Read Abominations for Free Online Page B

drifting off into micro-sleep, unable to fight the exhaustion any longer.
      The detective picked up his pad and made a note. Then he carefully placed the glass vials back into the small wooden case they had come from, about the size of an old fashion lunch box, but with a strap that ran all the way around the box when closed, securing it tightly.
      “The licorice scent is anise, in this particular anise oil, we can't count on that having been the case specifically. It could have been incense or fresh herb. The other scent seems to have been dragon's blood, a resin commonly used in incense. If we can track down who uses those scents or oils in ritual sacrifice, or what properties those compounds might have, we may have a lead toward our perpetrators.” Finished packing the box, he set it down on the table that held her pitcher of water and drawings, picking the papers up first so he didn't accidentally smudge them. He looked at them critically, taking time to examine each of them carefully before speaking again.
      “These are quite good. May I take the ones showing the robes and the design of the knife? Like the identification of the scents, someone may be able to identify something from them that could lead us in the right direction...”
      As he finished speaking, her doctor entered, the blond man, wearing a white coat, clean shaved and looking crisp, his black shoes clicking softly on the floor as he walked.
      “I didn't realize anyone was here visiting. I recognize you, of course, Miss Westmorland, but this... gentleman is new to me...” Disapproval thick in his voice, he walked all the way into the room, not postured aggressively, Gwen noted, seeming almost scared instead.
      Gwen didn't know why he'd be scared of any of them. She wasn't a threat to anything right now, her chest still aching constantly, burning if she moved too fast. Bethany he'd seemed fine with the day before, if a little standoffish from.
      That left the new man as the reason for his strange behavior. Bethany, barely able to keep her eyes open, tried to speak, her voice coming out rough and crackling.
      Gwen interrupted her.
      “Doctor Schmidt... Miss Westmorland hasn't slept in over five days and seems to be near collapse. Would it be possible to have some food provided for her and perhaps a place to sleep, until she's safe to travel? Oh, since I'm being rude and interrupting anyway, this man is... Constabulary Detective Daniel Chuan.” She looked at the seated man then, being careful not to turn her head too far, since that would hurt. “Did I get your title right? A lot of the terms seem strange to me still, different world and all... you understand.” Smiling she waited for either confirmation or correction. The male detective gave her a small bow like gesture which she took to mean that she was close enough for the time being at least. That or she'd botched horribly and people here just didn't correct each other. If that was the case she was screwed, because she needed to get up to speed fast and that meant being called on things if she messed up. It wouldn't be comfortable, but anything less would mean not learning fast enough.
      White coat flapping, the doctor ran to the door and called for a nurse. When Rogers came, a soft sound of hurrying shoes from the hall, he asked for a bed to be found for the lady detective and some food to be brought over.
      Then he returned to the conversation, apologizing to them all.
      “I should have noticed... We'll see to this at once, Miss Westmorland really should have a proper attendant... It's very good of you, Miss Farris, to keep looking out for her like this, especially given the way the last few days have gone for yourself, with the unfortunate events...” The doctor turned red and looked suddenly flustered, as if he'd stepped over some kind of social line she didn't even recognize. Since he