Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 21: Questioning

"Set her down gently." The man's tone was brusque and businesslike. 

Connor complied, carefully lowering her down. He backed off, letting them do their work.

"Let's get her to a hospital," one said, and they pushed the stretcher back over to the back of the ambulance. They carefully strapped her in, then lifted it into the back.

"Let us know when she's awake," Richard said, drawing Connor's attention. "We'll meet you at the hospital to take her statement."

He nodded, then hurried over to the ambulance. After some mild protests, the EMT's finally let him climb into the back with them, and they pulled out, heading to the hospital. 

As Clara regained consciousness, she became aware of a host of sensations. First was the excruciating pain in her head and stomach. The next was a steady beep. She felt a heavy weight pressing down on her body. Opening her eyes, she was blinded briefly, but when her eyes adjusted, she saw that she was lying in a hospital bed. A heavy blanket covered her. Looking down, she saw an IV tube running from the back of her uninjured had to a bag of clear liquid hanging beside the bed.

She raised a hand to her face, rubbing her eyes and groaning softly. A flicker of motion out of the corner of her eye grabbed her attention. She turned to see Eli seated beside her. He looked at her with an expression of relief. 

"You gave us quite the scare, little goose," he said, voice soft. He stood and pulled her into an awkward hug. 

"Oww," she groaned. Ignoring her protesting muscles, she wrapped an arm around her cousin loosely, returning the hug. "I love you Eli, but I am in so much pain right now." The words came out a little slurred, and she realized her cheek and lips were somewhat swollen, limiting her facial movement.

"Right, sorry." He backed off, sitting back down. "How are you feeling?"

"Terrible. I feel like I was hit by a truck." She laid back against the pillows. "Repeatedly."

"Makes sense. Those deviants got you pretty good." His face dropped into a frown. 

"What time is it?" she asked weakly. "How long was I out?"

"About 12 hours from the time they found you," Eli answered. "It's just after 1pm."

She felt her heart jolt. She'd been out that long? What about Simon and Josh and Kara? She needed to get back to her lab as soon as possible to make sure they were okay. She tried to sit back up, struggling for a moment, but then gave up. Her aching muscles would allow no such thing.

A few moments later, the door to her room opened, and a nurse walked in. "Glad to see you're awake," she said, smiling. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I was hit repeatedly by someone with plastic fists," Clara answered, a touch of snark coloring her tone. Why did everyone always ask the same thing? She paused for a moment, reigning in the attitude. "What's the damage?" she asked, this time in a more humble tone.