Jason Hiller
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University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 22, 2009 16:06:02 GMT -5
Jason set four glasses down on the table next to the juice and soy milk, looking up at Zeph and smiling when he saw the pleasure in his face. He knew Zeph was completely out of his element here, and it felt good to know that he was enjoying himself, even with what must have seemed boring and menial.
Helen and Ariadne entered the kitchen a few minutes later, acknowledging those already in the room. Seeing that breakfast was already mostly laid out, they went to sit down at the table, each giving Jason a one-armed half-hug as they passed him, and smiling and nodding in greeting to Zeph.
Jason took his cue, and moved to seat himself as well, drawing Zeph to a seat at his side. Heidi set out the others' plates before taking her seat beside Casper. Casper folded his newspaper and set it aside, glancing at the clock on the microwave. It was 7:59. At 8:00 exactly he looked around the table and spoke. "Let us pray."
Jason caught Zeph's eye and gave him a tiny apologetic smile, squeezing his hand slightly before folding his hands and bowing his head along with the rest of his family. The others were silent as Casper prayed aloud.
"Father, we thank You for the food You have given us, and we ask that You bless this meal and the hands that have prepared it. We thank You also for Zephyros' presence here, and ask that You help him to feel welcome among us, and give him release from his sorrows. Amen."
"Amen," Jason echoed his father, looking up and shifting his hand to grasp Zeph's under the table again.
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Zephyros Aetai
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 22, 2009 16:20:05 GMT -5
Zephyros just obediently lowered his head. He didn't believe in praying like this, but he knew how to keep his mouth shut. He couldn't help the violent twitch that went through his form when Casper mentioned him however. He'd expected prayer; after all, Jason came by his religious feelings naturally. But he hadn't expected to be mentioned himself.
He looked at Jason a little, awkwardly. He wasn't sure if he was... flattered, or just felt completely out of his depth. Mostly he just felt awkward.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 22, 2009 16:26:13 GMT -5
Jason looked back at Zeph, smiling rather awkwardly himself and mouthing "sorry" before taking a bite of egg. He should have remembered to tell his father earlier that Zeph was not religiously inclined, unless it be toward the Greek Gods. Oh, well. He would just tell him after breakfast, no harm done.
"I hope you were able to get some proper sleep last night, Zeph," Helen remarked, looking at the young Greek in concern.
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Zephyros Aetai
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Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 22, 2009 16:44:35 GMT -5
Zephyros squirmed a little in guilt. "Yes, I did... I am sorry... I was taking medication at home, but I'm trying to get off of it..."
He picked at his eggs, eating a few bites just to be doing something. The food didn't taste very good at the moment because he was embarrassed for waking everyone up. His cheeks began to turn pink as he shifted again.
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Jason Hiller
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University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 22, 2009 16:55:05 GMT -5
"It's okay," Helen assured him softly. "As long as you're fine."
Jason squirmed a little as well, swallowing his eggs with a bit of difficulty. He didn't want his family to feel they had to walk on eggshells around Zeph, and Zeph probably didn't feel comfortable being the object of everyone's pity. He had enough to worry about after everything that had happened.
He poured himself some soy milk and sipped at it quietly, his eyes darting awkwardly around the table. The eggs weren't sitting well in his stomach; he attributed it to the discomfort of the situation. Not for the first time, he wished fervently that he could have come to Germany under happier circumstances than he had. The world seemed bent on tearing him and Zeph apart, but they always seemed to be able to cling to each other just hard enough to stay together through it all. He was grateful for that fact.
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Zephyros Aetai
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Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 22, 2009 17:07:27 GMT -5
Zephyros nodded, "I'm fine... I just.... can't sleep alone yet. I'm trying... luckily at school I room with my brother, which should help. At least, I hope I'll room with my brother this year... They had to change the rooming arrangements last year and I'm not sure if they managed to fix the problem yet," he said, forcing himself to eat his eggs before they got cold. The last bite nearly gagged him and he set his fork down carefully. Looking at the table, he just sat quietly, his hands folded in his lap.
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Jason Hiller
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University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 22, 2009 21:48:54 GMT -5
The rest of the meal passed quickly, in a noticeably awkward silence. When the table was cleared and the dishes were done, Jason cautiously approached his father in his study. The door was slightly open; Jason knocked on the doorframe to announce his presence.
“Come in,” his father called out to him.
Jason obediently entered the study, shutting the door behind him and standing to attention, and his father swivelled his chair around to look at him, nodding for him to relax. <At ease.>
Jason relaxed, but only slightly. <Father, can we talk? There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.>
Casper raised an eyebrow in mild confusion. <Go on.>
<It’s about Zeph,> Jason began hesitantly. <I think you made him uncomfortable when you were praying at breakfast. He’s… not very religiously inclined. Definitely not to the Christian God. I should have told you this before, so we could avoid this, but I guess better late than never.>
Casper was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. <I see.> He stood up, stepping away from his chair and turning it back to face the desk. <I must ask… do you really expect me to change all of our traditions for Zeph? I’ve accepted your beliefs and preferences, but I must draw the line somewhere.>
Jason bit his lip. <Of course, Father. I understand.>
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Zephyros Aetai
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Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 22, 2009 21:50:45 GMT -5
Zeph peeked his head in. "I hope I'm not interrupt- Jason... What did you tell him?" he asked softly, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Casper's face. He wasn't sure what he felt about that expression...
"It has to be about me. Otherwise you would have brought me in here with you."
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Jason Hiller
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 22, 2009 21:59:15 GMT -5
Jason jumped slightly at the sound of Zeph's voice behind him, grateful that he had his back to the door so Zeph couldn't see the embarrassment in his face. He met his father's eyes, watching his face relax into a calm smile.
"I'm sorry, Zeph, I didn't hear you knock," Casper replied. "Was there something you needed?"
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Zephyros Aetai
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Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 22, 2009 22:06:08 GMT -5
"I did knock sir, and I am sorry, I forgot what I was coming in here for when I saw the expression on your face... Might I ask what he said that provoked that disapproving expression? I hope I haven't managed to offend already, have I?"
Zeph stepped more fully into the room and closed the door behind him. Standing beside Jason, he looked at Casper with a polite curiosity and desire to repair any wrong he might have committed. Other than coming in apparently unannounced.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 22, 2009 22:25:38 GMT -5
Casper's face was calm and polite as he answered Zeph. "Jason was just telling me of your religious beliefs, or lack of them. He was worried that I'd offended you with my prayer. I'm sorry if that is the case. That was not my intention."
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Zephyros Aetai
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 22, 2009 22:35:38 GMT -5
Zeph looked at Jason incredulously. "You did what? Jason, how could you even think I would be offended? I am a guest, and I'm certainly not going to ask that family traditions are changed just because I do not believe in your God. I was surprised to be mentioned in the prayer, but I was certainly not offended. Recently, I don't like... attention being called to myself. I'm sick of seeing my face on the news for example... apparently it's a slow news year..."
He looked at Casper, smiling. "About the only way you could offend me with prayer is somehow asking that I be forced to leave, or that I change my mind about my life choices. My mother regularly makes that prayer, usually specifically for me to hear. This is your home; I will live by your rules and I will certainly not ask that you change your lives any further than you have merely by allowing me into your house."
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Jason Hiller
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University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 22, 2009 22:43:21 GMT -5
Casper smiled back. "Thank you, Zeph. I appreciate your respect for our beliefs, and I'm sorry if I upset you by calling attention to you."
Jason looked at Zeph, embarrassed at being rebuked for what he had told his father and very relieved that Zeph didn't seem to be angry with him. "I'm sorry too, Zeph. I shouldn't have thought you'd be offended. Next time I'll ask before assuming anything."
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Zephyros Aetai
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Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 22, 2009 22:52:13 GMT -5
Zephyros pursed his lips a little. "I would appreciate that, Jason. I wouldn't assume something like that for you... And I'm sorry, but it's rude to think that I would be foolish enough to ask for your family to change everything just for me. I am grateful enough that I was allowed to come at all... allowed to spend more time with you."
He looked at Casper again. "If nothing else sir, you have yet to say anything... about our choices. I respect you a great deal for your kindness to me, especially considering my relationship with your only son. You have treated me far better than my moth-"
He bit his tongue, cutting off what he was going to say. Casper probably didn't even care about his family history... and he was not here to badmouth his mother. Besides... she had recanted, hadn't she? His fingers reached a little for Jason's hand, but he stopped himself. More pesky memories, though these were far older than the ones he was here to escape.
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Jason Hiller
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University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 22, 2009 23:12:38 GMT -5
Jason nodded, seeming to shrink a little as he looked at Zeph. "You're right, I was being rude. It won't happen again, I promise."
Casper regarded Zeph quietly, holding his tongue. He had gathered from Zeph's previous comments about his mother's less-than-friendly prayers that he was not on the best of terms with his mother. He decided not to press the matter further; it would do him no good to upset Zeph knowingly.
"I appreciate your respect for me," he said with a smile. "I'll do my best to earn it." He looked at the two boys, folding his arms, still smiling. "Don't you two have better things to do than hang around the house all day? It's a beautiful day outside, and not all of us have work to do."
Jason laughed, taking Zeph's hand, glad that the tension was broken. "Yes, Father." He turned and left the room with Zeph as his father went back to his work.
Once they were back in the living room, Jason couldn't help but laugh again. "I think we've had our first argument. After almost a year of being together, you'd think it would have come sooner."
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Zephyros Aetai
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Academy Junior: Small God
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 22, 2009 23:18:37 GMT -5
Zephyros looked at him, then smiled at him with his head tilted to the side. "Usually things that might provoke a fight with us cause a different form of confrontation.
"Your father had a point, and I think I feel a bit of cabin fever. Weren't there places you wanted to go? I can walk anywhere you want." He smiled again, though it quickly grew into a grin. "Just because I didn't get the chance to take you where I wanted to go in Greece doesn't mean we can't have the same chance in Germany."
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Jason Hiller
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University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 22, 2009 23:54:06 GMT -5
Jason nodded, his eyes bright. “You’re right. Shall we?” He took Zeph’s hand and led him toward the hall closet to get their coats.
- - -
The Stadtpark was warm and sunny, and the air echoed with the sounds of birdsong, laughter and cheerful voices. Jason and Zeph’s voices were among them as they strolled down one of the many pathways hand in hand. Jason was glad they had gone out sooner rather than later; the sun was bright, but not too hot yet. Some passers-by occasionally called out greetings to Jason, and he waved and called out in answer.
“Isn’t this place beautiful?” he grinned at Zeph, shielding his face from the sun with his free hand.
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Zephyros Aetai
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Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 23, 2009 0:01:55 GMT -5
Zeph nodded, though his face was turned up into the light with his eyes closed. He relished the light, basked in the heat of the sun. "It's gorgeous. And yes, I did look before I answered, Jason. I'm getting almost comfortably warm."
He looked at Jason with a smile, squeezing his hand. "And the company makes it that much better."
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Jason Hiller
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University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 23, 2009 0:07:12 GMT -5
Jason smiled, wrapping an arm around Zeph and snuggling close to him as they walked. "I'm glad." Glad to see you smiling again, and forgetting your pain for awhile. I want nothing else but for you to be happy here.
They turned onto a much shadier path, bordered thickly by trees on either side. It was dimmer here, but also cooler. Jason grinned apologetically at Zeph. "Sorry... looks like we're trading your warmth for my eyesight for a bit."
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Zephyros Aetai
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Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 23, 2009 0:10:36 GMT -5
Zeph grinned at him, then wrapped both arms around him, putting his head on Jason's shoulder. "Gives me an excuse for this," he teased softly, though he didn't keep them from walking as they went, even though it twisted his torso a little too much to be comfortable. He sighed and pulled back a bit, rubbing his ribs. "Damn. Forgot about that again."
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Jason Hiller
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University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 23, 2009 0:37:04 GMT -5
Jason sighed and leaned in again, nuzzling Zeph's cheek. "That's okay. I can do that myself." He wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, snuggling close.
Suddenly he paused, frowning and looking around as a faint rustling in the bushes met his ears. It was probably a squirrel or something, he decided, and ignored it, walking on with his arms wrapped around Zeph. But he soon stopped again as something stung the side of his neck, and he instinctively reached up to rub at the spot. "Stupid mosquitoes..."
He froze, his fingers finding... not an insect, but something small and pointed sticking out of his neck, like a needle. He pulled it out, blinking at it, and stiffening in alarm as his vision began to swim. Something was very, very wrong. A tranq dart? Why...
He gasped as his legs gave out under him, his hands slipping from around Zeph's body as he fell onto his back on the path. He looked up at Zeph, struggling to focus on him. The whole world was a shifting blur, and he tingled all over, like his whole body had gone to sleep.
Instinctively he fumbled to pull his opal ring from his hand and give it to Zeph, feeling his hand going limp even as he did so. The ring fell from his hand and landed in the grass beside the path. He tried to speak, and his voice came out weak and slurred on his thick, heavy tongue as the world turned black.
"Zzephhh... rruunnn..."
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Zephyros Aetai
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Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 23, 2009 0:48:23 GMT -5
Zephyros caught him as he fell, holding him tightly. "Jason?! JASON!"
He couldn't hold him up in his still weakened state, but was able to get him gently on the ground. He knelt at Jason's side, seeing the dart. His heart raced as he looked around, trying to understand what was going on. There was no way he was going to run; no way he was going to leave Jason alone. Standing, he looked around and ready to fight.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 23, 2009 1:02:42 GMT -5
A pair of figures emerged quickly from the bushes, closing in on the two boys. One of them, still holding the gun he had fired the tranq dart from, came up behind the blond and gave him two quick, successive blows to the solar plexus and jaw to knock him down. The other stepped toward the fallen werewolf, picked him up and started to carry him away.
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Zephyros Aetai
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Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Nov 23, 2009 1:14:29 GMT -5
Zephyros curled up when his ribs were hit, almost blacking out when the air all rushed out of his lungs. Choking, he covered his mouth for a second as blood gushed from his lips. Shaking his head, he moved to fight again just as the second blow hit his jaw. Staggering, he fell to his knees, shaking his head again. He shook it once more, then fell to the side. He coughed more blood as everything faded, and he watched helplessly as Jason was lifted from the path, lying limp and pathetic in the man's arms.
"J-jas-son..." he struggled, reaching out pathetically for him. As his hand fell, his fingers caught something warm and metallic, and curled around it tightly, his finger slipping through the center of the ring. His hand closed tightly into a fist as everything disappeared into a black haze he couldn't help but fear. Jason!
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Jason Hiller
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Nov 23, 2009 1:37:15 GMT -5
The remaining stranger stood and looked down at the unconscious blond boy for a moment, then shrugged and picked him up by the shoulders, dragging him off of the path and stowing him roughly under the bushes before he hurried after his companion.
- - -
It was a few hours later that a young woman came down the same path, pausing every so often to admire the lush greenery around her. But something unusual caught her eye... something golden underneath the bushes.
Curious, she knelt down and pushed away the branches, then gasped in horror and quickly pulled the limp form of a blond-haired boy out from the hedge. She recognized him at once -- the Greek boy who had been kidnapped last month. He had been all over the news for weeks now.
"Scheisse!" she muttered, quickly checking him over. He was still breathing, thank goodness. There was blood on his lips and cheek, but it was dried, and there didn't seem to be any cuts. A large bruise purpled the right side of his jaw, underneath his ear. His ribs seemed to be damaged, she couldn't tell how badly.
The woman pulled a cellphone out of her pocket, quickly calling for an ambulance and the police. Whatever had happened here, it couldn't be good.
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