Wyatt POV – Episode 11
Wyatt just sat staring at the empty seat as Rufus navigated the Lifeboat back to present. While the trips back to Mason Industries were always short, this one felt like an eternity. He and Rufus had to figure out a way around the conversation explaining that they had aided Flynn in his quest to destroy Rittenhouse and Wyatt how to explain how he had lost Lucy. Besides killing Flynn, his number one job was to protect the team. Rufus and Lucy. He had failed and Lucy was gone. Why did I left her run off without me Wyatt thought. The Lifeboat landed.
As the Lifeboat door opened, Wyatt threw himself out of the opening. There was no time to lose, "Where's Flynn!" Wyatt pushed his way through the crowd of techies. He stalked up immediately to where Agent Christopher and Connor Mason were standing. "Where's Flynn?" Nearly shouting this time. Jiya immediately looked down at her computer screen, she said "He has gone back in New York 1780." Wyatt couldn't believe it. They were going to be able to go right back and find her. Rescue her from Flynn. It wouldn't be long before he brought Lucy home. "Great, let's go!" Agent Christopher looked between at Wyatt and Rufus – "Wait! What's going on? Where's Lucy?"
Wyatt sighed to himself. This is taking too long. "Flynn took her. He kidnapped her. We have to go get her. Now. What are we doing? Let's go!" When Wyatt turned, and looked at Rufus, he grew even more frustrated. Why was Rufus not headed back toward the Lifeboat. What was he doing sitting down at the computer? Rufus looked at him, "Since Flynn is using the nuclear battery he can travel as frequently as he likes. The Lifeboat we have needs at least 4 hours to recharge before we can leave again." Wyatt couldn't believe his ears. Rufus looked at him with an understanding look. "I'll come find you once its recharged and we know where we are headed. We'll find her, Wyatt."
Wyatt walked off. He knew he wouldn't be able to sit still. He was concerned for Lucy. Wyatt had seen and heard how angry Flynn had become when Lucy wouldn't let him kill Rittenhouse's son. He could only imagine how angry Flynn would be now that Lucy had again thwarted his plans both in the past and in the present. Wyatt admired that so much about Lucy. She was brave and stood up for what was right – no matter the personal risk. This entire mission tugged at Wyatt's conscience. I was the one who had ultimately pressured Lucy into helping Flynn by using the Amy's memory to convince her it was alright murder someone. What kind of friend does that? As Wyatt stalked through the empty corridors in the basement of Mason Industry, he grew more frustrated with himself and concerned for Lucy as the minutes slipped away into hours. Wyatt decided to go costume room – he'd wait there so that as soon as it was time to go he could get ready and leave immediately. As Wyatt thumbed through all the wardrobe racks he thought I will find Lucy. I will.
Hours later
As Wyatt and Rufus exited the Lifeboat, Wyatt looked at back the empty seat. That seat will not be empty when we return. Lucy will be with us. I'm not leaving her again. Rufus called out to him, "Hey man - this way to town. Any idea what we should do or who we should look for?" Wyatt cynically laughed to himself No. Lucy isn't here. She would know what to do. I'm just the soldier. He answered, "My guess is to find Theodore Roosevelt first. He'll be president one day so he is probably one of the most famous people at this World Exposition thing. My best guess is Flynn is looking to take him out – but who really knows." So, they headed into town.
As they walked into Chicago, Wyatt realized how much he had taken Lucy for granted on these trips and how much he missed her genuine excitement to see and live history. He missed her smiles and giddy laughs. She'd be telling me about all the different people, inventions, foods, and whatnots that are going to be at this crazy fair. All I can see was how crowded, dirty, and unorganized this whole city and World Fair is but she'd pointed out all the awesome things about this city, the fair, and the time period. She would show me the positives. Tell me to have an open mind. I loved that about Lucy.
Wyatt slowed his steps as he came upon a big crowd. He turned to Rufus and nodded in the direction of the crowd. They both spotted Roosevelt standing on a platform at the same time. "Looks like we found him," Wyatt said to Rufus. Wyatt immediately started scanning the crowd looking for Flynn, Lucy, or someone he'd recognize. He vaguely heard Rufus say something about Roosevelt being skinny and how weird that was. He didn't care because Wyatt had already seen someone he recognized -one of Flynn's men. He immediately started walking after him. He called out to Rufus, "There is one of Flynn's guys! Let's go."
As they followed Flynn's lackey through the city, they eventually came to a hotel. Wyatt couldn't shake the feeling that something about this seemed wrong. This was way too easy. He practically led us here. Doesn't he know we are following him? It had been too easy to find this guy but Wyatt didn't care. This guy would lead him to Lucy. One way or other, Wyatt would make him take them to Lucy. They entered the hotel and split up to look for Lucy. As he walked the hall always, Wyatt thought to himself Surely someone has seen Lucy. How could you not notice her? She's beautiful. She radiates goodness. She is always smiling. Goodness, her eyes even sparkle when she smiles. Lucy is impossible not to see.
Wyatt was jarred from his thoughts – it felt like someone was watching him. He stopped walking and turned to look back. No one. Someone is watching me I can feel it but maybe its just me being paranoid. Wyatt sighed and immediately turned to keep going. When he turned, he ran immediately ran another woman knocking her belongs out of her hands. "I'm so sorry." Wyatt said. She offered her own apologies. Wyatt bent down to help her collect her things and noticed her drawings. They were building plans. She was an architect. He was impressed and told her as much. As he helped her into her room, he figured it was worth a shot to ask. "I'm looking for a friend. She's gone missing. She has brown eyes. Brown hair. Have you seen her?" The woman was really kind but hadn't seen her. "I'm Wyatt by the way," Wyatt said as his eyes scanned the room. "I'm Sophia. I hope you find your friend." Again, Wyatt heard something. This hotel made him anxious. "I should go." Wyatt headed toward the door but when he turned the doorknob, the door was locked. That's when he heard it– the sound of spewing gas. That's some type of gas leak or someone is pumping gas into this room. I already feeling light headed. This can't be happening. Wyatt pulled his gun and shot at the door all the while trying not breathe it in. It wasn't working – he losing consciousness. As Wyatt lost consciousness his last thought was Lucy…
When Wyatt came to he didn't recognize the man he immediately saw but then he scanned the room again and saw the woman, Sophia, from the room with the gas and then he heard Rufus. "Hey man, I got gassed too. I'm just glad you aren't dead." When the strange man said he had been in the room for hours, Rufus immediately started banging and calling out for help. Wyatt stood and processed their situation. Then he began scanning the room. Sophia explained to Rufus the room was airtight – that caught Wyatt's attention immediately. We are going to run out of oxygen soon if we don't get out of here. I've got to find a way out of here for us. We have to get out. They began discussing why a room like this even existed in a hotel at the same time Wyatt found the chains hooked to the wall. "Probably the same reason they put gas jets in the guest rooms. Someone built this place to trap people." George, the other prisoner, asked "Who would do that?" "Serial Killers" "Psychopaths" "Someone who wants to torture people for fun." Wyatt and Rufus explained.
Wyatt immediately realized what had happened and stalked over to Rufus. "He lured us here. Flynn knew about this place and he led us straight here." Wyatt gritted through his teeth. Rufus too seemed to have the exact same realization. Wyatt then gasped "God knows what he has told Lucy." Rufus replied, "She could be in here for all we know." Wyatt took a sharp breath in and thought I had not even considered that – that is even worse scenario than before. "We have about 4 or 5 hours left of oxygen." Wyatt guessed aloud. "Probably less," Rufus warned.
Wyatt paced around the room. He felt like a caged lion. He just thought Lucy being kidnapped was bad. Now, it was even worse. Thoughts started speeding through his mind. How did I allowed us get captured? I should have known this was a trap. That guy clearly was leading us here – it was way too easy. Am I losing his touch? I used to be so good at avoiding these very types of situations. His thoughts then suddenly focused on Lucy. Where was she? Surely Flynn wouldn't bring her here. Clearly, he needed her for something. Wyatt internally sighed If I had never pressured her into helping Flynn in the first place none of this would be happening. Now, barring a miracle, we won't be able to help her. Wyatt shook his head and tried to break free of those negative thoughts. He would get out and he would find Lucy. It was hard to keep track of the time but Wyatt knew they were running out of time.
Wyatt started re-examining the room. I am from the future! Surely I could figure out a way out of this 19th century hell-hole. The door! I bet I can unlock that door. He took off his coat and removed the cuff-links. Maybe he could pick or pry the lock open. Wyatt could feel the others watching and pacing while he worked. He could feel their fear. It was palatable. The lantern started flickering. Wyatt knew what it meant but Rufus just had to state the obvious aloud, "We're running out of air." I've got to keep trying. I'm not going to die like this. Not before I save Lucy Wyatt thought. The others began nervously sharing stories about their families. Wyatt could tell they were losing hope. He continued fiddling with the door until he finally admitted to everyone, "This isn't working." Sophiabecame frantic. "We are all going to die in here." She said her father would never know what happened to her – she would be missing. Wyatt slowly turned from the door and looked at her. "I know what that's like to have someone go missing. Not knowing, always wondering. It's the worst part. I'm not going to happen to us...but I need you to help me." Wyatt implored her to calm down and help him figure a way out of the room.
After a little while, Sophia had found the weak spot – one brick. It was made of concrete and it was deteriorating. They could try to make a hole in it so someone would hear them. She handed Wyatt her tie pin and Wyatt went to work trying to create a pin-size hole in the wall. This has to work. I have to get out of here. I have to save us. I have to find Lucy. Wyatt kept working until he felt the pin push through. "Hello! Hello?! Can anybody hear me?! Can anybody hear me?! Wyatt kept yelling and banging on the wall. This was it – if not one heard him or came for them - they were finished. "Is anyone out there? Hello! Can anyone hear me!?" Wyatt kept yelling. Then he heard her…Lucy. "Wyatt? Is that you." Rufus had heard her too. So it wasn't his imagination. Lucy had found them.
Wyatt's heart began to soar. "Lucy?!" "Is Rufus with you?" Lucy asked. "Hey! I am! Man, its good to hear your voice" Rufus was so elated he was laughing. "Are you ok?" Lucy asked through the wall. Wyatt thought to himself She's asking about us? She was the one who was kidnapped. How did she escape? Where's Flynn? We were supposed to save her and somehow she is the one saving us. I've got to stop underestimating her. I have to see her. I have to say sorry for letting Flynn take her. "Get us out of here," Wyatt yelled. Then he heard another voice. It was a man's voice. "Are you with someone?" Why doesn't that even matter Wyatt thought to himself. Why do I care? But Wyatt's heart felt a pang of jealousy. Another man had helped to save Lucy. What's wrong with me? Lucy stuttered. "I..I brought Harry Houdini with me. He is here to help." Lucy said. Wyatt smiled to himself. Of course, she brought Harry Houdini. Then the door suddenly opened and there stood a shorter man with Lucy immediately behind him. Wyatt's feelings of jealousy evaporated into sheer joy and relief. Lucy came running toward him. Wyatt ran to meet her. When he reached her, he enveloped her into his arms and pulled her as tightly in as he could. "Thank God you're alright." Wyatt he whispered in her ear. Wyatt looked at her and took in everything about her. She's safe. I'll never let her out of my sight again.
"Where's Flynn?" Wyatt asked. Lucy explained what had happened. They all realized they should get going soon. Who knows when their capturer would be back or Flynn for that matter? As they all filed out of the room, Wyatt called Lucy back. "We aren't finished here." Lucy looked at him and understood what he wanted. She didn't fight him about it. They went to look for the man Lucy called H. H. Holmes. When they found the hotel manager, Quinlan, was less than helpful. He told Wyatt and Lucy Holmes was probably in his office upstairs. Wyatt was fixated on finding and punishing Holmes. "Show me" and marched the manager upstairs leaving Lucy behind. He just assumed she was safe. Rufus was right outside with their fellow survivors. Wyatt turned and looked at her, "Get the police. Go right now." It never even crossed his mind that Holmes was already watching them.
When Wyatt and the manager made it upstairs, Wyatt looked around. The room was empty. As he and the manager made their way downstairs he heard her screamed. "Wyatt! Wyatt!" Wyatt rushed down the stairs. He met Rufus at the bottom. "Where is she? Where's Lucy?" Rufus had no idea. Lucy was gone again. Wyatt was furious – furious with himself. How can this be happening again? I've left her alone again. He had left her again and this time it wasn't Flynn who had taken her. Flynn had a use for Lucy. Wyatt always knew Flynn wouldn't really hurt her. H.H. Holmes…he was a serial killer. He would. Wyatt knew Holmes was still here in one of his secret rooms in this blasted hotel. Wyatt would find him and when he did he would kill him.
Wyatt turned full of rage to Quinlan, "Where is he?! Where would he take her!" Wyatt put his gun to his head and demanded an answer. "The basement. He sometimes goes to the basement." Wyatt and Rufus rushed downstairs. Wyatt heard her screaming "Get me out of here!" Wyatt burst through the door and ran down the basement stairs. Wyatt took aim at Holmes while Rufus went to free Lucy. Wyatt didn't see Lucy anywhere and then he realized where the screaming was coming from…she was in the furnace. Wyatt nearly lost all of his composure. He put her in the furnace. She's terrified of closed spaces. I'm going to kill him. Once Rufus had freed her, Wyatt demanded Holmes give him one reason not to shot him. Holmes claimed he would confess and tell all his victim's families about their missing family members. He promised closure. Wyatt wasn't sure if he was screwing with him since Wyatt has spoken of having missing families early in their prison so he asked Lucy if he was telling the truth. Lucy hesitantly responded almost in a near whisper "Wyatt." Wyatt knew it was putting Lucy in a position she didn't want to be in but he asked her again anyway. Wyatt had to know. Lucy reluctantly answered, "No. He lies about everything and sells his story for profit." Without hesitation, Wyatt pulled the trigger….
Back at Mason Industries
After the team returned, they all headed in different directions to clean up and change. Everyone needed space and time to compose themselves. Wyatt headed to the shower room. He needed to decompress. He was still wound so tightly. Lucy had been kidnapped. Instead of him saving her, she had saved him. Then he had left her alone again and she was nearly killed by a madman. Then, he had killed the man to protect her or Jessica's memory. He wasn't even sure which it was. Wyatt let the hot water roll off his back. It didn't matter. None of it. Lucy is safe. She is back…with him.
Then it Wyatt like a ton of bricks…he hadn't really thought about Jessica that much in Chicago. Not until someone mentioned being missing. Wyatt hadn't while thought about her when he was locked in that room. His sole thought was getting out to save Lucy. He hadn't when Wyatt thought they were all going to die in there. Again, all his thoughts had been for Lucy. Who was going to save Lucy? What would happen to her? It wasn't until Sophia had mentioned her father never knowing what happened to her that Jessica even crossed his mind. But even then, it was not the way Wyatt thought Jessica should have crossed his mind. She was almost an afterthought. What is going on with me? I can't love two women at one time. Wait. I'm not even in love with Lucy. I'm just projecting. I love my wife. I love Jessica. Wyatt ran his hands through his wet hair – trying to make sense of his thoughts. Yes. I love my wife. But, I'm not just projecting on my feelings for Jessica onto Lucy. I care about Lucy. I deeply care for her. I have even before Arkansas. I care about her so much that she was the woman I was thinking about when I thought I was going to die…not Jessica. Wyatt had killed Holmes out of justice for his victims; out of his own pent up rage for Jessica's murder; and for trying to kill Lucy. But now what he wasn't sure if he was more angry at Holmes for taking Lucy or for what he represented about Jessica. I'm not even sure why or for whom I really killed that man.
Wyatt turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. How could that be? When had Lucy taken over some much of his heart and mind? Wyatt first grew annoyed at Lucy. This had been happening more frequently especially after Arkansas. If she hadn't had worn that stupid engagement ring I would never had to pretend to be engaged to her. I would never have had to hold her, lay with her, kiss her. As Wyatt continued to get dressed, he realized his frustration was misplaced. It wasn't Lucy's fault. It was his. I didn't even believe myself when I told her we were just playing the part. I enjoyed it – being with her is so natural. I don't even have to work at it like Jessica and I had to sometimes near the end. It's easy to be with Lucy – even when we fight its easy. I think about what it would be like to be with Lucy when I'm at home instead of focusing on finding Jessica's murder. I'm even jealous of her fake fiancé. When did my heart become attached to Lucy? How did I let this happen? I'm in love the ghost of my wife and the woman I work with every day. I can't love two women. It's not right.
Once Wyatt was completely dressed, he headed back to the locker room to pick up his stuff and head home. He wanted to avoid Lucy – avoid his feelings. Wyatt knew if he saw her he would want to take care of her. He knew she hated tight places and feeling out of control. He also knew she was still shaken by Flynn's kidnapping and just putting up a good front so people wouldn't worry. And, Wyatt also recognized that Lucy had no one to really talk to. She was alone…like him. Two broken halves - only made whole when in each other's presence.
Wyatt changed his mind and decided he needed…no, he wanted to see Lucy. Lucy gave him peace and he hoped to he could offer to her as well. Wyatt decided then, he was going to try to let go of Jessica's ghost. He'd always love his wife but it was time to try to move on. Facing death in that hotel had put some of his thoughts into perspective and since the majority of his thoughts had been for Lucy. Wyatt thought That has to mean something, right?
As he headed out to go find Lucy, his phone rang. Wyatt thought Weird. Its an unknown caller. Who would be calling me this late at night…
