Free Uninvited: A Paranormal Urban Fantasy Novel (The Dark Skies Trilogy Book Two) by Lysa Daley Page B

replies with a wry smile.
    I think back to Fitz explaining that he was part of an organization that keeps tabs on alien activity. “So, this Eye in the Sky thing? You’re part of the same group that Fitz belongs to?”
    “Me and nearly every alien living on Earth. The Draconian threat is too dangerous not to be part of a watch group like this.”
    Sitting just to the side of the Eye building, a majestic sandstone church takes up the far end of the street. It’s not quite the size of the cathedral, but pretty close.
    “This beauty is the original St. Benedict’s Church,” Jax points to the church. Its gothic architecture looks like something straight out of an old European city.
    “It looks like something out of a fairytale,” Ruby says.
    An impressive bell tower with intricately carved spires rises high above the towering pines that surround the church on three sides. It looks out of place in the remote woods of eastern Oregon.
    Jax parks the truck in front of the church and waves to two men who wheel a gurney over. An efficient looking woman, with intelligent eyes and a kind face, carrying a large bag, follows the men.
    As we get out of the truck, Jax introduces the woman. “Ladies, this is the amazing Dr. Maggie. She's going to take your uncle to our very special medical unit.”
    Hi, Astrid,” Dr. Maggie greets me like we're long lost friends. “Can’t tell you how relieved we all are that you girls made it.”
    I nod and force a smile. “You and me both.”
    “And this must be your friend Ruby.”
    “Hi,” Ruby says. “So, you are what? Some sort of alien-doctor?”
    “Something like that. But I am a trained medical doctor. Yale, class of 2012.” I see Dr. Maggie's eyes flick over to Jax. “I promise we're going to give him the best care he could possibly get.”
    “Don't worry, Astrid,” Jax says me as the two men transfer my uncle onto the gurney. My uncle’s MoonEyed Blue alien form doesn’t seem to faze anyone. “He couldn't be in better hands now.”
    Before they take him inside, Dr. Maggie checks him out. She wields a stethoscope and some sort of blood pressure cuff, but I can see that her medical bag also includes unfamiliar equipment and random medical devices that are clearly not from our world.
    “His blood pressure is low,” she says, worry creeping into her voice. “Looks like he's lost a lot of blood. And he’s fighting an infection. We need to get him downstairs stat.”
    “Is this just a hospital for aliens?” Ruby asks.
    “Mostly. There are some unique human cases here, as well. But we specialize in our non-earthly guests,” Jax explains as we trail behind the gurney. “St. B’s is one of the only places on the planet where non-Earthly humanoids can come for medical assistance. I mean, think about it, if you’re living in secret on a planet that’s not as technologically or medically advanced as your civilization, then what do you do if you become so ill or injured that you need outside medical attention?”
    “Guess you can’t just pop into the E.R.,” Ruby says as we pass through the tall double doors of the church.
    “Why are we going into the church?” I ask. “Where’s the hospital?”
    “Trust me,” Jax says as he leads the way inside the church.
    Instead of going into the church sanctuary with its dark oak pews, soaring ceilings and flickering candlelight, we make our way down a low side hallway to a wide stone stairway. My uncle is loaded into an elevator, but we take the stairs.
    Dr. Maggie falls back and walks in stride with us down the steps. “The Brothers and Sisters of Mercy have been aiding the non-humans here at St. B’s for 150 years. They are very knowledgeable about what they’re doing. In fact, they have detailed biological and medicinal notes and drawings of over fifty different alien lifeforms down in their extensive medical library. You and your uncle have definitely come to the right place.”
    On the lower level, we continue through