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Stay away from my son, Tezla. Those were Major Wheeler’s final biting words, and what words they were! Of course, Dr. Tezla had no inclination to listen to him at all, but Jack’s attempt was admirable, he supposed. Although, it seemed he’d won this round, regardless. The room was quiet after the major’s bitter exodus–no doubt to come up with some excuse to give to his superiors. Orders changed. Perhaps, even, he’d try to imply somehow that he’d allowed this to happen. Whatever the case, Tezla was certain that Vert and his companions were cleared to enjoy their freedom however they saw fit. Good.
Let Major Wheeler’s flaws be known.
Let the drivers, too, choose for themselves who to believe.
“Hey, is it true…” Nolo asked, abandoning his seat to catch Tezla before he could leave. Tezla’s scheming was still mostly beyond him, but there was something that worried the Teku leader. His voice was quiet, sympathetic. Thoughtful. “What you said about Vert’s mom – is she really gone?”
It wasn’t that he doubted it, really. Yet, Nolo couldn’t help wanting, needing confirmation. Something. Why hadn’t Vert said anything about it? Nolo’s brows knit together, considering everything he knew about Vert and then some. Admittedly, it probably wasn’t nearly as much as he’d like it to be. The Teku were family, but it wasn’t like he stuck his nose into their personal lives. There had to be some boundaries. Still. Still, Nolo frowned, searching Tezla’s expression for any hint of truth. The very same man paused his departure to scrutinize Nolo in kind. His gambit worked well.
“Unfortunately, yes. As I recall, it was some years ago already…” Tezla answered carefully, scanning the room surreptitiously for the others’ reactions. “Major Wheeler and I worked together at the time – although not closely. If memory serves, he was only gone for a matter of weeks. Take that as you will.”
Nolo’s expression crumpled even further. When Vert finally came back, Nolo decided, he was getting the biggest hug. Or something, man. He was still trying to wrap his head around it, but he knew for certain that Vert needed whatever the Wylde brothers had planned for him. Mark was still pretty iffy, but he trusted Kurt. He trusted his drivers to look out for their own. Yeah. The thought placated Nolo somewhat – as did Karma’s hand, startling him softly as it came to rest on his shoulder. It was exactly like the Metal Maniacs said; they were welded.
“Is that all?” Tezla prompted. Had anyone else questions for him? Tork, Taro..? No? Was he finally allowed back to his work, then?
“Yeah, that’s it… uhh, I’d say see you around, but I doubt it, man.”