Cairax’s toxins act quick, Corpse Girl dragging Freedom

Madelyn waved them over to Freedom. The huge officer lay on the far side of the street, sheltered by the car the dead girl had dragged him behind. His hand wrapped over the bloody wound in his side. His breathing was ragged.
St. George looked around. “Try to find Barry,” he told Madelyn.
She nodded and darted away. Stealth followed her.
He crouched and set a hand on Freedom’s forehead. It was burning hot. His eyes blinked open and he looked at the hero. “I take it we won, sir.”
“Seems like it,” said St. George. “You look like crap, Captain.”
“I think the demon’s tail might’ve been poisonous. And I’ve lost a lot of blood.”

Excerpt From Ex-Communication, pg 575
Peter Clines
https://books.apple.com/us/book/ex-communication/id635706546