Lita’s ride was bumpy, but otherwise uneventful. She sent her will out to the two men, reinforcing their belief in what they had seen and what they thought had happened to the person she was standing in for. A small movement tickled her rib, and a pixie named Moss, crawled…

Kinich, old and bent, was Frank’s back up gate keeper, at least for this occasion. He hobbled to the gates and opened them for the Coroner’s van and the unmarked car that McManus drove, moving arthritically, and allowing the vehicles to enter the grounds and head up to the front…

The smells, and body fluids in the little quarantine room had almost made Jody disappear within themselves, and it was only the reassuring presence of Frank and the Doc that made it possible for them to do their part. Especially harrowing for them had been touching fingertips with Lita for…

It was a bit past midnight when Jody, Frank and Munch got back to the Institute. …

When we came into the Dining hall, the long tables had been pushed together, and my staff (at least all those who were awake at this hour) were mulling around, waiting for our arrival. Frank had clearly wanted to welcome Jody with great fanfare. I stepped up to the group…

Joan and Frank were heading to my office, I could hear their chatter long before I could hear their footsteps. The energy of enjoyment burst into the room as they entered, it was a palpable happiness coming from them and it gave me a jolt of energy, as well. “Have…

As we entered the third empty apartment, to see if they liked the layout any better, we heard a quiet knock at the door jamb, and looking over saw that Frank was standing there grinning. He gave me a thumbs up, adding “Hi Doc! Hi Jay.” …

“I’m sure you have questions, let’s start with those and when we’re done talking, I’ll take you on a tour of the Institute and to the dining hall for our dinner.” …

We ambled up the main staircase and headed to my office, with its floor–to-ceiling bookcases, overstuffed chairs and my oak desk in the far corner. The shades on the large windows were drawn, and the light of the ending of the day shone reddish through them. I gestured to the…