Lisa toyed with the white pearls around her neck absentmindedly as she made her way through the long gray hall of Kingston Hospital towards her office, the echo of her high heels ringing around her. Smiling to the few nurses passing her, she let the smooth white pearls slip from her fingers and reached inside the pocket of her white coat for keys. It was late, past 9pm and the hospital was growing quieter with every passing second.
Everyone was hurrying home, out of this busy madhouse they loved and hated at the same time. She smiled to herself, thinking about her colleagues – the fellow doctors and nurses. There were 122 of them and she knew them all by name. All hard working, devoted workaholics. They were a big, tight family, highly motivated and ambitious. Highly passionate about their patients. Kingston was an innovative, ground-breaking medical institution, notorious for handling the most problematic, complex cases. With their imposing technology, pioneering psychosomatic approaches and extensive research programs, they proudly held their place as the second best medical institution in this part of the galaxy.
She had worked very hard to get to the point where she was and she was proud of herself. At the age of 33, she had become the Dean of Medicine after working as a surgeon for several years. She loved her job, even though she worked less and less as a practicing doctor. She had more time for doing research now and more power for developing the aspects of medical care she thought were important. She was near the hose now, and she was more than happy to be able to direct the flow of cash in the directions she perceived vital.
Pushing the key into the keyhole, she pushed the door open, frowning as she realized that it hadn't been locked in the first place. The lights in her luminous office were on and behind her broad desk sat George Lukas. The Head of the Hospital. In her chair. Lisa sighed and turned around to close the door behind her quietly. He had an annoying way of getting his points across, using unpleasant tactics such as making himself comfortable behind other people's desks.
Lisa walked over to the desk and snapped her family picture out of his hands. The gray haired man smiled and snorted.
"Sorry for coming over so late, I was busy with the board all day, negotiating the goddamned budget cuts…"
Lisa put her family picture on the windowsill to her right and sat down on a chair opposite George.
"What do you want George?"
"Well, I`m sure you know by now about my dissatisfaction with your novel idea of getting more doctors for the ER."
Lisa looked at her creamy shoes and let out a soft sigh.
"Yes, I heard."
"Good. So stop worrying your pretty little head with such nonsense and concentrate on YOUR responsibilities…such as getting that Pierre-whatever-his-middle-name-is-Robillard under control. Get your doctors under control! That guy got us sued! He`s far too experimental and risk prone."
A fire flicked in Lisa`s eyes.
"He did NOT get us sued. We did not get sued. He messed up, but saved a life and he is a damn good doctor – we need more doctors like him!"
"Lisa, I don`t care that we didn`t get sued, he put us into a situation where we SHOULD have gotten sued. It was a fucking miracle that we didn`t get sued. A miracle."
Lisa stood up and walked over to the window. Sighing, she said:
"I promise I will talk with him. For your information, it was on my to-do list today but as usual, time ran out."
"Good. And are we clear on the new doctors idea?"
Lisa span around on her heels and walked over to George. Putting her hands on the table, she blurted:
"No. I will not agree to this. Kingston needs new doctors to the ER. This is not some twisted fantasy of mine, it's a fact! The guys there are working 240 hours a month – this cannot continue. Yes Robillard fucked up but this is nothing compared to what`s coming our way if we don`t get additional staff… they are overworked, and soon under-motivated. Our priority, the quality of care that we are so proud of, will suffer and fast. I understand that you and the broad have been having a hard time with the cuts, mildly put, but this needs to be included in the new expenses… I`m sorry to be the one breaking the news but this just NEEDS to be done. You turn a blind eye to this and you'll undermine Kingston as well as your own career!"
George stood and walked over to her, finally freeing her seat.
"Alright, and what to you suggest, Lisa? We sell our equipment or rent out the laboratories for high school proms?"
"No. No need to be so melodramatic. We reduce the administration costs and limit our research expenses until things get better."
Smiling, she walked around him and sank into her massive chair. Crossing her legs, she continued in a calmer voice, fire in her fading slowly.
"This means that you and I have to tighten our belts George. It also means that instead of showing off new technologies and competing in medical research, we have to focus on our patients. Kingston is a hospital above all, the research and technology innovation are secondary. Or at least should be. Don`t you agree?" Her face softened, the deep green in her eyes turning lighter and the edges of her mouth softening.
George sighed and pulled out a cigar.
Rolling it between his fingers, he looked at her and slowly nodded.
"Lisa, you`re putting me in a hard place, as usual. You know what that means? I have to fight off those hyenas in the board room, probably battle to death… Goddamn woman, you just can't let things go huh?"
Lisa`s face brightened with a dazzling smile. Standing up, she walked over to George and put her well-manicured hand on his arm.
"You`ll have my support, and I might take a few of those hyenas down myself."
George snorted.
"One more time, you do know what that means? It means no sleep, 420 hours of work a month, I`ll lose the last of my hair, grow a even bigger belly, I wont be able to attend my grandkid's birthday, the Christmas… and start sleeping on the couch again."
"I`ll have a word with Susan, She`ll understand."
Winking, Lisa let go of his arm and returned to her desk, starting to go through a pile of papers waiting for her.
"Alright little lady. I`ll go home and think it over…see, it`s already starting!"
Lisa smiled up at him.
"You should do the same. It`s late. Want me to give you a ride?"
"No thanks, I have to finish some things here… you go ahead. Good night!"
"Night."
The old man walked out of the office, letting the door slam shut behind him.
Riddick let his goggled eyes rest on the petite form behind the desk. From the dark corner he was hiding in, he could see her quite clearly. The silky ebony shoulder length hair, the perfectly arched dark brows frowned in deep concentration, the long neck, laced with pearls, olive skin meeting the snug red v-necked shirt, half hidden underneath her white doctor's coat. Long slim fingers holding a stack of papers. No rings. Might be unmarried. Healthy, toned. About 5`5 ``, 125 lbs…
The feelings of relief surging through him.
He could smell her, air heavy with her feminine scent faintly covered with some perfume...traces of roses.
She was a pretty sight alright. Real easy on the eyes.
He had involuntarily witnessed the debate between the woman and the old man. He had gotten himself into the hospital just before the doors were closed, hoping to encounter less people, get some antibiotics and clean bandages for his arm. Planning to go unnoticed, no fuss. He`d moved through the halls silently when he`d heard the footsteps. That`s how he`d gotten into her office – Lisa Atwood`s office – as the sign on the door announced. Looking for a place to hide from the footsteps… his luck was short-lived, the heavy footsteps had followed him into the office, Geroge Lukas planting himself behind Lisa`s desk and nailing Riddick to his hiding spot in the far side of the room.
At first he`d decided to wait until she`d leave. But the ache in his arm was approaching the point of intolerability at the speed of lightning. Fucking mercs. The doc behind the table didn`t look like she was thinking about finishing up any time soon. A groan threatened to rip his chest, barely controlled. Forcing himself to focus, he moved soundlessly out of his hiding spot in the dark corner.
Lisa never saw the dark shadow sliding over the freshly waxed oak parquet, never heard the soft feline-like steps on the floor, never felt the presence of the body behind her back…
A large, muscular arm curved around the brunette's head, a massive hand covering her mouth. The other arm sneaked around her midsection, caressing the soft fabric of her red shirt, pressing a cold metal blade against her ribs.
Putting his warm lips against her ear, he whispered: "Don't scream."
The stack of white papers slipped from her hands and landed on the table with a heavy thud.
Fingers flew to the dark arm covering her mouth. Painted nails in his flesh, a scream, muffled by his unmoving hand, escaped her throat.
Another unsuccessful scream, the metal blade pressing more firmly against her ribs.
"I said do NOT scream!" He whispered into her ear, carefully emphasizing every word.
At that moment Lisa was sure she would die.
She tried to turn her head, to see who this was…utter terror gripping her body. Her heart sank.
"Play nice."
Lisa still couldn`t see him. All she could tell was that he was big, his massive arms making her immobile, his bass vibrating through her.
She couldn`t breathe with the terror gripping her. The room started closing in on her, making her lightheaded.
God, no. No, nonononono. Fuck, fuckfuckfuckfuck. Breathe. Breathe. Think. Goddamn…
"Keep quiet and listen. I don`t necessarily have to hurt you."
Lisa let out a long breath she hadn`t realized she`d been holding in. Taking in frantic, desperate breaths of air, she nodded her head.
Riddick took his hand from her mouth and span her around on her chair, making her face him.
The blade still firmly placed at the sweet spot against her midsection, he crouched down before her.
Placing his free hand on her shoulder, he held her in place.
Huge green eyes stared back at him.
Her body started shaking.
"W…What…what do you want?"
"Antibiotics and bandages."
Green eyes still staring at him, her mouth dropped open. Oh Gooood, it`s, it`s Riddick. Fuck…
Riddick saw the look in her eyes, her olive eyes growing even bigger at the sudden realization. Yeah, lil Doc had figured it out… enough with this shock shit.
"Lisa," his eyes drifted to her name tag, "Lisa Atwood, I don`t want to hurt you. I need antibiotics and bandages."
Finding inhuman strength, Lisa pulled herself together and tried to get the shaking under control.
"Okay… okay… I will get you the antibiotics and then you can go."
Riddick nodded his head.
Good…maybe he`s not that psycho after all…yeah, he might let me go… alive…. I`ll just get him what he wants and then he`ll go away…
Riddick stood up and pulled her to her feet. Pushing her forward, he put an arm around her, the other still pressing the blade against her ribs.
Her legs shook so badly. God. Please just get out of here…leave me ALONE, her mind screamed.
Realizing that she still wasn`t going to move, Riddick nudged her a little.
"Where are the drugs?"
Lisa swallowed and cleared her voice.
"They`re in that cabinet, next to the sofa."
Together they started moving towards it, one of his arms on her shoulder, the other pressing the blade against her ribs.
Lisa opened the cabinet with shaking fingers, groping about, frantically trying to find the drug. Yeah, that`s it, Mexatoczyline…
Grabbing two just in case, she handed them over to him.
"Bandages."
"They`re on the lower shelf…"
"Get `em."
Lisa crouched down and fetched two packages of bandages.
"Turn around."
Turning slowly on her heels, she looked up at him. He was much taller than she was, and at least twice as wide.
"How much till the hospital's clear?"
"Um… around ten there shouldn't be anybody around."
"Good. Then around ten we`ll leave."
Lisa`s eyes widened.
"What?"
Riddick grinned.
"Yeah."
Stepping closer to her, he lowered his head until he reached her ear and whispered:
"You're going to help me out of here Doc. We'll go quietly, and it's in your best interest that no one`ll notice us."
A new wave of panic filled Lisa's body. He is not going to let me go… oh god.
"Why? Why do you need me?" Had there been something about him and raping? Lord… girl, no, don't panic. Keep cool. That's your only chance to get out of this alive.
As if reading her thoughts, Riddick replied:
"You've seen me. It`s either that or I`ll ghost you. The choice is yours."
Peering up into the goggled face, Lisa got the sense that he was not playing with words.
"And then what? You`ll keep me with you until we`re both old and gray?" Lisa regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. Where did that come from? Girl you do NOT push a psychopath's buttons like that...especially when they are holding a fucking blade against your ribs.
Riddick grinned again.
"I didn't think that far but now that you've mentioned it…" Lets see how shaky you can get Doc.
Lisa wanted to slap herself.
"Alright… Riddick…. Look…why… why don`t we make a deal? You take whatever you need from here and I escort you out…and then, then you`ll go back to wherever you came from… and I swear on my mother`s life that I wont tell ANYONE I saw you. Really, please… I`m not, absolutely not interested in telling anybody you were here… I wont do it….honestly…I will tell no-"
She was cut off suddenly as Riddick grabbed her by the waist and dragged her to the dark corner in the far side of the room. They stood there, in the shadow, his back against the wall, Lisa`s back tightly against his chest, wrapped in his arms, one hand still pressing the blade against her.
Laughter could be heard behind the office's door as the last of staff were on their way home. Just as the voices passed, Riddick whispered into her ear:
"I'm afraid I can't take that chance Doc. Now let`s go."
Lisa stared at him in disbelief. Frozen.
"You heard me Doc, let`s move!"
She was pushed forward.
"Where`s your coat?"
"Huh?"
"Coat! It`s cold."
Lisa was taken back by his question. Surely he wasn`t worried… probably didn`t want to attract any attention by dragging an underdressed woman around. Winter had settled on Thundheim, thick layers of white snow covering everything.
Lisa nodded in the direction of her coat hanging next to the door.
Together they went over to where her coat was. His blade pressed against her. A constant reminder of the dread she was in.
Lisa placed the packages of bandages on the chair nearby and reached for her black woolen winter coat. She pulled the long green knitted scarf out of the sleeve with shaking hands and carelessly wrapped it around her neck. Putting her coat on she peered at Riddick as if asking "now what".
"Get your purse. Don`t open it. Bring it here."
Lisa went over to her desk and grabbed the purse.
As she turned around, she pumped into the hard mass of Riddick.
Letting out a shriek, she dropped the purse, startled. How the hell did he move so quietly? Did he float?
"Shhhh. I said Quiet Doc."
Lisa snapped before she could do anything about it.
"Well if you stopped sneaking up on me like that then I`d be a lot more quiet, I promise you that!" As soon as the words left her, she slapped a hand over her mouth. God, girl, what the fuck is wrong with you .. YOU DO NOT PISS OFF A PSYCHOPATH.
Riddick felt a smile tug at the corners of his lips.
"Well, I`ll let you know beforehand the next time I plan to kidnap you Doc."
What? What was that? She was now joking with a convicted killer?
"Pick up your purse."
Lisa reached for her purse.
Ripping open the pack of antibiotics, Riddick quickly popped two into his mouth. Must get the infection under control, otherwise wont be long till the Doc here gets a chance to have her way.
Shoving the drugs and bandages into the pockets of his jacket, Riddick covered his head with a hood and grabbed her by the elbow.
"One word, one suspicious glance or smile to anyone and you're history Doc. You'll speak, breathe and move when I tell you to. Understood?"
Still paralyzed with fear, Lisa nodded in agreement.
They exited her office and Riddick pulled her next to him, his left arm wrapped around her waist tightly, his right hand hiding the blade in his palm.
Lisa walked on wobbling legs next to the big man, feeling smaller and more powerless with each passing second. Being pressed so close to him made her painfully aware of the distressing size difference they had. Not a good feeling, not at all.
The hall was quiet and miraculously they didn't ran into anybody. Riddick pushed the big class door leading out of the hospital open and guided her out. Her mind wrapped around the eerie idea that this might be the last time she walks trough those doors.
A strong gust of icy wind welcomed them outside. Cold fear mixed with the freezing air around them, making her tremble. The street before them was covered with fresh snow, glistering under the yellowish streetlights. Riddick led her across the street towards the hospital's parking lot. The big lot looked abandoned, only a few cars parked under the streetlights, wearing white snow hats and faithfully waiting for their owners.
"Where's your ride?"
Lisa froze. She didn`t drive a car. Had never bothered to get one… public transportation on Thundheim was excellent, not to mention much cheaper and more economic. Will he… snap?
"I don`t have a car."
He stopped. Pulling her a little closer to him, he growled:
"You better not be playing games with me Doc."
Lisa stared at him, wide-eyed. Shaking her head, she found her voice:
"I honestly don`t. I use public transport, it`s…better." I guess not for a convicted mass murderer. A small fire flicked inside her, a faint sense of satisfaction washing over her. At least she wasn`t making it THAT easy for him.
Riddick battled the desire to let out a roar and shake her.
You better stop pushing me little girl…
Ignoring the pain in his arm, he grabbed her by the elbow and gave her a bright, white grin. Lisa`s stomach turned cold. This couldn`t be good…
"Your wish is my command Doc. The bus it is!"
Wrapping one arm around her once again, Riddick guided her out of the parking lot in a fast pace towards the bus stop he`d seen earlier on the east side of the hospital. A fucking welfare planet with its fucking public transportation… just his luck that he`d been forced to land here. He`d prefer hell to this elite, high-security, flamboyant, fancy, snow-covered, progressive pit hole. The flawless design houses with their flawless people, all doctors, lawyers, military personnel, scientists… a fucking cleaner had to have at least a MA here. Not his first choice for hiding.
Pressing her lithe body more firmly against his as they crossed the idle road, he cursed his ship that had failed him for the hundredth time.
The bus stop was empty, the wooden bench covered in fresh layers of white snow.
Lisa cleared her voice and prayed that it wouldn`t let her down once she opened her mouth.
"Riddick… where are we going?"
He glanced down into her green eyes and grinned again.
"To your place Doc."
Lisa felt her throat go dry. For a moment her body crippled with panic. What…she didn`t want to take HIM to HER home…. But as she stared into his cocky, goggled face, her fear was slowly replaced by anger. She wanted to wipe that shiteating grin off his face and rip those fucking goggles off.
"Which stop Doc?"
She didn`t respond, her mind and body contemplating, calculating her chances for getting away from him… White snow kept falling, untiring. Covering the black hood of his jacket, making his dark skin look even darker. She felt his massive arm wrapped around her midsection, not too hard but not loose either… his long fingers curving around her hipbone. His tall form towering next to her, over her… the broad chest blocking her view from the road. And his right hand. She knew that he had his blade in there, hidden. Glancing around quickly in a vain hope to see somebody, she reluctantly gave her answer.
"Rosenberg. Third stop."
She could feel his eyes on her, examining her.
Bringing his face to her level, he said in a low voice:
"Try again."
The bass vibrated right through her, making her shiver.
Tearing her eyes away from him, she admitted:
"Richmond, fourth stop."
Returning to his previous pose, Riddick continued:
"Remember what I said Doc: no games. You act normal. Raise any suspicion and we'll turn this into a full-blown hostage drama…trust me, you don't want that."
Lisa nodded her head quietly, eyes glued to her shoes half hidden in the snow.
Soon they were on the bus. Lisa kept her eyes down fearing that they would betray her if someone looked at her. Riddick had guided her into the standing section of the transport, making her stand with her back against the window, his arms on either side of her, his big body too close for her liking, circling her. Since the bus was crowded, their pose didn't raise any suspicion… to the fellow passengers they looked like an affectionate couple trying to take as little room as possible on the overcrowded bus.
Riddick let his eyes slowly roam over the people around them, scanning for any signs of danger. No uniformed figures. Mostly women and kids, a few guys, two of them his age, the other two in their late 60s. Relaxing the muscles that had unconsciously tensed, he turned his gaze back to the woman between his arms. He could smell fear, puzzlement and...anger. Doc was not pleased. He stared into the clear green eyes, framed with ebony lashes and for a moment felt something stir inside him. Yeah, she had looks.
Tearing his gaze away, he stared out of the window, taking everything in, memorizing their journey through the city.
Lisa followed his gaze, trying to ease her discomfort by exploring the snow cowered streets.
Her attempt to find some sort of a distraction, to get some relief from his uncomfortable presence turning out to be unsuccessful. Letting out an unconscious small sigh, she turned her gaze back to her feet and the gray floor beneath.
At her soft sigh Riddick turned his head and let his heavy gaze rest on the pretty doc again. He couldn't quite put it what it was about her that made him… not want to kill her. No, scratch that. He didn`t want to harm her, to put her in danger… yeah, way to go at that fucker. He felt almost… uncomfortable for pulling her out of her everyday life. She came off as a good doctor, the right kind… he'd make sure she'd continue doing that. Provided that she played her part of course.
His eyes roamed over the smooth silky jet hair, the dark thick lashes, the small curve of her shoulders under her winter coat…the green scarf thrown around her neck carelessly… before he could stop, he found himself thinking about touching the scarf, arranging it…
A wicked grin spread on his full lips. Why the fuck not… no harm in keeping her on her toes.
His calloused fingers wrapped around the end of the scarf and pulled lightly. Lisa`s eyes shot up at him, startled. What the fuck…
Riddick grinned at her. Giving another small tug, he ducked the end of the scarf inside her coat and bent down until his lips were next to her right ear:
"Tsk-tsk, can't have ya running around like a little rascal."
Lisa gritted her teeth. What a fucking snug bastard…who the hell did he think he was…
Glaring, she hissed:
"Well excuse me for looking unruly. I promise to dress nicer the next time somebody presses a bloody shiv against my ribs! "
Riddick chuckled, his big body vibrating against her. Shaking his head, he smiled at her.
"While you`re at it, grab a sandwich or two as well ."
Lisa resisted the urge to smack him.
Their bickering was interrupted by the auto comm reporting: "Rosenberg. Next stop Richmond."
It took them five or six minutes to reach their stop. Once the bus stopped, Riddick guided Lisa out to the street.
Stepping a few feet away from the people at the bus stop he said:
"The show is yours. Which way?"
Lisa shot him another cold stare and started marching down the street, taking advantage of the fact that his arm wasn`t constraining her, passing him. She knew it probably wasn`t the smartest thing to do but she was too tired, too edgy and anxious to think clear. Somehow his flamboyant display of arrogance and teasing had equipped her with bravado, giving her an opportunity to release some of her anger caused by the situation.
Her condo was just around the corner. She picked up her pace, not running but not strolling either. She never looked back but somehow knew that he was JUST behind her.
Snatching the keys from her purse, she fumbled with them, her cold fingers stubbornly refusing to cooperate. A big warm hand wrapped around hers, stilling her abruptly.
"Let me."
Dropping the keys into his palm as if she`d been burnt by fire, she took a small step aside, giving him room to operate the door.
Riddick turned the key and pushed the door open with ease. Holding it open for her, he gave her a small smirk and bowed gracefully.
Before she could stop herself, she rolled her eyes at him in annoyance. She fought the urge to groan out loud… already that grin was reemerging, and just as expected, his chest shook with that uniquely male, barking, fucking satisfied laugh. He was amused.
Resisting the urge to smack his head with her purse, she gritted her teeth and walked quickly past him, up the stairs to the third floor where her apartment was. He was right behind her, his silent feline like steps following her loud, aggravated high-heeled clicking on the concrete stairs.
Lisa stopped at the dark brown door that had a golden number 9 plastered on it. Spinning around on her heels, she shot him a cold, piercing look.
"My keys?"
His lips stretched into a wide grin, baring the perfect row of white teeth. Stretching his impossibly long arm out before him, he handed her the keys,
"Here you are Doc." Why did he always sound like that…like his chest was just about to rip open with thunder.
Turning around, she put the key into the keyhole and pushed the door open. Riddick followed her into the open hall that lead to a spacious, luminous living area with an open kitchen to its right. His senses were assaulted by the smell of some flowers he could not pinpoint. And candles. The walls were painted white, furniture was a few, although expensive. Looked like antique. A huge gray couch, a big white fluffy carpet with a small coffee table in front of it. And books. A vast collection of books stacked along a wall on the left side of the living area, almost covering half of the wall. The overall vibe was good but spoke volumes of void, vacancy…. Guess Doc here didn't spend a lot of time home. This was a place for sleeping and eating. Not that he was complaining.
He watched her throw the keys on a small table next to the door and take off her coat while letting her irritated voice travel through the dark apartment: "Lights full!"
Growling, Riddick corrected her: "Lights 30%".
Not bothering to ask, Lisa hung her coat on the stand nearby and threw her scarf next to her purse and keys on the small table. Reaching down, she took her shoes off and made her way to the kitchen area. She needed a drink. Yeah yeah, not the brightest idea in the universe but she could care less… she`ll probably be dead in the following hours anyway… might as well dull it a little.
Grabbing a beer from the fridge she leaned against the counter and took a sip.
She watched as he walked over, grabbed a bottle for himself as well and stood facing her, in a relaxed and dominant stance that irritated the shit out of her. As if this was the most natural, normal thing to do. As if it was perfectly FINE to kidnap people and invite yourself into their homes and drink their BEER.
Taking a sip, he asked her:
"You live here alone?"
Lisa took a sip from the beer. God, this was awful… Next time she`ll make sure Rob takes it back with him. Ha, yes, like there would be a next time…
"Yes."
"Good."
Riddick opened his bottle and took a long sip. He couldn`t remember the last time he`d had beer. Wasn't particularly tasty but he still appreciated it.
Setting the bottle down, he took off his jacket, still covered with a layer of white snow.