Shadow of Death, Part Nine

1 November 2005

Once we all recovered from the flash, I saw Matteson walking toward us. He was holding his side and limping slightly, and missing his hoodie. The guard was done tending to Lori, so he stood and turned to Matteson with his fists on his hips.

"What the hell was all that!?" he demanded, waving a hand toward the destroyed clearing.

"Death," Matteson said, walking past him and dropping down into the grass in front of Lori and me. He grunted when he landed, and the guard continued surveying the damage.

"Are you okay?" I asked. He waved the question off and looked at Lori.

"How are you doing?"

"I'm not sure yet," she answered, softly, before looking Matteson over. "Where's your hoodie?"

"It's gone."

"Wasn't that your favorite hoodie?"

"Yes, it was. I take it you remember everything, then?" She nodded, and he groaned and leaned forward.

"I'm sorry. I swear, if I'd known-"

"I know," she said, looking down again and pulling the blanket tighter. "I also have some of her memories. Including how you responded to her first attempt in Chicago." We were all silent for a few minutes, until the guard turned back to us.

"I gather this is a very difficult moment for all of you, but I really need some idea how I'm supposed to explain this shit to the Trust." I stood up.

"You don't have to worry about that. I came prepared to clean up this mess," I answered, then looked over at the clearing. "Though it may be slightly more difficult than I expected."

"How're you gonna do that!?"

"With magic."

"Forgive me if I wait here to see it for myself."

"That's fine. You may be able to help, even. But first," I turned back to the others, "do you guys need anything?"

"I want to go home," Lori said. Matteson stood up with a grunt.

"I can give you a ride, if that's okay," he said. She nodded, and he helped her to her feet. "Should I come back for you?" he asked me.

"No. This is going to be difficult enough, you stay as far away as you can. I'll call Rick if I need a ride home." He nodded, then helped Lori as they walked back to Alpha. I set my backpack on the ground and began pulling out materials. "Now, officer. If you would be so kind as to grab some of the wood and stone that was thrown around?"

"Why?" he asked.

"Because they remember what this place was earlier today. You'll see." He rubbed his temples, groaned, then walked off to grab supplies while muttering.

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