Albert and Hayes exchanged a glance. Hayes said nothing. Albert shrugged.
"We don't object. But in exchange, shouldn't you tell us as much as possible about the 'contamination source'? Of course, I understand the situation is urgent and there's no time for a full explanation—but afterward—"
"Fine." The scarred man agreed immediately, without hesitation. "Any details that don't involve classified information, we can share."
"So," Albert said, "should we start figuring out how to deal with whatever's down in that well?"
The bioluminescent mushrooms in the burrow beneath the tree were still glowing steadily.
The honey badger adjusted the chest pack that had shifted sideways during the fight, pulled out a flashlight, and with a sharp click, aimed the beam down from the rim of the well.
The bright light illuminated the enormous leech below.
It was no longer as they had seen it before.
It was awake.
And pacing.
