Warnings: Language Chapter: Gladys
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"Dean!" the man yelled struggling against the EMTs that were trying to transport him from the ambulance to the hospital. The man was frantically trying to get free of the straps.
"Calm down buddy, we are almost there," EMT Randel tried to sooth the man. "Nurse Chapel, tell Doc Robbins we have a lively one," he continued to the nurse who ran out to help.
After 30 minutes and a sedative later the man was safely in the emergency room being checked out by Dr. Robbins. He was treated for his injuries and the doctor gave his report to the sheriff.
"'Evidence of torture over a prolonged period of time'," Sheriff Carrie Smith read from the report. "'Prolonged period of time'? Doc, you mean to tell me this shit was going on for MONTHS and we had not one damn clue what was happening?" She paced in the tiny office.
"Sheriff, unless you had patrols out checking every house, there was no way to know," the doctor explained, motioning her to follow.
"No excuse, something had to tip someone off," the sheriff's eyes were aflame with anger. "I have a couple of deputies out at the McAllaster place right now with Natily Greer and Ralph Phillips while they gather the evidence. We will get to the bottom of this." She calmed down a bit when they reached the man's room, 269. "I will need to speak with him when he wakes."
"Of course Carrie, I will call you as soon as that happens," Doc Robbins replied as he checked the man's vitals.
Unfortunately, much to the Sheriff's dismay, when the man did wake he was in no condition to give any information.
Nurse Chapel was on her daily rounds when the patient awoke. "Good afternoon," she said in a cheery fashion as she reached for the sheet.
The man jerked upright and away from her touch.
"Now now, no need to get all upset, I am just trying to check your stitches," she responded to his actions with soft words and non-threatening movements. She also pressed the call button.
The man tilted his head and stared at the nurse intently, his breath evening out. Before she could react, he reached for her and placed his hands on either side of her face, cradling it gently. She was surprised but did not attempt to move for fear of what he might do.
"Dean?" he questioned softly, probing her brown eyes for answers. He stroked his thumbs gently over her brown skin.
Nurse Chapel looked into those big green eyes and she melted. She could not help it, he looked so vulnerable, so desperate. "I am Nurse Chapel. Is your name Dean?"
The man shook his head violently and repeated his question, "Dean?" He held her gaze for a few seconds more then, pulling his hands away, he curled up into himself. He held his long legs to his chest, his forehead resting on his knees. Rocking slowly, he murmured 'Dean' over and over again. A noise brought his attention to the door. Stilled he watched as a doctor and two orderlies came in.
"Are you alright?" Dr. Henry asked the nurse.
"I am fine Dr. Henry," Nurse Chapel replied. "Our patient is awake. I need to get Dr. Robbins." She left the man's room with the doctor and two orderlies.
For weeks that followed the man weary of the people, cautious of everyone. He spoke to no one, fliching away for any contact. Doctors of various medicines were brought in to help but he would not speak anything other than 'Dean.' Slowly he started to respond to the nurses and doctors with facial expressions and a clumsy sign language. Slowly he began to heal.
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