Jane lets out a deep sigh. There's not much to occupy him in this room by himself in the dark. It allows his mind to travel down roads that are dark and, he admits to himself, scary. Two to three days the doctor had said but what if it's permanent, what if his world his dark forever. So far his thoughts aren't painting a pretty picture and he's had enough. He needs to find something else to do, something to distract him, he needs stimulation.
He hears the door open, he puts on a smile and a cheery voice.
"Back again Linda, what bit of me do you want this time?"
"Now how did you know it was me Patrick. I barely made it through the door?"
"You have some keys that jingle as you walk, you have this way of hesitating before you enter a room, just ever so slightly, but it's there. Did you grow up with brothers who would jump out at you all the time? And, I'm sorry to inform you that the garlic bread you had for lunch is still lingering."
"That's very good Patrick. It was three brothers, they made my life a nightmare until I learned how to get back at them"
"I bet it was creative and as much as they deserved"
"You got that right and so remember that before you think of causing me any trouble, because I suspect you're a troublemaker."
"I consider myself warned."
"And I'll be sure to eat a mint. Now I'm here to take out your I. V."
"That is good news. Does it mean I'm going home?"
"No the doctor wants to keep you in for a couple of days. The more rest you get, the better your chances of getting your sight back."
"But I'm bored, there's nothing for me to do."
She pats him on the shoulder.
" Now that's the idea Patrick, rest. Now I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. "
" Ah shift change. I'm glad someone at least gets to go home . enjoy your freedom for me Linda.'
"I will, I have a hot date. Bye Patrick. "
Jane opens the door and almost walks in to the cop standing outside.
"Oh officer, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."
"That's perfectly all right Mr. Jane. What can I do for you?"
"I thought I'd take a walk, there's nothing to do, but lie in bed. I need some exercise before they bring that lovely dinner around. Would you be kind enough to help me officer?"
"Well I should get permission first."
"I didn't realise I was a prisoner, but go a head call Agent Lisbon, I'm sure she's got nothing else to do. It's just a little stroll officer. All I can do in there is stare at blackness."
He's aware of the officer looking around.
"We'll be back before any one knows we're gone. We could go to the cafeteria, I'm sure you could do with a coffee or something. Maybe a doughnut...my treat."
"That does sound good"
"It's the least I can do, for watching my back. Let me take your shoulder and lead the way."
It's busy as they enter the cafeteria and the noise assaults Jane's ears.
"Just sit me at a table and I'll have a cup of tea, you get whatever you want."
Jane hands him ten dollars he'd found in the pocket of his trousers in the bedside table. The pain in his toe that he'd stubbed against the cupboard had stopped as they walked. Thankfully he'd also found his shoes in there, making this excursion possible.
"Just sit here Mr. Jane, you'll be fine here until I get back."
" I'm sure I will, thank you."
Jane smiles as the officer walks away. During his conversation he was aware of the stir his presence made. He can hear the table next to him talking about him. It seems like there are three women. A mother, who is a patient and two daughters. The mother is definitely of a dominant nature, and the daughters, even in adult hood, are scared of her.
"Mother stop it."
"What difference does it make, he can't see me."
"He can still hear you."
"It's obvious he's a criminal, coming in with the cop like that."
"He isn't in handcuffs Mother."
The mother snorts.
"How far is he going to get like that. It's good to see the wicked get their comeuppance."
"That's a terrible thing to say."
"It's no more than he deserves. Trust you Lydia, you're always the weak one. "
Jane stands up and moves towards the table, and stands next to the mother.
"Hi ladies, my name's Patrick Jane, your friendly neighbourhood thief."
The Mother addresses her daughters.
"See I told you he was a criminal, just a lowlife thief, probably conned money out of the elderly, he has that look about him."
"That's perceptive of you, Mrs..."
One of the daughters chips in.
"Sparks, Mrs Dorothy Sparks."
"Lydia! You don't give the man my name."
"She's right Lydia, you shouldn't have given her my name. It's a good, strong name. You don't suffer fools gladly do you? It gives you a sense of power to bully people, even your own daughters. You don't care what people think of you, as long as they're scared of you so you can control them. It's all about control, for you, you don't like being at others mercy."
Jane bends down and whispers in her ear.
"The problem with being a bully is that eventually you'll come across one who's meaner than you. My bandages will come off in a couple of days, unfortunately the other guy is not as lucky."
He rests his hand on her shoulder and can feel her trembling beneath it.
"Yes, Dorothy Sparks, a name I don't think I'll ever forget."
Jane hears the officer return with the drinks. Mrs Sparks calls to him.
"Officer..."
Jane cuts her off.
"I would suggest you don't say a word."
"Mr. Jane your tea."
Jane straightens up.
"Thank you officer, this woman was wondering why I'm not in handcuffs."
"He's not a criminal ma'am, he works for the CBI."
Jane beams at the daughters.
"It's been a pleasure ladies."
