Chapter 24 - Open wound [2] (2/2)
”I was scared,” whispered Grant against my side. ”I'm sorry, Liliane,” Demos rushed to us and wrapped his arms around us. In their supportive warmth my emotions bubbled up in my throat, everything I held back rushed to submerge me.
”It was entirely my fault. I'm sorry for not trusting you enough. I'm—so so sorry. Please—forgive me, Grant,” I cried between breaths. Demos leaned against me placing a kiss on my forehead.
”You didn't attack him. Please, don't feel guilty,” he whispered against my ear. Quick footsteps in the entrance made us turned in alert. A dozen armed patrol agents swamped inside pointing guns in all directions.
”The intruder has been neutralized,” Demos tipped his chin towards the fallen door. They pulled the door away, scanned the culprit who snorted at them. Among the dozen agents, two stood out. A massive artificial towering over his other colleagues and the only human in the group. He moved towards us and flashing his ID card. On it, written in red ink was Inspector Najja Special opt.
”Thanks for the tip,” he said to Demos then his eyes fell on Grant's arm wrapped in a towel. ”How bad it is?” Grant lowered his head.
”It was a plasma blade. Internal damage. Lost cooling system. The left hand will need replacement,” assessed Grant in a cold voice. He didn't let go of me and I was happy. I don't think I would be able to face this without the two of them. The tall artificial pulled that stinking bastard up and handcuffed him. He laughed as if it was all a big joke.
”Jay Dawson you're under arrest for assault, damage on a property,” Demos nodded at the artificial. ”And attempted murder. You have the right to remain silent or everything you said will be held against you in legal court,” he struggled against the grip of the agent. He spat blood towards the other agents. Several of the cyborgs aimed their guns at him.
”F.u.c.k you! F.u.c.k.i.n.g garbage cans!” they pulled him out of the apartment as he kept yelling at the top of his voice. The inspector turned towards us.
”Temus is a Helios too,” he pointed to the tall massive artificial. ”But he is a beta model. I've heard Sognare did a new upgraded Helios 4,” he nodded at Demos who slowly faced him. ”If you're interested,” he slid his bracelet and sent me his contact. I just stared at him in silence. I didn't want to understand what it was all about. It was better not to get it.
”It will take time to process the case. If I were you I would sue him for moral damage,” his eyes rested on Grant. ”And property damage,” with that, he went after the other agents through the busted door.
”Demos?” called Grant with a weak voice. He was pale and rapidly getting cold. ”Switch me—off,” his arm slid off my waist. In one swift movement, Demos took him in his arms. His head tilted weakly to the side and body completely limp. His eyes were blurry, like dirty milk. They went to the pods.
”What's happening?” I stood paralyzed with my heart hammering inside my chest. I had a bad feeling gripping my stomach.
”I have to switch him off so as not to damage his system. He lost too much of his fluids. Don't worry he will still be himself. It won't be permanent. His AI will switch to deep sleep,” said Demos without looking at me. He strapped Grant in, brushed a lock of hair away from his face. ”Don't worry. Just sleep and dream of us,” he murmured with a smile.
”I'll—replay the kiss—” answered Grant with a fainting voice.
”Good choice,” Demos placed a kiss on his forehead and pressed the spot behind his ear. Grant's eyes closed. I sunk in the chair Grant was on, my eyes followed the trail of blood mix with white liquid in the entrance then stopped on the severed fingers.
”What are we going to do now?” I let out a raspy breath.
”Contact Sognare. Grant needs urgent repairs—like really quick,” answered Demos.