Page 22 of Us Defiant Few

Takeshi’s complexion looked healthier than when he’d been chained in the cell. In fact, he appeared stronger than ever. From his tight expression to his stiff posture, everything about him radiated defiance.

She barely breathed as his metallic gaze swept over the room. He took in the lit torches along the stone walls, the Aces at the far table who subtly reached for their concealed handguns.

And finally, he reached her table.

His gaze drifted past each one of them, lingering on Adan, Brock, Serene, and Winnie.

Then, Takeshi stopped on her.

He frowned, his brows pulling in a jagged line.

Khalani slowly stood, her heart hammering inside her chest, but she forced herself to remain still, letting him take the first step.

But he didn’t move a muscle.

Takeshi stared at her with profound consternation, like she was a puzzle he’d encountered before but couldn’t quite piece together how.

“We’re happy you’re back, Lane,” Jack said, inclining his head respectfully.

“Likewise.” Lane stepped forward, dark shadows clinging beneath his eyes. “There’s much we need to discuss.”

Everyone straightened, but Khalani’s focus was entirely on Takeshi. His jaw was rigid, hands fisted tight by his side as he stared at her.

Takeshi suddenly bent his head and whispered something in Lane’s ear. The doctor sighed deeply, but he nodded.

“Is there an empty room he can retire to for the evening?” Lane asked Jack. “I’ve already informed Takeshi of his…condition.”

What?

Jack and Spade held equally puzzling expressions, but Jack nodded before gesturing to Jericho. Khalani’s mouth parted as Jericho led Takeshi down the hall, but when he brushed past her shoulder, he didn’t make eye contact or say a word. Like he couldn’t bear to be in her presence a moment longer. Her breaths grew shaky, and Winnie gripped Khalani’s empty hand.

“W-what happened?” The words rushed from Khalani as she turned to the doctor, needing answers. “Why is he acting this way? Were you able to get the chip out? What about his memory?”

“That’s a lot of questions—”

“Just tell me!”

One of the Aces grabbed their gun at her outburst, but Jack raised his hand, halting them.

“With the help of some colleagues, we were able to remove the chip.” Lane said.

A wave of relief washed over her table.

“Thank God,” Serene whispered.

But Khalani still felt her heart being squeezed together. Lane’s posture was too stiff, his eyes laced with trepidation.

“What about his memory?” she pressed.

Lane scrubbed a hand through his thin white hair. “The brain is delicate, and he has significant mental trauma. It seems they’d given him false memories, and after we removed the chip, his memory regressed. He remembers the last week, but the whole few years before that are gone. It’s likely a defense mechanism—parts of his mind shutting down to protect from all the suffering he’s endured.”

“It got worse?!” Serene shouted. “So, you’re telling us there’s no hope? You can’t do anything else?”

“There’s nothing more we can do, but there’s still some hope for his memory to return.”

“What do you mean?” Khalani asked, barely breathing.

“With time, it’s possible.” Lane’s voice was cautious at the sheer desperation beneath her eyes. “He could regain his memory tomorrow, next week, a decade from now. Or never…and that’s something you have to accept.”