Felix was curious about what kind of strange urrences would have the headquarters so short -staffed. "When do 1 leave?"


    "Early the day after tomorrow. Since this is your first operation, I''ll send someone to assist you. You''ll still be in charge. I''ve sent the detalls to your phone," Xena said.


    The call ended abruptly. Indeed, it was strictly business. He had to handle it properly since he had taken on this assignment, and this job was tied to the Dragonspine too. Felix immediately started reviewing the mission details. The vige was called Pine Valley, tucked away in a remote mountainous region. The reported "strange urrences" were just disappearing livestock. There were chickens, ducks, and sheep vanishing every few days. Felix had a strange look on his face after reading the information. How could livestock disappearing in a vige near the mountains be considered strange? With dense forests around, weren''t predators expected? Still, his opinions didn''t matter if the headquarters thought it warranted investigation. He would have to see for himself.


    his


    The doorbell rang, though it was already quitete for visitors. To it was Willow. He quickly invited her in.


    "I''ve been thinking it over. Though we haven''t known each other long, I believe you''re a good person. Perhaps what happened between you two was just a misunderstanding. I''m willing to trust you," she said. Felix felt relieved hearing this. "Thank you."


    Willow shook her head and continued seriously, Don''t get your hopes up too high. This needs. to happen gradually. Wemunicate through letters, so I''ll start mentioning you slowly. It will take time. "And I can''t guarantee it will work."


    Felix smiled. "Your help alone means a lot. The rest is up to fate. I''ve done all I can anyway."


    Π


    The next day at the clinic, Billy arrived almost right after Felix.


    "You''re here, Billy. Let me make you some tea." It seemed that Melissa''s attitude toward Billy had totally changed. "Thanks, Melissa."


    Felix shot Billy a look, wondering if the fatso had somehow impressed her with his power or something. "What''s up?"


    Billy grabbed the tea Melissa made and headed for the door. "Nothing much. Just needed some tea. My kettle''s broken."


    Felix told Melissa they would need to close the clinic for a few days, but she did not question it. She nned to stay at the clinic anyway because it felt safer.


    "Felix, maybe we should hire another doctor. You seem so busy. That way, the clinic could stay open when you''re away," she suggested.


    Felix chuckled. "You''re really getting into this nurse role, aren''t you?"


    Melissa stuck out her tongue, then suddenly remembered something and hurried to the back


    room.


    Just then, Seven sent a message with Tom''s current location. Felix would not possibly forget Tom, the man responsible for five deaths right before his eyes. If not for the auction dy, he would have acted already.


    As he was about to get up, Melissa returned. With her head hung low, she looked as if she had done something wrong. "By the way, someone came by yesterday afternoon applying for the nurse position. I told her toe back today. If you''re not in a hurry, could you wait?" A nurse? Felix rubbed his face. "If shees back, tell her we''re not hiring. Don''t do this again."


    To his surprise, Melissa grabbed his arm and pleaded, "Come on, just give it a try! We really hit it off, and-"