The X-men arrived moments later.
Nathaniel frowned as he watched them all clamor around the boy's bed.
His boy's bed.
They were murmuring to each other. The horrid Rogue girl had her hands on his boy, on his forehead.
Nathaniel clenched his teeth.
"What's he doing, boss?" He turned to the boy beside him.
The mutant was purple-skinned, tall, and lanky, with dreadlocks that fell just over his shoulders. His deep yellow eyes bore into Nathaniel's soul.
"Still unconscious." Was the only curt reply he gave the boy.
The mutant peered over Nathaniel's shoulder.
"Should we get 'em to back off?" He cocked his head towards the children, gesturing.
Nathaniel shook his head.
"There are far too many of them for us to be able to transport him. It is best if we can acquire him without a scuffle."
The mutant sighed.
"Damn. I was really hoping I'd get assigned to pretty boy on the way back."
Nathaniel's eye twitched, but he ignored it.
"Get back to the carrier, George."
The boy sighed again, and slowly slunk away, muttering under his breath.
Nathaniel took one last, long look at the boy.
He looked so much like his mother that it made his heart ache.
And then, he left. As silent as a ghost. Leaving his child as he lay crippled and damaged in the hospital bed.
END OF BOOK 1