Lost
by mardel
PG-13
I just borrowed them for the story.
Darien couldn't believe it. He'd checked with Eberts and as far as anyone knew
Bobby hadn't been seen or heard from in four days. Yeah he was supposed to be
on leave, a well earned leave that he'd planned on taking for over a month now
but it just wasn't like Bobby to lose contact.
He was too paranoid about Darien for one thing to go more than six hours
without knowing if he was Ok. During the past year that he'd been working for
the agency Darien and Bobby had grown close. They depending on each other.
They had proven their devotion by risking their own life for each other on more
than one occasion.
He'd called Bobby's apartment. He'd checked several of Bobby's hang outs
No one had seen him since Friday. It was now Tuesday.
"Darien, Bobby was taking a vacation maybe he decided to drive up the coast."
Claire suggested.
"He was planning on going to the beach, hanging out with some friends and
just taking it easy." Darien explained.
"Maybe he met someone?"
"He would still check his messages. I know Bobby something must have
happened." Darien paced across the lab, he hated not knowing if he should really
be worried for his partner or not.
"He's not due back until Thursday, why don't you relax until then. If he doesn't
show up for work then the Official will but out a bulletin on him and you can
go looking for him then."
"You know he was right no one around here cares about him. Not really. I
thought after everything that happened when he was infected you might
start to soften up towards Bobby. But no, you're still treating him like some
guy that bothers you with compliments." Darien huffed, he couldn't believe
that no one else was worried.
"What do you mean? I care about Bobby, he's one of the nicest, sweetest men
I've met since coming to work in California. I just don't believe in dating any
of the people I work with." Claire tried to defend herself.
"There's that stupid rule you all have. What difference does it make? If you are
meant to be together. You know you are missing out on so much by not allowing
you and him to ...." Darien trailed off. He was worried about his partner now
was
not the time to get her to realize she was passing up a great chance.
"I'm going to look for him." Darien stormed out of the Keep.
Claire watched him go. She tried to return to her study, but she kept
remembering what Darien had said. She did like Bobby. She always had.
When she had assisted with his treatment when he'd first started working
for the Agency. She'd gotten to know him a little. He was almost to caring
for his chosen profession, and he did have several conditions that added
to his shaky mental state at times. But he was a good man.
She just had the same philosophy as he did about dating people she worked
with.
Darien told Eberts he was leaving to look for Bobby.
"I was a bit concerned myself when you mentioned no one had talked with him
since Friday. I'll check with the local hospitals." Eberts offered.
"Thanks man, at least you believe me that something isn't right about this."
"Yes, I've known Hobbes for over a year now and he won't just not check his
messages and call you back. He worries about you as his partner."
"I'll call in." Darien went towards the door.
Darien drove to Bobby's apartment this time and broke in. He still had his lock
picking tools and he wasn't above using them. He only hadn't done this sooner
because he had considered the possibility that Bobby had meet someone and
spent a few days with her.
The apartment was neat as always, he found nothing usual. Bobby's medication
was lined up on the shelf in the bathroom. The bottles were half empty.
Darien checked the closet and found a suitcase and duffle bag sitting on the
floor. If Bobby had taken a trip it was un planned.
"Damn Partner where are you?" he whacked the wall with his hand.
Darien drove back to Bobby's favorite part of town and spent several hours
looking and asking questions. No one had seen him since Friday. Darien was
staring to really get scared now. Was it possible Chrysalis had captured
Bobby, or some other organization that wanted to hurt the agency.
"Eberts talk to me man."
"Darien yes, I'm afraid I've not located Hobbes. That is good news and bad news
I guess since I've been checking hospitals and morgues. There are not John
Doe's fitting his description. I've even checked with a contact I have on the
other side, they didn't take him. At least none of our known enemies have."
"You have a contact with Chrysalis?"
"Only in matters such as this. When one of there people went missing a inquiry
was made. I agreed to provide the information they sough if I could have return
privileges in the future."
"I hope you didn't do something that will get you in trouble with the Official."
"No, he cares about his people. He just doesn't believe Hobbes is missing, yet."
"Thanks Eberts I'll keep looking."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::
Keep moving they can't catch you if you keep moving. It was the only thought
he could keep hold of for any length of time. He wrapped his jacket tighter
around him and moved down the ally towards the docks.
It was cold, he wasn't used to the cold. But he knew how to survive, he always
knew how to survive.
:::::::::::::::::::::::
"Now do you believe me?" Darien was stand across the desk from the Official.
"Yes, you may be right. Hobbes has never missed work with out making
contact." He looked worried. "Eberts start checking."
"Yes, Sir I have been checking. I've found no trace of agent Hobbes at any of
the local hospitals, or morgues. I've spoken with our contacts and he's not
been captured or otherwise by any of our known enemies."
"I'm sorry Darien, I should have listened to you sooner." Claire was in the
office
also. She was scared for Bobby too.
"Start checking farther out, rest of the state, adjoining states he has to be
somewhere."
"Yes Sir, right away." Eberts moved to leave.
"Darien I'll assign several other men to help you look. If he'd gone of his meds
he could be in hiding."
"You think he'd do that stop taking his pills?" Darien asked. He knew Bobby
sometimes forget to take his pills but to stop taking them when they helped him.
"He did once before, when he was under almost daily care with his psychiatrist."
He picked up on it before anything drastic happened. But if for some reason
Bobby did stop taking his meds, he might be experiencing a paranoid delusion
that they are trying to hurt him."
"They?"
"Paranoia is a difficult disease to treat especially when it has some very real
causes as in Bobby's life there are real people trying to hurt him. It's the
unreal ones he has to deal with on a daily basis that require him to take the
medications."
"What about the other problems he has? Want to give me a run down on them?"
Darien knew Bobby suffered from at least two types of psychological disorders
but he wasn't sure how they fit together.
"Bobby suffers with Bipolar Disorder which has many symptoms but the three
that usually manifest themselves with him are mood swings, depression and
paranoia. When he takes his medication they are toned down and he has
learned to deal with the symptoms better over time. He is still under the
weekly care of a Psychiatrist. You've seen him on both good days and bad
days so you are familiar with his moods. Has he been talking about feeling
down lately?" Claire asked worried Bobby may have harmed himself.
"No, he was looking forward to his time off. He had plans to lay in the sun for
a few days and just take things easy for a few days." Darien shook his head
he didn't want to believe his best friend might have taken himself out.
"Bobby also has ADD, that is Attention Deficit Disorder but he's learned how
to deal with it and the medication he takes for it is minimal. If he
discontinued
that it wouldn't cause him to behave in a manner that was dangerous to either
himself or others. I'm worried if he's reached a manic stage in his Bipolar
Disorder he could not even realize what he'd doing. Bobby could hurt someone
with out realizing it." Claire paced to where Darien was standing by the window
listen to her and looking out at the street below.
"He did say he was having trouble sleeping the last few weeks is that part of
his Bipolar thing or just regular insomnia?" Darien asked, turning to look at
her, his face was set, his jaw clenched. He was getting more scared for his
partner the more she explained.
"Yes it can be. Needing to sleep all the time or not being able to sleep because
your thoughts are racing. Either is a symptom of the his condition."
Claire turned toward the Official who already knew most of these details.
"Sir I'd like to go out with Darien and help look for Bobby?"
"Yes, go with Fawkes. Find our little tiger."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::
He was still stumbling through the back allies of the city. He knew they were
after him. He didn't remember who they were, but he knew the danger was real.
He still had his gun, it was tucked in the holster by his side.
Bobby stopped to catch his breath, he was hiding at the back of a boarded up
store. The city looked familiar to him, but he wasn't sure. He didn't have any
idea where he'd left the van. He checked his pocket for his wallet and badge.
They were missing, as were any keys he might have had. He wondered how
he'd managed to lose everything but still had his gun.
He tried to think, what case was he on? And where was Darien?
He was getting his thoughts in order when a urge to run again over took
him. There was something he needed to do, but when two homeless
guys started down the ally, he high tailed it out the other
end of the ally.
Have to get away. Hide. Have to get away. Hide. The same thought was
playing in an endless loop in his head.
::::::::::::::
"Do you think we should check homeless shelters?" Darien asked Claire
as they headed out to look for Bobby.
"It's possible if he's off his medication that he has stayed at a shelter.
But he won't stay there long. His urge to keep moving to get away
will keep at him."
"I knew Bobby had problems I guess I never realized they were still there
when he took his medication. I thought the pills were so the symptoms
would stop." Darien shook his head in amazement.
"No with some people they do tone the symptoms down to the extent that
they are all but gone. But with others, like Bobby, it only lessens them so
that he can function."
Darien pulled up to the street and parked. He climbed out and assisted Claire
as they entered the front of the homeless shelter.
"Can I help you?" A priest greeted them from a small office near the door.
"We are looking for this man?" Claire had brought a picture of Bobby with them.
"No I'm sorry we haven't seen him here in the past week or so."
He shook his head, "Have you tried the shelter on Fifth street?"
"No, you're our first stop." Darien sighed, he had a feeling it was going to be
a long day.
"There's also a place on Harbor Ave those are mostly sailors. There is a place
where homeless gather over by Grant Park and another one down past the
train station."
"Thank you Father." Claire nodded. "We'll keep looking."
"What is your friends name?"
"Bobby." Darien turned back, looking the priest over again, he'd dismissed him
after he'd said that he'd not seen his friend.
"I'll say a prayer for him, that he's safe and he finds his way home."
"Thank you." Darien said, he meant it.
Once they were outside Claire touched his arm. " Don't expect to find him the
first place we look. This could take days, maybe even weeks."
"I know but we had to start somewhere."
:::::::::::::::::
Eberts was busy searching as well, only he was searching using his computer.
He'd covered all the hospital data bases in the lower half of the state and was
now working on the other half. There weren't as many John Doe's as he'd
expected but he was checking with those carefully. He made phone calls
if a contact person was listed, just to make sure any of the white males
listed weren't Bobby.
It was late afternoon when he found one that could be Bobby only there was
no listing of a person to speak with. It was a hospital in San Francisco,
Mercy General. He dialed the number for administration hoping it wasn't
to late in the day.
"Mercy Hospital. May I help you?" Came the voice of a young woman.
"Yes, Ma'am I hope so, I see you have listed a John Doe patient at your
hospital I'd like more information on him please."
"Yes, what can I tell you?"
"Do you have a date that he was admitted?"
"Yes, he was found wandering the street outside on Monday evening."
"The description says white male, late thirties to mid forties. Dark hair
and eyes."
"Yes, that is what my file says here. He wasn't suffering from alcohol
withdrawal
or any type of drug with drawl. But he doesn't know his name or where he
lives."
"I see, do you have any other physical characteristics listed? The man I'm
looking for is bald, in good shape and of average height."
"Yes, it says he's six foot with graying hair."
"Ah, then it probably isn't him. Thank you for your time."
"If you want you can send me your information and I'll keep my eyes open for
him." She offered.
"Yes, thank you." Eberts took down her fax number. If he was unsuccessful he
would make up a flyer with Bobby's picture on it to send out.
He was starting to lose hope that they would find Bobby quickly. He'd noticed
there was a website that listed homeless shelters phone numbers and if they
had one fax machines. You could send them a flyer and they would attempt to
keep a look out for your missing person.
::::::::::::::
"Claire why is Bobby still working as an agent if he has so many problems?"
"He's very good at his profession wouldn't you say?" she looked over at
Darien as he drove them to the next shelter.
"Yeah, he's the best. But if it's so hard for him to overcome his disorder why
doesn't he get a job with less stress something he can leave behind him at
the end of day?"
"Bobby loves his work, having a profession he's good at, that fills his mind
with details. He wants to be a make a contribution to his country. He wouldn't
have become a FBI Agent years ago if he didn't have a strong drive to help
people."
"Yeah, but he's put in his time. He could do something else now and no one
would say he let the agency down."
"He doesn't want to stop being an agent. It's all he's had for a number of
years now the job. Since his marriage broke up all he's really had to live
for was his job. Then you became his partner, the first real partner he's
had in a long time."
"I didn't say he wasn't a good partner. I just wonder why he keeps working
at a job that makes his life harder than it could be."
"You and he have become close over the past year I can tell. But you didn't
fully understand how hard just day to day living was for him until now. Did
you?"
"No, I never knew it was this rough on him. I never would have made so many
cracks about him taking his meds, if I had known." Darien was sorry he'd
ribbed Bobby so much about his problem.
"He wouldn't want you to pity him. He doesn't hide his condition from people,
but he doesn't expect any favors because of it either. It's just a fact."
Claire got the picture of Bobby out again as they arrived at the next area to
check for anyone that had seen him.
They spent the entire day checking shelters and areas of the city they though
he might be hiding in. They didn't so much as come up with a sighting of him.
Darien dropped Claire off at the agency so she could get her car. Then he
went inside, Eberts was still working. He was determined to find something.
"Hey man why don't you take a break." Darien greeted Eberts.
"Hello, it's been a long day. I've made these up." Eberts handed Darien a
sample of the poster he'd created with Bobby's picture. It listed the agency
number and Eberts own personal cell phone number as contact points.
"These are great Eberts, I didn't even think of putting up posters."
"They aren't for posting, they are for sending to shelters and hospitals.
Also police headquarters at all the a joining states. Law enforcement officers
all over the west coast will be keeping an eye out for him as a missing person
of special interest."
"Special interest is that code for something?" Darien flopped down into a chair
and exhaled.
"It means he's one of our own but he'd not wanted for anything criminal."
Eberts explained.
"Kind of like officer down, need assistance. They will make a special effort to
look for him since he is a fellow officer suspected of being in trouble."
"Exactly." Eberts nodded.
"Did you have to clear these with the Official?"
"Yes, but he was all for it. He was the one who suggested the Special interest
notation."
Darien look surprised, he did care about his agents after all. The tough act was
just an act for appearances.
"You should go home and get some sleep."
"I will, you should to. I know you are use to putting in long hours here. But
you've been at this all day. I think Claire was right we aren't going to find
him quickly." Darien returned to his feet and headed for the door.
"Night Eberts, thanks."
"Yes, Good night Darien. I wish I'd found something."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby ducked into the area under a fire escape to hide and collect
his thoughts.
Darien and he must have become separated during their mission.
He didn't remember any details, but he was sure he must have been on
a case. He should call in, Darien might be safe back at the Agency.
He had to find a phone.
But first he needed something.... what did he need? He searched his
pockets again. He had a nagging feeling what he needed was usually in
his breast pocket. He patted his chest again, like a reformed smoker
who reached for his pack of cigarettes.
His head was hurting, not just the front like from tension. His
whole head hurt, from temple to top to back. Focus Bobby, you need to
call in. He moved out of the darkness and headed towards the lights
at the top of hill.
He located a pay phone and attempted to dial the Agency number, but
the phone kept cutting him off. After five tries he dialed the
operator, but could only get a recording saying all lines were busy,
please try again later.
His head was really pounding now. The walk up the hill had gotten his
blood pumping more and it was all he could do to stay standing.
Run, hide. They are after you. Run, hide. That damn feeling was back
again. Bobby checked for his gun, it was still there. The weight was
so familiar to him he had to touch the grip of his forty-five to make
sure it was there. He decided to look for another phone. He had to be
careful. He couldn't go where there were people, they might find him.
He started off again, checking over his shoulder every few seconds.
::::::::::::::::::::::
Darien lay awake, he'd known he wouldn't sleep. He'd drifted off for
a few hours when he first lay down, but he was wide awake after a few
hours of sleep. He wondered where Bobby could possibly have gotten
off to. He cared a lot about his partner. He had never realized how
rough his life had been.
Darien was sure if he had the choice he wouldn't be an agent for the
government. The bad points out weighted the good points. But Bobby
was the kind of guy who wanted to help people.
He was freaking John Wayne, he was everything all those old movies
claimed men were supposed to be strong, loyal, dependable, good in a
fight. But gentle with kids and women.
Darien rolled onto his side and remembered his first case with Bobby.
It had almost been a disaster, but only because he hadn't wanted to
follow Bobby's orders. He learned the hard way that Bobby knew his
spy craft. It would make him even harder to find if he was hiding on
purpose. Unless Bobby had moments of clearness, during his bouts of
paranoia.
Darien got up and headed for his shower. He might as well get dressed
and start his day. Eberts was usually at the office bright and early.
Maybe he could help send out some of those flyers before Claire got
to work.
"Darien I didn't expect to see you so early." Eberts looked up from
his work.
"Hey, I thought maybe you could use some help." Darien was carrying a
huge cup of coffee and a bag of donuts.
"I've made a list if you would take over from here and check them off
as you go. I'll get back to the online search." Eberts handed him the
list of shelters.
Darien sent out two dozen sets of flyers before Claire arrived. The
Agency fax machine was slow or he could have done more.
"Good morning gentlemen, I have a good feeling this morning. I think
we are going to find something." Claire smiled at them both as she
entered the office.
"I hope you're right, let's go." Darien waved to Eberts and headed
for the door.
"Wait a second. I have to stop by the lab for a few minutes and
check on a few things." Claire waved to Eberts also, then followed
Darien out.
They covered the rest of the city, then started north. Eberts had
made a list of shelters between San Diego and LA. He'd managed to
contact the two larger shelters but they were going to have to visit
the others and look.
Eberts called in with a possible siting late that afternoon.
"Yeah?"
"Darien I've just spoken with a lady who said Bobby might have been
at her shelter last night. She said it's hard to say, but he was
bald, average height and looked in better shape than most of the
people she sees."
"Which one?"
"It's the one called Seaman and Sailor's Shelter." Eberts sounded
hopeful.
"We'll check it out, and if we don't find anything I think we are
going to stay over here tonight and get an early start tomorrow."
"Fine let me know either way."
"You got it, thanks." Darien closed his phone.
"We're staying in LA tonight?"
"Yeah, I guess I should have asked you first. Do you mind?" Darien
hadn't stopped to think she might prefer a little warning before
having to spend the night.
"I don't mind, but I'll need a few things."
They checked two shelters before heading over to the Seaman and
Sailor place. Darien knew that the men who spent the night in a
shelter didn't arrive until just before dark. So they wanted to stake
out the place and watch for Bobby.
"Nothing, not even close." Darien said after watching for several
hours.
"I was sure we had a good tip this time." Claire sighed, she was
sitting in the passenger seat, her head resting against the back of
the seat.
"I'm going to go check with the woman Eberts spoke with."
Darien wasn't gone long, "I guess I shouldn't expect so much. The man
she thought might be Bobby was there, not even close except he was
bald." Darien complained as he climbed back into the car.
"I'm sorry."
"Where do you want to stop for the things you need?" Darien started
the car.
"There was a drug store near the freeway exit we could stop there."
Darien was so down about not finding Bobby he wasn't even hungry.
Claire attempted to tempt him with his favorite kind of pizza. But he
wasn't interested in food.
"I'm just going to crash, maybe I can sleep for a few hours." He took
a turn in the bathroom of the motel room they were sharing then
climbed into his bed.
Claire was exhausted but she needed to perform her usual ablutions
before she was ready for bed. She'd found a large tee shirt at the
drug store and was planning to wear it at a night shirt. She'd gotten
Darien a fresh shirt for the next day and herself a shirt that was
not her usual style but would do. Darien was sound a sleep by the
time she exited the bathroom. She turned out the light, and slipped
into her bed.
Darien was dreaming, his legs moving in his sleep, his head trashing
on the pillow.
He was dreaming about losing Bobby. He was dreaming that Bobby needed
help and he was standing watching. Bobby lay bleeding in an ally
somewhere and Darien couldn't get there to help him.
"No! Hang on Partner I'm coming." Darien called out in his sleep.
Claire woke up, and rushed to wake him. "Darien, wake up. You are
having a nightmare."
She shook him by the shoulders. "Wake up it's only a dream."
"Bobby?" Darien asked, then opened his eyes, he was disoriented. He
blinked at Claire.
"It was a dream. It's alright." Claire told him, moving a hand from
his shoulder to his cheek, "Take breath."
"Claire, thanks for waking me." Darien looked into her eyes. His
dream had been so real, he never wanted to have a dream like that
again. His heart was racing. He exhaled.
"Did you have a dream like this last night?" Ever the scientist she
was curious.
"No, and I hope this was the first and last." He took another deep
breath and exhaled.
"Do you want to tell me about it?"
"It was Bobby he was hurt, and I couldn't help him." Darien started
to relive the feeling of being desperate to get to his friend, his
breathing became fast again, he fought of the urge to cry. "I
couldn't help him."
"It was just a dream, Darien. I'm sure we will find him soon. And he
is rather good at taking care of himself." She tried to sooth his
fears. Claire was surprised when Darien collected her in his arms and
hugged her close. She curved her hands over his shoulder and hugged
him back.
Darien had suddenly realized he was alone in the world except for
Bobby and Claire. His only close friends. The sudden need to hold her
close, show her he needed her and cared about her overwhelming.
Claire stayed in his embrace until his breathing returned to normal.
She could feel his heart beat was settling down as well. " We will
find him Darien."
She eased back and looked into his dark eyes.
"I know, I'm Ok, now." he told her.
Claire moved back to her bed and sat on the side facing him, tucking
her legs up under her and pulling the sheet over so she wouldn't take
a chill.
Darien was feeling awkward now. But he'd already shown Claire every
conceivable faucet of his personality. He didn't know why crying in
her arms should be any different.
"Sorry, I ah.... "
"You don't have to apologize, everyone has bad dreams."
"Yeah, it just seems kind of backwards. The chick is supposed to need
comforting not the guy." Darien was trying to joke, only it wasn't
working.
"If I need a shoulder to lean on I'm sure you'll be up the
challenge." Claire told him.
He was a more responsible person now than he had been when he'd first
come to them. She liked to think pairing him with Bobby had helped
with his personal growth. Kevin had hoped giving him the
responsibility, for the gland, would help Darien to mature.
Claire thought it had, that and his learning to work with a partner
and a team.
"Man it's only two, I guess I'd better try and go back to sleep. Or
at least let you go back to sleep." Darien lay back and closed his
eyes so Claire wouldn't feel she had to stay up with him.
:::::::::::::::::
Darien's cell phone was ringing, but he wasn't waking up to answer
it.
Claire knew it wasn't her phone because her's had a chirp ring. She
sat up and looked over at Darien, he was still sleeping soundly. So
she slipped out of bed and looked for his phone.
"Hello?"
"Claire? I was expecting Darien." Eberts's cool tone came over the
line.
"He's still sleeping. What's up?" She shifted from one foot to
another, as it was cold in the room.
"I have another tip for you. I received a fax from a Salvation Army
shelter in San Francisco."
"San Francisco that's kind of far away Eberts do you think we need to
check it out?"
"I'm going to attempt to contact the person who sent me the fax. But
I thought Darien would want to know."
"Ok, I'll tell him. Call back after you make contact. Thank you for
all your help on this Albert."
"Yes, I'm glad to, I'll call back later." Eberts hung up. He wondered
if there was anything between Claire and Darien, then shook his head,
no there didn't seem to be that kind of feeling between them. Now
Bobby definitely had a thing for Claire but he wouldn't approach her
because of his rule about fishing of the company pier.
"Darien wake up, we have to get going." Claire touched his side,
shaking him enough to wake him.
"Ah, is it morning already?" he rolled over and stretched, the sheet
slipping down his body and revealing his hard chest and lean abdomen.
"I'm taking a quick shower." Claire informed him and disappeared into
the bathroom. She was used to seeing him half naked, but for some
reason seeing him stretching just now had been a real eye opener.
:::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby stumbled forward, he was finding it difficult to concentrate. He'd
started to look for another phone but every time he saw people he ducked back
into an ally or behind a building. His desire to hide was over riding his desire
to make contact with his friends.
He slept in an ally, covered with newspapers he'd dug out of a trash can and
felt even worse when he woke up than when he'd gone to sleep. He was
hungry, he wasn't sure the last time he'd eaten. He was moving east towards
the dock area of the city. He could smell the sea air as he came closer to
the ocean. He was passing a area with several homeless guys standing
around, as he passed them. Keeping his eyes moving looking for any
sign of trouble one of the men called out to him.
"Hey man want some food. The lady that passes out sandwiches will be stopping
by in a few minutes."
Bobby shook his head and kept moving. He was two blocks farther up the street
when a woman pulled to the curb in a beat up blue van and opened the side door.
She passed out foil wrapped sandwiches to the men, giving each one for now
and one for later. The one for later was peanut butter and jelly.
"Hey, Ma'am thank you." The man that had called out to Bobby always said
thank you. He'd been on the streets for three years, but he wasn't so bad off
that he couldn't act human. He'd spent time in almost all of the shelters at
one time or another. The Salvation Army one was the nicest but they made
you listen to prayer meeting all the time.
"There's a new guy, he looked like he could use some food. Not real big, won't
have much to live off of if he doesn't eat."
"I'll keep a look out for him." She nodded, if you offered help to some of
these men when they first arrived on the streets it just might make a
difference.
This was her last stop on the morning run. She was headed back to the mission.
She was stopped at a light several blocks away when she noticed a man moving
along the street near the buildings. He kept looking behind him every few steps.
She'd seen that behavior before, something like a third of the people on the
streets where mentally ill. She pulled up to the next block and parked the van.
She opened the side door and waited for him to get close.
"I'm with the Mission, would you like a sandwich?" she asked Bobby as he was
moving past.
Bobby looked at her, paused for a second then shook his head.
"Are you sure? They're ham and cheese, most of the guys like 'em."
She called after him and held up the sandwich.
Something in her voice made him stop and look at her. He was struggling
with himself. He stepped back towards the van, "I need to call in. Do you
have a phone?"
"No, I don't but I can take you to where there is one."
Bobby shook his head no, he couldn't risk going with her. He backed up.
"Take the sandwich, you might want it later."
Bobby accepted the foil wrapped food, "Thanks."
The woman shrugged and closed the side door. She knew that she could only do
so much for these people. There was always another one that needed something.
Chasing one man down wasn't productive.
Bobby carried the sandwich with him, then stopped and opened the foil. He
ate but he didn't really taste the food. He was feeling tired again, he might
have
to find somewhere to hide and sleep again.
:::::::::::::::::::::
Darien and Claire searched Los Angeles with Eberts assistance. They found no
one who'd seen Bobby. The man who had sent the fax about a man that might
be Bobby turned out to be wrong.
"Claire how long could he go with out his medication? I mean it starts to wear
off after he misses a few. But he doesn't get worse the longer he is with out
the pills?" Darien asked, having just thought that might be the case.
"No, he doesn't get worse. He'll have good periods and bad ones. He might
relearn to function with the feeling of danger always with him. Or he might
slip deeper into protection mode." She knew she wasn't telling him good news
but she had to tell him the truth.
"Crap, I think we need to head north again. He might have gone to San
Francisco."
Darien slammed the car door.
"If we're going farther from home. You'd better speak with the Official. I don't
have any counteragent with me."
"Oh, right I guess we do have to ask permission."
Darien dialed the Fat man's number. " We still haven't located Bobby. I think we
need to try looking in Frisco."
"Alright take a few more days. But I'll expect you back at the end of the
week."
The Official sounded gruff as usual, but worried.
"Thanks man, we'll stay in touch." Darien flipped his phone closed. Turning to
Claire
"He said it was alright, just be back by the end of the week."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby slept in an ally again the third night. He remembered the lady that had
given
him the sandwich and decided to look for her again. She said she could take him
to
a phone. He waited near the place he'd seen her the day before. Keeping his arms
wrapped around his body, as it was growing colder each day.
She arrived with her sandwiches, and passed them out to the waiting men. She was
surprised to see the new man from the day before. He looked tired, and scared.
"Would like a sandwich today?" she offered him one.
"You said you could take me to a phone. I need to call in." Bobby looked into
her eyes.
"Yes, if you come with me. I can take you to the mission. It has a phone." She
assured
him.
"Ok," Bobby climbed into the van passenger seat. His eyes watching her every
move
as if he suspected her of attempting to trap him.
"My name is Faith, what's your name?"
"Bobby, just call me Bobby." He swallowed and tried to stay calm. He had the
overwhelming
urge to jump out of the van and run.
"The mission is only a few blocks down this way. We will be there in five
minutes."
Faith told him, she saw that he was frightened. She didn't think it was of her.
Bobby forced himself to stay in the van. But as soon as she pulled into the
church
parking lot he was opening the door and climbing out.
"Come on the phone is up stairs." Faith carried the empty container inside with
her and flipped on the light in the hall. Father Jim worked afternoons, but he
didn't
come in until after mid morning mass.
"The phone is here, I'll be in the kitchen."
Bobby dialed the agency number and Eberts answered.
"Can I help you?"
"I'm calling in, I think I was hit in the head or something." Bobby started.
"Bobby is that you? Where are you? We've been looking everywhere?"
"I'm not sure Frisco I think. Is Fawkes OK?"
"Yes, he's fine tell me where you are, so he can meet you." Eberts was esthetic
that
Bobby had been found.
"The mission on Bay St. Do you want me to stay here until Fawkes gets here?"
"Yes, stay there, he'll meet you in a few minutes. Don't leave. That is a safe
place."
Eberts prayed Darien could get there quickly.
"Ok, I'll wait until he makes contact." Then Bobby hung up the phone.
Eberts almost screamed. He dialed star sixty nine and prayed it worked. He got
the number and saw that is was in fact a San Francisco area code.
He quickly dialed Darien's cell phone.
"Yeah?" Darien answered, his voice very depressed sounding.
"He called in, he's safe at least for the moment. He sounded funny, not like
himself.
He's at a mission on Bay St." Eberts blurted out.
Darien whooped and picked up Claire to hug her and swing her around. He almost
dropped his phone in the process.
"Thanks Eberts. We're on the way." He raced back to the car.
"I guess that means you know where Bobby is?" Claire asked following him
as fast as she could.
"Yeah, he's Ok, but Eberts said he sounded funny. We have to hurry." Darien
threw
the car into gear and pealed out of the parking lot.
"Bay St. that has to be down near the docks right?"
"Yes, make a left at the next light." Claire was reading the map, guiding his
driving.
"Bay St. got it, how far down do we need to go?"
::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby looked for Faith after he made the call.
"My friends are coming for me, could I clean up a little before they get here?"
"Sure there is a shower down the hall, and I can get you a clean shirt. There is
soap and
disposable razors." Faith showed him to the men's bathroom that was for the
homeless
people.
Bobby showered and was about to shave when a knock came at the door.
"I have a shirt for you."
"Thank you." Bobby accepted the shirt from her, he'd put his pants back on. But
his shirt had been more dirty. Faith tried not to stare at his chest, his build
was
strong, tapered down to a trim waist.
"You're welcome." She turned to leave.
Bobby turned towards the mirror again. He hardly recognized the face looking
back
at him. Three days of stubble, dark rings under red eyes. A bruise on the side
of his
jaw. He didn't remember getting into a fight with anyone. He rubbed his face,
he wasn't sure his hands were steady enough to shave. So he pulled on the shirt
and finished dressing.
He found Faith again. "Thank you. Can I help you with anything?"
"No, I'm caught up with things for the moment. Would you like some coffee?"
"Yeah," Bobby took a seat at the long table in the eating hall.
He was getting that feeling again, the voice in his head telling him to run,
hide.
He tried to ignore it.
"I'm glad you came with me today. I'm sure your friends will be here soon."
Faith sensed he was feeling uneasy again. He was rolling his head, one hand
was clenched into a fist by his side.
"Here have something to eat with your coffee. We don't often have baked
goods, but a donation came in this morning from the local bakery." She
offered him a muffin.
Bobby reached for one, then stood up. He was really having trouble sitting
still. "I think I'd better go now."
"Wait just a few more minutes. I'm sure they will be here soon." Faith stood
too, wanting to stop him from leaving. She lightly touched his arm.
Bobby pulled back. Her touch had been like an electric shock, he stared at her.
"I have to go." He turned and almost ran from the room.
Faith didn't think she could stop him from leaving. She wasn't sure she should
even
try. But he'd seemed so calm there for a few minutes.
She heard a car pulling up to the mission. She ran out front to see if it was
Bobby's
friends.
"Hello, we were looking for ..." Claire started.
"He just left out the back way, you can catch him if you hurry." Faith pointed
towards
the side ally that ran the length of the building.
Darien was running flat out, scared he'd missed his partner. He scanned the lot
behind
the mission. He didn't see Bobby anywhere. Claire was behind him and Faith
behind
her.
"Crap, he's gone."
"He can't be, let me check inside." Faith opened the door. Bobby was inside
hiding.
He'd backed himself into a dark corner at the sound of the voices outside.
"He's here." She called to them.
"Bobby? Man am I glad to see you!" Darien hugged him lifting him off his feet at
first then realizing he wasn't answering.
"Claire something's wrong, help him."
"Bobby do you know who we are?" she asked moving in beside him.
He nodded, his eyes wide with fright. "Darien and Claire."
"It's alright buddy, we'll get you the help you need. You're safe now. OK?"
Darien tried to sound calm and comforting but, he shot a look at Claire that
said he
hated seeing Bobby like this. He looked scared to death.
"Could you bring me a glass of water please?" Claire asked Faith, she dug the
pills
out of her bag and choose two for him to take.
"Can't you give him something that will work faster?" Darien asked.
"No, this can't be rushed unless you want me to sedate him."
"No, don't do that unless we have to. He looks really bad, like he's been in
a fight or something."
"I still have my weapon. I'm Ok." Bobby told him.
Darien saw that his forty five was still in his holster. But his clothes were
dirty and
torn, like he had fought off an attacker at some point.
Faith returned with the water and Bobby swallowed his pills.
"We're going to take you home now Partner." Darien had a hand on Bobby's
shoulder
he was still worried for his friend.
"Thank you for helping him, we really appreciate your assistance." Claire shook
Faith's hand.
"I'm glad he had friends that want to help. Bye Bobby." Faith smiled at him.
Darien realized he should thank the woman also, she'd almost saved Bobby's life.
"I want to say thank you too. Bobby is my partner, and I was going crazy trying
to
find him. Thank you for your help." Darien shook Faith's hand, and looked into
her eyes so that she knew he was serious.
"You're welcome."
They all ushered Bobby back to the car in front of the mission. Darien wanted
Claire
to sit with Bobby while he drove.
Bobby waved to Faith as they pulled off.
"How long will it take for him to feel better?" Darien asked Claire as soon as
they
were on the highway towards home.
"A few days the medication has to gradually reenter his system. He should feel
more at ease soon, by the end of the day I should think."
"I'd better call in, Eberts is probably wondering how things went."
Darien dialed his cell phone again, "Eberts buddy, we have Bobby, he's Ok. Just
a little
disoriented. We should be back in a few hours."
"Good that's good news. I'll tell the Official you're on the way back." Eberts
was smiling
as he hung up the phone and went to tell his boss that Bobby was safe and on the
way home.
When they arrived back at the Agency, Claire was in charge.
"Darien I want to keep a close watch on Bobby for several days. I want to
examine him
now and he has to spend the night here."
"Ok I'll go home and clean up then run by his place and get him some clothes."
"Fine, Bobby come with me and we'll check you over. How is your head feeling?"
Claire was holding Bobby's arm and walking along with him.
"My head's Ok, why did I get hit or something?"
"Yes, I think you did. You have a bruise on your temple." Claire had him sit up
on
the exam table and looked in his eyes with the ophthalmoscope. His pupils were
fine.
He listened to his lungs, heart and checked his blood pressure.
"How do you feel?" He'd had a second dose of his medication before they arrived
and he seemed a little more calm now."
"I'm not so tense. But there's still an edge there." Bobby knew how to deal with
the lesser need to hide, he'd gone through all of this before when he'd first
needed to
start taking medication.
" Why did you stop taking your medication Bobby can you tell me?" Claire had
seen
no signs that he was depressed.
"I didn't stop taking my meds. I'm sure of that I picked up the refill a couple
of
days before my vacation." He rubbed his hand over his face. He didn't know
what had happened but he knew he took his pills.
"Um, I'll have Darien bring the bottles from your house. Maybe you were given
the wrong dose or something." Claire was puzzled, but curious.
Darien returned with clothes for Bobby and the pills.
"Let me check this out." Claire went out to the other lab facility.
"How are you doing?" Darien nodded to his partner.
"I'm hanging in there. I think I'm going to get some sleep. I'm kind of tired."
Bobby moved off the exam table and went to the cot in the corner that Claire
had set up for him.
"Ok, I'll hang out until Claire comes back.." Darien took one of the chairs
by the computer.
"This is very suspicious, these pills are fake. They look like the medication
Bobby is supposed to be taking but they are inert." Claire explained when
she returned to the Keep.
"Arnaud, I'll just bet he had something to do with this." Darien pounded one
hand into the other.
"It's always possible, I'll have to get Bobby's medication from a secure
source from now on. So that this can't happen again."
"You need to get some sleep, I'll stay here with Bobby. You go home and
I'll see you tomorrow." Darien saw that she was tired it had been a rough
few days.
"Yes, I think I'd like to sleep in my own bed for a change. I'll see you
tomorrow.
I've locked the door from this side as well so you'll need you key to go in or
out.
Bobby needs to be watched for a day or two yet."
"Right, I'll keep an eye on him." Darien nodded.
"The Official did check in a little while ago. He was wondering when Bobby could
return to full duty."
" Yeah, that sounds like him. Go on Claire go home."
"I'm going, see you tomorrow."
Darien paced back across the room and looked down at his partner sleeping on
the cot. He didn't think he'd ever let himself care about anyone again after
Kevin had died. But he was as close to Bobby as he'd ever been with his brother.
Closer.
He sighed and went back to the desk where he'd set the book he'd brought from
home. He settled into a chair to read.
The first quote he read was very fitting for the past few days.
"Honest men esteem and value nothing so much as a true friend.
Such a one as if another self, to whom we impart our most secret
thoughts, who partakes of our joy, and comforts us in our affliction.
Add to this that his company is an ever lasting pleasure to us."
Darien nodded as he read, that just about said it all.
end
by mardel
PG-13
I just borrowed them for the story.
Darien couldn't believe it. He'd checked with Eberts and as far as anyone knew
Bobby hadn't been seen or heard from in four days. Yeah he was supposed to be
on leave, a well earned leave that he'd planned on taking for over a month now
but it just wasn't like Bobby to lose contact.
He was too paranoid about Darien for one thing to go more than six hours
without knowing if he was Ok. During the past year that he'd been working for
the agency Darien and Bobby had grown close. They depending on each other.
They had proven their devotion by risking their own life for each other on more
than one occasion.
He'd called Bobby's apartment. He'd checked several of Bobby's hang outs
No one had seen him since Friday. It was now Tuesday.
"Darien, Bobby was taking a vacation maybe he decided to drive up the coast."
Claire suggested.
"He was planning on going to the beach, hanging out with some friends and
just taking it easy." Darien explained.
"Maybe he met someone?"
"He would still check his messages. I know Bobby something must have
happened." Darien paced across the lab, he hated not knowing if he should really
be worried for his partner or not.
"He's not due back until Thursday, why don't you relax until then. If he doesn't
show up for work then the Official will but out a bulletin on him and you can
go looking for him then."
"You know he was right no one around here cares about him. Not really. I
thought after everything that happened when he was infected you might
start to soften up towards Bobby. But no, you're still treating him like some
guy that bothers you with compliments." Darien huffed, he couldn't believe
that no one else was worried.
"What do you mean? I care about Bobby, he's one of the nicest, sweetest men
I've met since coming to work in California. I just don't believe in dating any
of the people I work with." Claire tried to defend herself.
"There's that stupid rule you all have. What difference does it make? If you are
meant to be together. You know you are missing out on so much by not allowing
you and him to ...." Darien trailed off. He was worried about his partner now
was
not the time to get her to realize she was passing up a great chance.
"I'm going to look for him." Darien stormed out of the Keep.
Claire watched him go. She tried to return to her study, but she kept
remembering what Darien had said. She did like Bobby. She always had.
When she had assisted with his treatment when he'd first started working
for the Agency. She'd gotten to know him a little. He was almost to caring
for his chosen profession, and he did have several conditions that added
to his shaky mental state at times. But he was a good man.
She just had the same philosophy as he did about dating people she worked
with.
Darien told Eberts he was leaving to look for Bobby.
"I was a bit concerned myself when you mentioned no one had talked with him
since Friday. I'll check with the local hospitals." Eberts offered.
"Thanks man, at least you believe me that something isn't right about this."
"Yes, I've known Hobbes for over a year now and he won't just not check his
messages and call you back. He worries about you as his partner."
"I'll call in." Darien went towards the door.
Darien drove to Bobby's apartment this time and broke in. He still had his lock
picking tools and he wasn't above using them. He only hadn't done this sooner
because he had considered the possibility that Bobby had meet someone and
spent a few days with her.
The apartment was neat as always, he found nothing usual. Bobby's medication
was lined up on the shelf in the bathroom. The bottles were half empty.
Darien checked the closet and found a suitcase and duffle bag sitting on the
floor. If Bobby had taken a trip it was un planned.
"Damn Partner where are you?" he whacked the wall with his hand.
Darien drove back to Bobby's favorite part of town and spent several hours
looking and asking questions. No one had seen him since Friday. Darien was
staring to really get scared now. Was it possible Chrysalis had captured
Bobby, or some other organization that wanted to hurt the agency.
"Eberts talk to me man."
"Darien yes, I'm afraid I've not located Hobbes. That is good news and bad news
I guess since I've been checking hospitals and morgues. There are not John
Doe's fitting his description. I've even checked with a contact I have on the
other side, they didn't take him. At least none of our known enemies have."
"You have a contact with Chrysalis?"
"Only in matters such as this. When one of there people went missing a inquiry
was made. I agreed to provide the information they sough if I could have return
privileges in the future."
"I hope you didn't do something that will get you in trouble with the Official."
"No, he cares about his people. He just doesn't believe Hobbes is missing, yet."
"Thanks Eberts I'll keep looking."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::
Keep moving they can't catch you if you keep moving. It was the only thought
he could keep hold of for any length of time. He wrapped his jacket tighter
around him and moved down the ally towards the docks.
It was cold, he wasn't used to the cold. But he knew how to survive, he always
knew how to survive.
:::::::::::::::::::::::
"Now do you believe me?" Darien was stand across the desk from the Official.
"Yes, you may be right. Hobbes has never missed work with out making
contact." He looked worried. "Eberts start checking."
"Yes, Sir I have been checking. I've found no trace of agent Hobbes at any of
the local hospitals, or morgues. I've spoken with our contacts and he's not
been captured or otherwise by any of our known enemies."
"I'm sorry Darien, I should have listened to you sooner." Claire was in the
office
also. She was scared for Bobby too.
"Start checking farther out, rest of the state, adjoining states he has to be
somewhere."
"Yes Sir, right away." Eberts moved to leave.
"Darien I'll assign several other men to help you look. If he'd gone of his meds
he could be in hiding."
"You think he'd do that stop taking his pills?" Darien asked. He knew Bobby
sometimes forget to take his pills but to stop taking them when they helped him.
"He did once before, when he was under almost daily care with his psychiatrist."
He picked up on it before anything drastic happened. But if for some reason
Bobby did stop taking his meds, he might be experiencing a paranoid delusion
that they are trying to hurt him."
"They?"
"Paranoia is a difficult disease to treat especially when it has some very real
causes as in Bobby's life there are real people trying to hurt him. It's the
unreal ones he has to deal with on a daily basis that require him to take the
medications."
"What about the other problems he has? Want to give me a run down on them?"
Darien knew Bobby suffered from at least two types of psychological disorders
but he wasn't sure how they fit together.
"Bobby suffers with Bipolar Disorder which has many symptoms but the three
that usually manifest themselves with him are mood swings, depression and
paranoia. When he takes his medication they are toned down and he has
learned to deal with the symptoms better over time. He is still under the
weekly care of a Psychiatrist. You've seen him on both good days and bad
days so you are familiar with his moods. Has he been talking about feeling
down lately?" Claire asked worried Bobby may have harmed himself.
"No, he was looking forward to his time off. He had plans to lay in the sun for
a few days and just take things easy for a few days." Darien shook his head
he didn't want to believe his best friend might have taken himself out.
"Bobby also has ADD, that is Attention Deficit Disorder but he's learned how
to deal with it and the medication he takes for it is minimal. If he
discontinued
that it wouldn't cause him to behave in a manner that was dangerous to either
himself or others. I'm worried if he's reached a manic stage in his Bipolar
Disorder he could not even realize what he'd doing. Bobby could hurt someone
with out realizing it." Claire paced to where Darien was standing by the window
listen to her and looking out at the street below.
"He did say he was having trouble sleeping the last few weeks is that part of
his Bipolar thing or just regular insomnia?" Darien asked, turning to look at
her, his face was set, his jaw clenched. He was getting more scared for his
partner the more she explained.
"Yes it can be. Needing to sleep all the time or not being able to sleep because
your thoughts are racing. Either is a symptom of the his condition."
Claire turned toward the Official who already knew most of these details.
"Sir I'd like to go out with Darien and help look for Bobby?"
"Yes, go with Fawkes. Find our little tiger."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::
He was still stumbling through the back allies of the city. He knew they were
after him. He didn't remember who they were, but he knew the danger was real.
He still had his gun, it was tucked in the holster by his side.
Bobby stopped to catch his breath, he was hiding at the back of a boarded up
store. The city looked familiar to him, but he wasn't sure. He didn't have any
idea where he'd left the van. He checked his pocket for his wallet and badge.
They were missing, as were any keys he might have had. He wondered how
he'd managed to lose everything but still had his gun.
He tried to think, what case was he on? And where was Darien?
He was getting his thoughts in order when a urge to run again over took
him. There was something he needed to do, but when two homeless
guys started down the ally, he high tailed it out the other
end of the ally.
Have to get away. Hide. Have to get away. Hide. The same thought was
playing in an endless loop in his head.
::::::::::::::
"Do you think we should check homeless shelters?" Darien asked Claire
as they headed out to look for Bobby.
"It's possible if he's off his medication that he has stayed at a shelter.
But he won't stay there long. His urge to keep moving to get away
will keep at him."
"I knew Bobby had problems I guess I never realized they were still there
when he took his medication. I thought the pills were so the symptoms
would stop." Darien shook his head in amazement.
"No with some people they do tone the symptoms down to the extent that
they are all but gone. But with others, like Bobby, it only lessens them so
that he can function."
Darien pulled up to the street and parked. He climbed out and assisted Claire
as they entered the front of the homeless shelter.
"Can I help you?" A priest greeted them from a small office near the door.
"We are looking for this man?" Claire had brought a picture of Bobby with them.
"No I'm sorry we haven't seen him here in the past week or so."
He shook his head, "Have you tried the shelter on Fifth street?"
"No, you're our first stop." Darien sighed, he had a feeling it was going to be
a long day.
"There's also a place on Harbor Ave those are mostly sailors. There is a place
where homeless gather over by Grant Park and another one down past the
train station."
"Thank you Father." Claire nodded. "We'll keep looking."
"What is your friends name?"
"Bobby." Darien turned back, looking the priest over again, he'd dismissed him
after he'd said that he'd not seen his friend.
"I'll say a prayer for him, that he's safe and he finds his way home."
"Thank you." Darien said, he meant it.
Once they were outside Claire touched his arm. " Don't expect to find him the
first place we look. This could take days, maybe even weeks."
"I know but we had to start somewhere."
:::::::::::::::::
Eberts was busy searching as well, only he was searching using his computer.
He'd covered all the hospital data bases in the lower half of the state and was
now working on the other half. There weren't as many John Doe's as he'd
expected but he was checking with those carefully. He made phone calls
if a contact person was listed, just to make sure any of the white males
listed weren't Bobby.
It was late afternoon when he found one that could be Bobby only there was
no listing of a person to speak with. It was a hospital in San Francisco,
Mercy General. He dialed the number for administration hoping it wasn't
to late in the day.
"Mercy Hospital. May I help you?" Came the voice of a young woman.
"Yes, Ma'am I hope so, I see you have listed a John Doe patient at your
hospital I'd like more information on him please."
"Yes, what can I tell you?"
"Do you have a date that he was admitted?"
"Yes, he was found wandering the street outside on Monday evening."
"The description says white male, late thirties to mid forties. Dark hair
and eyes."
"Yes, that is what my file says here. He wasn't suffering from alcohol
withdrawal
or any type of drug with drawl. But he doesn't know his name or where he
lives."
"I see, do you have any other physical characteristics listed? The man I'm
looking for is bald, in good shape and of average height."
"Yes, it says he's six foot with graying hair."
"Ah, then it probably isn't him. Thank you for your time."
"If you want you can send me your information and I'll keep my eyes open for
him." She offered.
"Yes, thank you." Eberts took down her fax number. If he was unsuccessful he
would make up a flyer with Bobby's picture on it to send out.
He was starting to lose hope that they would find Bobby quickly. He'd noticed
there was a website that listed homeless shelters phone numbers and if they
had one fax machines. You could send them a flyer and they would attempt to
keep a look out for your missing person.
::::::::::::::
"Claire why is Bobby still working as an agent if he has so many problems?"
"He's very good at his profession wouldn't you say?" she looked over at
Darien as he drove them to the next shelter.
"Yeah, he's the best. But if it's so hard for him to overcome his disorder why
doesn't he get a job with less stress something he can leave behind him at
the end of day?"
"Bobby loves his work, having a profession he's good at, that fills his mind
with details. He wants to be a make a contribution to his country. He wouldn't
have become a FBI Agent years ago if he didn't have a strong drive to help
people."
"Yeah, but he's put in his time. He could do something else now and no one
would say he let the agency down."
"He doesn't want to stop being an agent. It's all he's had for a number of
years now the job. Since his marriage broke up all he's really had to live
for was his job. Then you became his partner, the first real partner he's
had in a long time."
"I didn't say he wasn't a good partner. I just wonder why he keeps working
at a job that makes his life harder than it could be."
"You and he have become close over the past year I can tell. But you didn't
fully understand how hard just day to day living was for him until now. Did
you?"
"No, I never knew it was this rough on him. I never would have made so many
cracks about him taking his meds, if I had known." Darien was sorry he'd
ribbed Bobby so much about his problem.
"He wouldn't want you to pity him. He doesn't hide his condition from people,
but he doesn't expect any favors because of it either. It's just a fact."
Claire got the picture of Bobby out again as they arrived at the next area to
check for anyone that had seen him.
They spent the entire day checking shelters and areas of the city they though
he might be hiding in. They didn't so much as come up with a sighting of him.
Darien dropped Claire off at the agency so she could get her car. Then he
went inside, Eberts was still working. He was determined to find something.
"Hey man why don't you take a break." Darien greeted Eberts.
"Hello, it's been a long day. I've made these up." Eberts handed Darien a
sample of the poster he'd created with Bobby's picture. It listed the agency
number and Eberts own personal cell phone number as contact points.
"These are great Eberts, I didn't even think of putting up posters."
"They aren't for posting, they are for sending to shelters and hospitals.
Also police headquarters at all the a joining states. Law enforcement officers
all over the west coast will be keeping an eye out for him as a missing person
of special interest."
"Special interest is that code for something?" Darien flopped down into a chair
and exhaled.
"It means he's one of our own but he'd not wanted for anything criminal."
Eberts explained.
"Kind of like officer down, need assistance. They will make a special effort to
look for him since he is a fellow officer suspected of being in trouble."
"Exactly." Eberts nodded.
"Did you have to clear these with the Official?"
"Yes, but he was all for it. He was the one who suggested the Special interest
notation."
Darien look surprised, he did care about his agents after all. The tough act was
just an act for appearances.
"You should go home and get some sleep."
"I will, you should to. I know you are use to putting in long hours here. But
you've been at this all day. I think Claire was right we aren't going to find
him quickly." Darien returned to his feet and headed for the door.
"Night Eberts, thanks."
"Yes, Good night Darien. I wish I'd found something."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby ducked into the area under a fire escape to hide and collect
his thoughts.
Darien and he must have become separated during their mission.
He didn't remember any details, but he was sure he must have been on
a case. He should call in, Darien might be safe back at the Agency.
He had to find a phone.
But first he needed something.... what did he need? He searched his
pockets again. He had a nagging feeling what he needed was usually in
his breast pocket. He patted his chest again, like a reformed smoker
who reached for his pack of cigarettes.
His head was hurting, not just the front like from tension. His
whole head hurt, from temple to top to back. Focus Bobby, you need to
call in. He moved out of the darkness and headed towards the lights
at the top of hill.
He located a pay phone and attempted to dial the Agency number, but
the phone kept cutting him off. After five tries he dialed the
operator, but could only get a recording saying all lines were busy,
please try again later.
His head was really pounding now. The walk up the hill had gotten his
blood pumping more and it was all he could do to stay standing.
Run, hide. They are after you. Run, hide. That damn feeling was back
again. Bobby checked for his gun, it was still there. The weight was
so familiar to him he had to touch the grip of his forty-five to make
sure it was there. He decided to look for another phone. He had to be
careful. He couldn't go where there were people, they might find him.
He started off again, checking over his shoulder every few seconds.
::::::::::::::::::::::
Darien lay awake, he'd known he wouldn't sleep. He'd drifted off for
a few hours when he first lay down, but he was wide awake after a few
hours of sleep. He wondered where Bobby could possibly have gotten
off to. He cared a lot about his partner. He had never realized how
rough his life had been.
Darien was sure if he had the choice he wouldn't be an agent for the
government. The bad points out weighted the good points. But Bobby
was the kind of guy who wanted to help people.
He was freaking John Wayne, he was everything all those old movies
claimed men were supposed to be strong, loyal, dependable, good in a
fight. But gentle with kids and women.
Darien rolled onto his side and remembered his first case with Bobby.
It had almost been a disaster, but only because he hadn't wanted to
follow Bobby's orders. He learned the hard way that Bobby knew his
spy craft. It would make him even harder to find if he was hiding on
purpose. Unless Bobby had moments of clearness, during his bouts of
paranoia.
Darien got up and headed for his shower. He might as well get dressed
and start his day. Eberts was usually at the office bright and early.
Maybe he could help send out some of those flyers before Claire got
to work.
"Darien I didn't expect to see you so early." Eberts looked up from
his work.
"Hey, I thought maybe you could use some help." Darien was carrying a
huge cup of coffee and a bag of donuts.
"I've made a list if you would take over from here and check them off
as you go. I'll get back to the online search." Eberts handed him the
list of shelters.
Darien sent out two dozen sets of flyers before Claire arrived. The
Agency fax machine was slow or he could have done more.
"Good morning gentlemen, I have a good feeling this morning. I think
we are going to find something." Claire smiled at them both as she
entered the office.
"I hope you're right, let's go." Darien waved to Eberts and headed
for the door.
"Wait a second. I have to stop by the lab for a few minutes and
check on a few things." Claire waved to Eberts also, then followed
Darien out.
They covered the rest of the city, then started north. Eberts had
made a list of shelters between San Diego and LA. He'd managed to
contact the two larger shelters but they were going to have to visit
the others and look.
Eberts called in with a possible siting late that afternoon.
"Yeah?"
"Darien I've just spoken with a lady who said Bobby might have been
at her shelter last night. She said it's hard to say, but he was
bald, average height and looked in better shape than most of the
people she sees."
"Which one?"
"It's the one called Seaman and Sailor's Shelter." Eberts sounded
hopeful.
"We'll check it out, and if we don't find anything I think we are
going to stay over here tonight and get an early start tomorrow."
"Fine let me know either way."
"You got it, thanks." Darien closed his phone.
"We're staying in LA tonight?"
"Yeah, I guess I should have asked you first. Do you mind?" Darien
hadn't stopped to think she might prefer a little warning before
having to spend the night.
"I don't mind, but I'll need a few things."
They checked two shelters before heading over to the Seaman and
Sailor place. Darien knew that the men who spent the night in a
shelter didn't arrive until just before dark. So they wanted to stake
out the place and watch for Bobby.
"Nothing, not even close." Darien said after watching for several
hours.
"I was sure we had a good tip this time." Claire sighed, she was
sitting in the passenger seat, her head resting against the back of
the seat.
"I'm going to go check with the woman Eberts spoke with."
Darien wasn't gone long, "I guess I shouldn't expect so much. The man
she thought might be Bobby was there, not even close except he was
bald." Darien complained as he climbed back into the car.
"I'm sorry."
"Where do you want to stop for the things you need?" Darien started
the car.
"There was a drug store near the freeway exit we could stop there."
Darien was so down about not finding Bobby he wasn't even hungry.
Claire attempted to tempt him with his favorite kind of pizza. But he
wasn't interested in food.
"I'm just going to crash, maybe I can sleep for a few hours." He took
a turn in the bathroom of the motel room they were sharing then
climbed into his bed.
Claire was exhausted but she needed to perform her usual ablutions
before she was ready for bed. She'd found a large tee shirt at the
drug store and was planning to wear it at a night shirt. She'd gotten
Darien a fresh shirt for the next day and herself a shirt that was
not her usual style but would do. Darien was sound a sleep by the
time she exited the bathroom. She turned out the light, and slipped
into her bed.
Darien was dreaming, his legs moving in his sleep, his head trashing
on the pillow.
He was dreaming about losing Bobby. He was dreaming that Bobby needed
help and he was standing watching. Bobby lay bleeding in an ally
somewhere and Darien couldn't get there to help him.
"No! Hang on Partner I'm coming." Darien called out in his sleep.
Claire woke up, and rushed to wake him. "Darien, wake up. You are
having a nightmare."
She shook him by the shoulders. "Wake up it's only a dream."
"Bobby?" Darien asked, then opened his eyes, he was disoriented. He
blinked at Claire.
"It was a dream. It's alright." Claire told him, moving a hand from
his shoulder to his cheek, "Take breath."
"Claire, thanks for waking me." Darien looked into her eyes. His
dream had been so real, he never wanted to have a dream like that
again. His heart was racing. He exhaled.
"Did you have a dream like this last night?" Ever the scientist she
was curious.
"No, and I hope this was the first and last." He took another deep
breath and exhaled.
"Do you want to tell me about it?"
"It was Bobby he was hurt, and I couldn't help him." Darien started
to relive the feeling of being desperate to get to his friend, his
breathing became fast again, he fought of the urge to cry. "I
couldn't help him."
"It was just a dream, Darien. I'm sure we will find him soon. And he
is rather good at taking care of himself." She tried to sooth his
fears. Claire was surprised when Darien collected her in his arms and
hugged her close. She curved her hands over his shoulder and hugged
him back.
Darien had suddenly realized he was alone in the world except for
Bobby and Claire. His only close friends. The sudden need to hold her
close, show her he needed her and cared about her overwhelming.
Claire stayed in his embrace until his breathing returned to normal.
She could feel his heart beat was settling down as well. " We will
find him Darien."
She eased back and looked into his dark eyes.
"I know, I'm Ok, now." he told her.
Claire moved back to her bed and sat on the side facing him, tucking
her legs up under her and pulling the sheet over so she wouldn't take
a chill.
Darien was feeling awkward now. But he'd already shown Claire every
conceivable faucet of his personality. He didn't know why crying in
her arms should be any different.
"Sorry, I ah.... "
"You don't have to apologize, everyone has bad dreams."
"Yeah, it just seems kind of backwards. The chick is supposed to need
comforting not the guy." Darien was trying to joke, only it wasn't
working.
"If I need a shoulder to lean on I'm sure you'll be up the
challenge." Claire told him.
He was a more responsible person now than he had been when he'd first
come to them. She liked to think pairing him with Bobby had helped
with his personal growth. Kevin had hoped giving him the
responsibility, for the gland, would help Darien to mature.
Claire thought it had, that and his learning to work with a partner
and a team.
"Man it's only two, I guess I'd better try and go back to sleep. Or
at least let you go back to sleep." Darien lay back and closed his
eyes so Claire wouldn't feel she had to stay up with him.
:::::::::::::::::
Darien's cell phone was ringing, but he wasn't waking up to answer
it.
Claire knew it wasn't her phone because her's had a chirp ring. She
sat up and looked over at Darien, he was still sleeping soundly. So
she slipped out of bed and looked for his phone.
"Hello?"
"Claire? I was expecting Darien." Eberts's cool tone came over the
line.
"He's still sleeping. What's up?" She shifted from one foot to
another, as it was cold in the room.
"I have another tip for you. I received a fax from a Salvation Army
shelter in San Francisco."
"San Francisco that's kind of far away Eberts do you think we need to
check it out?"
"I'm going to attempt to contact the person who sent me the fax. But
I thought Darien would want to know."
"Ok, I'll tell him. Call back after you make contact. Thank you for
all your help on this Albert."
"Yes, I'm glad to, I'll call back later." Eberts hung up. He wondered
if there was anything between Claire and Darien, then shook his head,
no there didn't seem to be that kind of feeling between them. Now
Bobby definitely had a thing for Claire but he wouldn't approach her
because of his rule about fishing of the company pier.
"Darien wake up, we have to get going." Claire touched his side,
shaking him enough to wake him.
"Ah, is it morning already?" he rolled over and stretched, the sheet
slipping down his body and revealing his hard chest and lean abdomen.
"I'm taking a quick shower." Claire informed him and disappeared into
the bathroom. She was used to seeing him half naked, but for some
reason seeing him stretching just now had been a real eye opener.
:::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby stumbled forward, he was finding it difficult to concentrate. He'd
started to look for another phone but every time he saw people he ducked back
into an ally or behind a building. His desire to hide was over riding his desire
to make contact with his friends.
He slept in an ally, covered with newspapers he'd dug out of a trash can and
felt even worse when he woke up than when he'd gone to sleep. He was
hungry, he wasn't sure the last time he'd eaten. He was moving east towards
the dock area of the city. He could smell the sea air as he came closer to
the ocean. He was passing a area with several homeless guys standing
around, as he passed them. Keeping his eyes moving looking for any
sign of trouble one of the men called out to him.
"Hey man want some food. The lady that passes out sandwiches will be stopping
by in a few minutes."
Bobby shook his head and kept moving. He was two blocks farther up the street
when a woman pulled to the curb in a beat up blue van and opened the side door.
She passed out foil wrapped sandwiches to the men, giving each one for now
and one for later. The one for later was peanut butter and jelly.
"Hey, Ma'am thank you." The man that had called out to Bobby always said
thank you. He'd been on the streets for three years, but he wasn't so bad off
that he couldn't act human. He'd spent time in almost all of the shelters at
one time or another. The Salvation Army one was the nicest but they made
you listen to prayer meeting all the time.
"There's a new guy, he looked like he could use some food. Not real big, won't
have much to live off of if he doesn't eat."
"I'll keep a look out for him." She nodded, if you offered help to some of
these men when they first arrived on the streets it just might make a
difference.
This was her last stop on the morning run. She was headed back to the mission.
She was stopped at a light several blocks away when she noticed a man moving
along the street near the buildings. He kept looking behind him every few steps.
She'd seen that behavior before, something like a third of the people on the
streets where mentally ill. She pulled up to the next block and parked the van.
She opened the side door and waited for him to get close.
"I'm with the Mission, would you like a sandwich?" she asked Bobby as he was
moving past.
Bobby looked at her, paused for a second then shook his head.
"Are you sure? They're ham and cheese, most of the guys like 'em."
She called after him and held up the sandwich.
Something in her voice made him stop and look at her. He was struggling
with himself. He stepped back towards the van, "I need to call in. Do you
have a phone?"
"No, I don't but I can take you to where there is one."
Bobby shook his head no, he couldn't risk going with her. He backed up.
"Take the sandwich, you might want it later."
Bobby accepted the foil wrapped food, "Thanks."
The woman shrugged and closed the side door. She knew that she could only do
so much for these people. There was always another one that needed something.
Chasing one man down wasn't productive.
Bobby carried the sandwich with him, then stopped and opened the foil. He
ate but he didn't really taste the food. He was feeling tired again, he might
have
to find somewhere to hide and sleep again.
:::::::::::::::::::::
Darien and Claire searched Los Angeles with Eberts assistance. They found no
one who'd seen Bobby. The man who had sent the fax about a man that might
be Bobby turned out to be wrong.
"Claire how long could he go with out his medication? I mean it starts to wear
off after he misses a few. But he doesn't get worse the longer he is with out
the pills?" Darien asked, having just thought that might be the case.
"No, he doesn't get worse. He'll have good periods and bad ones. He might
relearn to function with the feeling of danger always with him. Or he might
slip deeper into protection mode." She knew she wasn't telling him good news
but she had to tell him the truth.
"Crap, I think we need to head north again. He might have gone to San
Francisco."
Darien slammed the car door.
"If we're going farther from home. You'd better speak with the Official. I don't
have any counteragent with me."
"Oh, right I guess we do have to ask permission."
Darien dialed the Fat man's number. " We still haven't located Bobby. I think we
need to try looking in Frisco."
"Alright take a few more days. But I'll expect you back at the end of the
week."
The Official sounded gruff as usual, but worried.
"Thanks man, we'll stay in touch." Darien flipped his phone closed. Turning to
Claire
"He said it was alright, just be back by the end of the week."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby slept in an ally again the third night. He remembered the lady that had
given
him the sandwich and decided to look for her again. She said she could take him
to
a phone. He waited near the place he'd seen her the day before. Keeping his arms
wrapped around his body, as it was growing colder each day.
She arrived with her sandwiches, and passed them out to the waiting men. She was
surprised to see the new man from the day before. He looked tired, and scared.
"Would like a sandwich today?" she offered him one.
"You said you could take me to a phone. I need to call in." Bobby looked into
her eyes.
"Yes, if you come with me. I can take you to the mission. It has a phone." She
assured
him.
"Ok," Bobby climbed into the van passenger seat. His eyes watching her every
move
as if he suspected her of attempting to trap him.
"My name is Faith, what's your name?"
"Bobby, just call me Bobby." He swallowed and tried to stay calm. He had the
overwhelming
urge to jump out of the van and run.
"The mission is only a few blocks down this way. We will be there in five
minutes."
Faith told him, she saw that he was frightened. She didn't think it was of her.
Bobby forced himself to stay in the van. But as soon as she pulled into the
church
parking lot he was opening the door and climbing out.
"Come on the phone is up stairs." Faith carried the empty container inside with
her and flipped on the light in the hall. Father Jim worked afternoons, but he
didn't
come in until after mid morning mass.
"The phone is here, I'll be in the kitchen."
Bobby dialed the agency number and Eberts answered.
"Can I help you?"
"I'm calling in, I think I was hit in the head or something." Bobby started.
"Bobby is that you? Where are you? We've been looking everywhere?"
"I'm not sure Frisco I think. Is Fawkes OK?"
"Yes, he's fine tell me where you are, so he can meet you." Eberts was esthetic
that
Bobby had been found.
"The mission on Bay St. Do you want me to stay here until Fawkes gets here?"
"Yes, stay there, he'll meet you in a few minutes. Don't leave. That is a safe
place."
Eberts prayed Darien could get there quickly.
"Ok, I'll wait until he makes contact." Then Bobby hung up the phone.
Eberts almost screamed. He dialed star sixty nine and prayed it worked. He got
the number and saw that is was in fact a San Francisco area code.
He quickly dialed Darien's cell phone.
"Yeah?" Darien answered, his voice very depressed sounding.
"He called in, he's safe at least for the moment. He sounded funny, not like
himself.
He's at a mission on Bay St." Eberts blurted out.
Darien whooped and picked up Claire to hug her and swing her around. He almost
dropped his phone in the process.
"Thanks Eberts. We're on the way." He raced back to the car.
"I guess that means you know where Bobby is?" Claire asked following him
as fast as she could.
"Yeah, he's Ok, but Eberts said he sounded funny. We have to hurry." Darien
threw
the car into gear and pealed out of the parking lot.
"Bay St. that has to be down near the docks right?"
"Yes, make a left at the next light." Claire was reading the map, guiding his
driving.
"Bay St. got it, how far down do we need to go?"
::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby looked for Faith after he made the call.
"My friends are coming for me, could I clean up a little before they get here?"
"Sure there is a shower down the hall, and I can get you a clean shirt. There is
soap and
disposable razors." Faith showed him to the men's bathroom that was for the
homeless
people.
Bobby showered and was about to shave when a knock came at the door.
"I have a shirt for you."
"Thank you." Bobby accepted the shirt from her, he'd put his pants back on. But
his shirt had been more dirty. Faith tried not to stare at his chest, his build
was
strong, tapered down to a trim waist.
"You're welcome." She turned to leave.
Bobby turned towards the mirror again. He hardly recognized the face looking
back
at him. Three days of stubble, dark rings under red eyes. A bruise on the side
of his
jaw. He didn't remember getting into a fight with anyone. He rubbed his face,
he wasn't sure his hands were steady enough to shave. So he pulled on the shirt
and finished dressing.
He found Faith again. "Thank you. Can I help you with anything?"
"No, I'm caught up with things for the moment. Would you like some coffee?"
"Yeah," Bobby took a seat at the long table in the eating hall.
He was getting that feeling again, the voice in his head telling him to run,
hide.
He tried to ignore it.
"I'm glad you came with me today. I'm sure your friends will be here soon."
Faith sensed he was feeling uneasy again. He was rolling his head, one hand
was clenched into a fist by his side.
"Here have something to eat with your coffee. We don't often have baked
goods, but a donation came in this morning from the local bakery." She
offered him a muffin.
Bobby reached for one, then stood up. He was really having trouble sitting
still. "I think I'd better go now."
"Wait just a few more minutes. I'm sure they will be here soon." Faith stood
too, wanting to stop him from leaving. She lightly touched his arm.
Bobby pulled back. Her touch had been like an electric shock, he stared at her.
"I have to go." He turned and almost ran from the room.
Faith didn't think she could stop him from leaving. She wasn't sure she should
even
try. But he'd seemed so calm there for a few minutes.
She heard a car pulling up to the mission. She ran out front to see if it was
Bobby's
friends.
"Hello, we were looking for ..." Claire started.
"He just left out the back way, you can catch him if you hurry." Faith pointed
towards
the side ally that ran the length of the building.
Darien was running flat out, scared he'd missed his partner. He scanned the lot
behind
the mission. He didn't see Bobby anywhere. Claire was behind him and Faith
behind
her.
"Crap, he's gone."
"He can't be, let me check inside." Faith opened the door. Bobby was inside
hiding.
He'd backed himself into a dark corner at the sound of the voices outside.
"He's here." She called to them.
"Bobby? Man am I glad to see you!" Darien hugged him lifting him off his feet at
first then realizing he wasn't answering.
"Claire something's wrong, help him."
"Bobby do you know who we are?" she asked moving in beside him.
He nodded, his eyes wide with fright. "Darien and Claire."
"It's alright buddy, we'll get you the help you need. You're safe now. OK?"
Darien tried to sound calm and comforting but, he shot a look at Claire that
said he
hated seeing Bobby like this. He looked scared to death.
"Could you bring me a glass of water please?" Claire asked Faith, she dug the
pills
out of her bag and choose two for him to take.
"Can't you give him something that will work faster?" Darien asked.
"No, this can't be rushed unless you want me to sedate him."
"No, don't do that unless we have to. He looks really bad, like he's been in
a fight or something."
"I still have my weapon. I'm Ok." Bobby told him.
Darien saw that his forty five was still in his holster. But his clothes were
dirty and
torn, like he had fought off an attacker at some point.
Faith returned with the water and Bobby swallowed his pills.
"We're going to take you home now Partner." Darien had a hand on Bobby's
shoulder
he was still worried for his friend.
"Thank you for helping him, we really appreciate your assistance." Claire shook
Faith's hand.
"I'm glad he had friends that want to help. Bye Bobby." Faith smiled at him.
Darien realized he should thank the woman also, she'd almost saved Bobby's life.
"I want to say thank you too. Bobby is my partner, and I was going crazy trying
to
find him. Thank you for your help." Darien shook Faith's hand, and looked into
her eyes so that she knew he was serious.
"You're welcome."
They all ushered Bobby back to the car in front of the mission. Darien wanted
Claire
to sit with Bobby while he drove.
Bobby waved to Faith as they pulled off.
"How long will it take for him to feel better?" Darien asked Claire as soon as
they
were on the highway towards home.
"A few days the medication has to gradually reenter his system. He should feel
more at ease soon, by the end of the day I should think."
"I'd better call in, Eberts is probably wondering how things went."
Darien dialed his cell phone again, "Eberts buddy, we have Bobby, he's Ok. Just
a little
disoriented. We should be back in a few hours."
"Good that's good news. I'll tell the Official you're on the way back." Eberts
was smiling
as he hung up the phone and went to tell his boss that Bobby was safe and on the
way home.
When they arrived back at the Agency, Claire was in charge.
"Darien I want to keep a close watch on Bobby for several days. I want to
examine him
now and he has to spend the night here."
"Ok I'll go home and clean up then run by his place and get him some clothes."
"Fine, Bobby come with me and we'll check you over. How is your head feeling?"
Claire was holding Bobby's arm and walking along with him.
"My head's Ok, why did I get hit or something?"
"Yes, I think you did. You have a bruise on your temple." Claire had him sit up
on
the exam table and looked in his eyes with the ophthalmoscope. His pupils were
fine.
He listened to his lungs, heart and checked his blood pressure.
"How do you feel?" He'd had a second dose of his medication before they arrived
and he seemed a little more calm now."
"I'm not so tense. But there's still an edge there." Bobby knew how to deal with
the lesser need to hide, he'd gone through all of this before when he'd first
needed to
start taking medication.
" Why did you stop taking your medication Bobby can you tell me?" Claire had
seen
no signs that he was depressed.
"I didn't stop taking my meds. I'm sure of that I picked up the refill a couple
of
days before my vacation." He rubbed his hand over his face. He didn't know
what had happened but he knew he took his pills.
"Um, I'll have Darien bring the bottles from your house. Maybe you were given
the wrong dose or something." Claire was puzzled, but curious.
Darien returned with clothes for Bobby and the pills.
"Let me check this out." Claire went out to the other lab facility.
"How are you doing?" Darien nodded to his partner.
"I'm hanging in there. I think I'm going to get some sleep. I'm kind of tired."
Bobby moved off the exam table and went to the cot in the corner that Claire
had set up for him.
"Ok, I'll hang out until Claire comes back.." Darien took one of the chairs
by the computer.
"This is very suspicious, these pills are fake. They look like the medication
Bobby is supposed to be taking but they are inert." Claire explained when
she returned to the Keep.
"Arnaud, I'll just bet he had something to do with this." Darien pounded one
hand into the other.
"It's always possible, I'll have to get Bobby's medication from a secure
source from now on. So that this can't happen again."
"You need to get some sleep, I'll stay here with Bobby. You go home and
I'll see you tomorrow." Darien saw that she was tired it had been a rough
few days.
"Yes, I think I'd like to sleep in my own bed for a change. I'll see you
tomorrow.
I've locked the door from this side as well so you'll need you key to go in or
out.
Bobby needs to be watched for a day or two yet."
"Right, I'll keep an eye on him." Darien nodded.
"The Official did check in a little while ago. He was wondering when Bobby could
return to full duty."
" Yeah, that sounds like him. Go on Claire go home."
"I'm going, see you tomorrow."
Darien paced back across the room and looked down at his partner sleeping on
the cot. He didn't think he'd ever let himself care about anyone again after
Kevin had died. But he was as close to Bobby as he'd ever been with his brother.
Closer.
He sighed and went back to the desk where he'd set the book he'd brought from
home. He settled into a chair to read.
The first quote he read was very fitting for the past few days.
"Honest men esteem and value nothing so much as a true friend.
Such a one as if another self, to whom we impart our most secret
thoughts, who partakes of our joy, and comforts us in our affliction.
Add to this that his company is an ever lasting pleasure to us."
Darien nodded as he read, that just about said it all.
end