“Someone needs to look after you," she replied. She waited as he undid all the straps and she was able to sit up.

"Arthur . . .

" She stopped for a second. She wasn't ready to tell him what she really wanted to say.

"You don't have to push yourself all the time. Everyone talks about the pressure Tarloh and Red are under, but no one can do what you do." ‘Especially to me,' she thought.

"And you're not going to be much good in an emergency if you're always exhausted.”

He gave her a hug before the two of them got dressed.

“I know. But Robbie WAS in bad shape and Jane . . . Jane just took patience. If we can just avoid any conflicts for a few days 0

“I know," Mindy interrupted, giving him a hug that lasted a little longer than intended.

“But if you don't get some rest, I'll have to have a talk with Tarloh and..."

"Yeah, yeah. Just let me clean up the table."

Mindy pushed him towards the cubicle door.

"I made the mess, I'1L clean it. If you don't sleep now," she started, running her hands over her ass again, "then I might not be needing any more ‘doctor visits' any time in the near future," she finished, making the threat very clear.

"I'm going," he said, kissing her quickly on the cheek. He didn't see her holding a hand to that cheek as he walked away.

Jane stood behind Talia as Red led a small contingent of people down one of the tunnels towards what Talia had explained was a Node. A Node was a place where dimensional cracks met and didn't heal, causing a pressurized point to stabilize. These points were powerful centers of mystical energy, and direct exposure to them could break down the walls that shielded a person's Talent from coming forth.

Only Talia, Arthur, Tarloh and Red were going to accompany Jane on this voyage.

"Are you sure you're up for this?" Talia asked.

Jane was actually so nervous she was almost vibrating.

"Yes," she lied.

"I need to know what this is all about and . . . and I need to feel useful."

“Don't be so hard on yourself," Tarloh grumbled.

"Listen to the big man," Arthur said.

"You've been through hell the last week or so. I'm impressed you're as ready as you are."

Talia was a little worried. Only she and Red knew the extent of Jane's problems, both deciding that Jane would tell the others when she was ready.

They squeezed through a crack in the wall and found themselves in a service tunnel. Up ahead, Jane saw a bluish-white light coming from around the bend.