrets always get out. This isn't a secret. It's something we don't talk about. Keep to ourselves. Like a hobby or family tradition or a fetish. We're a bit odd but not that different. Most humans don't really care. Too busy with their own lives to ask. Wake me up when we arrive."

As far as Mikayla could tell as she drove, Dominic closed his eyes and fell asleep. His eyes opened and he straightened up in his seat as soon as the car pulled into the hospital drive way. Mikayla parked in the only available space left in a carpark full of police and their vehicles. The officers were all visibly armed and wearing body armour. Order were barked and all attention was aimed at the hospital. Mikayla asked the nearest officer to point her to person in charge.

She was directed to a short man with short blonde curls and matching beard. He was a broad man under his bulky clothing and armour. He wore glasses and scratched at his beard as he spoke into a radio.

"You three are the ones looking for his guy?" the man asked as Mikaya Joel and Dominic joined him by one of the cars. Mikayla and Joel introduced themselves but Dominic remained silent, studying the hospital intently. "Sergeant Byron Gannon," the made said, "Got orders not to engage until you got here but we've been working on getting people out and tracking his movements through the building."

"How many are out?" Mikayla asked.

"About half," Sergeant Gannon answered, "We got a headcount for the patients and staff, and a good guess at how many visitors. We've cleared reception, the dining room and a few of the front offices and the bedrooms in the south west corner. We've got a thermal cameras flanking the building trying to get a better look inside. I know he's suspected in two murders and held a family hostage yesterday so it seemed prudent to get on top of things here as quickly as possible."

"You're not wrong," Mikayla said, "Better play this safe though. This guy's more dangerous when confronted. We learned that the hard way."

"Three dead?" Dominic asked, not looking away from the hospital.

"Yeah," Sergeant Gannon answered, blinking at Dominic in surprise, "A receptionist and security guard that tried to stop your Mr Worth and a patient that we're guessing just got in the way. We don't know what he's after in there and he's ignored our attempts to contact him."

"We should get in there," Dominic said.

"You have a plan?" Joel asked, "We didn't do too well yesterday."

"You've got more support today," Gannon said, "We were just waiting on you to get here and we're ready to move on your word."

"Rather you didn't," Dominic said, finally turning around, "The three of us can take the inside. Gary knows us. We might be able to talk him down. Less risk to everyone else. Cover the doors and windows. We'll keep you informed of our progress, get people out safely and find Gary without provoking him. We might need some cover. Smoke grenades or something if you've got them. Otherwise, I'd ask you stay outside unless we ask. It's avoid unnecessary escalation."

"Who are you again?" the sergeant demanded.

"A helpful citizen," Dominic said, "I'm going to do a lap of the place and find the best place to enter. Could you bring my bag?" He nodded politely then jogged away.