Chapter 10

Strange encounters...

"Dylan, I'm sorry," Head Nurse Raven pinched the bridge of her nose. Thomas sat across from her, the large oak desk separating them. "We have everything going into searching for your footage."

"And there hasn't been anything?" Thomas pressed, leaning forward. "No clues, no suspects, nothing?"

"As my job as Head Nurse, those are things for me to worry about," Head Nurse Raven sighed, glancing over the many files and papers on her desk. "If the circumstances allowed it, you wouldn't even know. You'd be on your own, with your friends, recovering. Like you're supposed to be doing."

Thomas frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "Well, It's my footage so—"

"Dylan, enough!" Head Nurse Raven snapped. Nurse Megan, who was standing in the corner of the office, gave a gasp. "You aren't the savior of the world anymore—stop trying to be."

"I'm not—believe me, I'm not." Thomas scowled, turning away. Nurse Megan gently walked up, grabbing the handles to his wheel chair and gently turning him away. Thomas looked over his shoulder, Head Nurse Raven already resuming the paperwork stacked high on her desk.

"Oh, Dylan," Nurse Megan sighed as she shut the door behind her, rolling Thomas out into the hallway. "Head Nurse is just stressed—don't let her get ya' down! She's been dealing with a lot, you know. Like Head Nurse's are supposed to do. Why, not only does she have to find your footage but she has to make sure everybody's doing what they're supposed to—she keeps us all in check, she does!"

"Yeah, whatever," Thomas rolled his eyes, leaning back in the chair. "Can we just go to the Shared Recovery room?"

"Oh, right-o Dylan!" Nurse Megan chirped. Without a moment to lose she was zipping through the corridors again, Thomas gripping the arm rests as they sped around a corner. "Say, Dylan! They've got TV's in you're shared recovery room—have ya watched any of the programs? Course, they're all about you and the other divers. After all, you're a hot topic right now. What with saving the world and all! You should be very proud of yourself!"

Thomas frowned, saying nothing. Nurse Megan didn't notice—after all, she was too busy talking to notice Thomas's dour mood.

"I say!" Nurse Megan continued. "Why not go up to the roof? Or maybe even take a trip in the gardens? I hear they're very relaxing. Of course, I know you want—"

Nurse Megan let out a squeal, digging the heals of her shoes into the ground as a dark figure sprinted around the corner. Thomas gave a yelp as the wheelchair tipped over the darkened figure, sending him rolling down the hallway. As quickly as his muscles allowed, Thomas struggled to get up. The figure was laying underneath the wheelchair, groaning as he held his head.

Thomas stopped, blinking. This was familiar. This scene was familiar. His heart pounded, hands grasping along the ground for something—his box. He needed his box. The figure was going to take it—steal it!

Thomas froze, hands outstretched. He shook his head, looking around. No, his box was gone. Already stolen. The figure—the masked thief, had gotten away.

"Oh my stars!" Nurse Megan was crying as she struggled to get the wheelchair off the man, hands trembling. "Dr. Janson—I'm so sorry! Goodness me, i-I wasn't looking where I was going—"

Thomas swallowed thickly, eyes swirling up to find Dr. Janson struggling to his feet, wheel chair rolling across the floor.

"Ah," Dr. Janson smiled, ignoring the apologies of the nurse as he took a step towards Thomas, hand outstretched. "I'm sorry, Thomas. Here, let me help you up."

"You get away from me!" Thomas snarled, scrambling away. His back cracked up against the wall, limbs shaking from the strain.

"Dylan!" Nurse Megan slid across the floor, landing next to him. Her glasses were askew, eyes brimming with water as she fussed over him. "How many fingers am I holding up? Do you see any stars? What's your name?!"

"Madam, I believe he's fine," Dr. Janson gave a small smile, taking a step away from Thomas. "Banged up, yes. But concussed, no."

Nurse Megan nodded her head, wiping at her eyes as she stood up. With a force Thomas didn't know Nurse Megan possessed, the woman scooped him up and set him back in his wheelchair.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you, Thomas," Dr. Janson bent down, picking up a clipboard that had been thrown to the floor upon impact. "It was not my intention."

Thomas sat stiff as a board, eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. His fists were shaking, a look one could only describe as pure rage dancing across his face.

"What do you want, Ratman?" Thomas growled. Dr. Janson's eyes widened, Nurse Megan's hands shaking as she gripped Thomas's wheelchair.

"Dylan—please," Nurse Megan whimpered. "Don't anger him."

"Hmm," Dr. Janson hummed, looking down at his file, ignoring Nurse Megan's comment. "I don't want anything from you, Thomas. Not this time, at least."

Dr. Janson looked up, smiling once more.

"However," he took a step forward, Nurse Megan squeaking as she quickly rolled Thomas back. "You could tell me something—something I find important."

Thomas leaned forward with a snarl.

"Oh? And what's that?" He spit out.

"I'm looking for a couple of your friends," Dr. Janson looked down at the clipboard. "If you could tell me where Ben, Frankie, Jeff, Newt, and Winston are… I'd be most appreciative."

"Go to—" Thomas was cut off, Nurse Megan taking long strides to stand in front of him. Her legs were shaking, glasses still not on quiet right and her hair was frazzled.

"Dr. Janson," she squared her shoulders, balling her fists. Her voice quivered as she spoke. "Please step away f-from my patient. He-he doesn't wish to see you."

Dr. Janson narrowed his eyes, staring down at the nurse with his nose stuck in the air.

"Very well," he looked past her to meet eyes with Thomas. "I apologize once more for running into you. It was not my intention."

And with that the slimy doctor was off down the hall, pace just as quick as before he'd crashed into them.

"Whew," Nurse Megan wiped her brow with a cloth, hands trembling. She gave a nervous chuckle, turning around to Thomas with a strained smile. "I, uh… I-I don't much care for Dr. Janson. He's a strange man with strange hobbies and strange… interests, in others."

She swallowed, heels clicking against the floor as she walked around Thomas and began pushing him once more. "I'm sorry I didn't stand up for you sooner. Truth is, he frightens me."

Thomas was silent, fists clenched as he drilled holes into the wall with his stare. Something was off about their encounter. Something Thomas couldn't quiet put his finger on…

A/N: Well, this was originally supposed to be part of what's coming in chapter 11, but I figured this was enough for Chapter 10. Especially for the point I wanted to make. :) I realize it's a bit short, but it didn't fit with what I have planned for the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed!