Chapter 94. Divided Team

The jeep stopped in the parking lot, and Elijah wasted no time jumping out. He sprinted toward the hangar, where voices and activity emanated, signaling the Deformity troops preparing to leave for their journey to Yukon.

Inside, the troops chatted casually while waiting their turn to board the Hercules aircraft. Elijah scanned the crowd, looking for his friends, though his striking appearance was bound to draw attention.

"Is that Jenkins? He looks different."

"Nice hair. Wonder when he had time to dye it."

"Plenty of time, being the favorite of the masters."

Elijah could hear the snide remarks as he passed but had become adept at ignoring such comments. Finally, he spotted Josh, the sharp-eyed jokester, teasing Bernice by tugging at the end of her hair.

"Josh!" Elijah called out.

Both Josh and Bernice turned, shocked at the sight of Elijah. He quickly approached and pulled Josh into a tight embrace. Even through the hug, Elijah could tell that Josh