Page 68 of Perfection

“The child seems to be exhibiting some of the same symptoms as the virus victims. We’re trying to rule out any sort of connection,” York said.

Kindra’s jaw dropped. “I’d be surprised if it’s the same virus. But you’re correct. It’s extremely odd that she is sick, too. I can’t recall the last time anyone suffered serious illness, GEI or Coders.”

He cleared his throat of a sudden tightness and looked down at his cousin’s little girl. “Her temperature is 105 degrees. We gave her medicine to bring it down.”

“I’m surprised you found a fever reducer.”

“One of the assistants was very helpful. She said Seville keeps a medical archive of sorts, in the basement, I think,” his mother said.

“Okay. Can you tell me if Fiona has gotten a Global Doll recently? Or could she have been around Isabelle D-Gastion?”

Stacey’s brow pinched. “Fiona doesn’t have a Global Doll.”

A shadow crossed Kindra’s face. “The testing process shouldn’t take more than an hour. Let’s find you a more comfortable place to wait.”

She led the way back down the corridor to a small office. It was furnished like an informal meeting room with a sofa and chairs. Cal placed Fiona in a reclining chair. The little girl looked so small and fragile as she slipped into the chair in rag-doll fashion, swallowed up by the large cushions. York smoothed his fingers over Fiona’s forehead and hair.

When he stood and turned, four sets of eyes stared at him. In his mother’s he saw heartbreak; in his brother’s, sympathy; in Stacey’s, fear; and in Kindra’s he saw tenderness. For an instant, barely more than a heartbeat, he fancied what it would be like to parent a child with her.

Not that child-rearing had been a good experience with his ex-wife, it hadn’t, but with Kindra… A warm feeling of possibility and hope came over him. Unbidden, he reflected on Brianna. She was such a sweet child.

He glanced away. “It’s getting late. Mom, I’ll leave you and Stacey to look after Fiona while you wait. Cal and I need to get back to our investigation.”

Uncertainty shone in his mother’s eyes. A rare emotion for her. He knew she wasn’t willing to say much in front of Kindra. One didn’t annoy the bee when one was after honey. He had to hand it to his mom for behaving for once.

“I’ll let you know when we have results,” Kindra offered.

“Thanks,” York said. He gently touched Fiona’s cheek and then went back to work himself, more determined than ever.