Chapter 9

True to her word, Dr. Carlson did her best to allow Jack and Audrey to be together. She, Dr. Besson, and Doyle teamed up and worked together, cautiously going behind Heller's back. There were two guards posted at the door to Audrey's room, but Dr. Carlson, Dr. Besson, and Doyle quickly won them over and persuaded them to turn a blind eye and allow Jack and Audrey to be together.

"I'm not totally heartless," Doug, one of the guards, grumbled. "I got a wife and kid of my own." He glanced at Jack. "I'm not gonna stop you if you want to go in there and see your girl. But, for God's sake, be careful. Don't say a word. If Heller finds out, he'll have our jobs. And your head." Jack grimaced, but nodded.

"Hey, Doug, did you see something?" Joe, the second guard, spoke up. "I thought I saw someone go into Ms. Raines' room. But I don't see anybody there now. Must have been a shadow." He winked. "Go on, Jack." He held the door open and allowed Jack to step into the room.

"Thank you," Jack said earnestly. "Thank you both very much." He slipped into the room and pulled the door closed behind him.

-o-o-o-o-

Slowly, day by day, Audrey began to come out of her shell. She was still hesitant to make eye contact when spoken to, and she didn't say much, but it was a start. At least she had stopped cowering whenever anyone approached her. Her voice was raspy and weak whenever she spoke, which wasn't often, but it was slowly gaining strength as she gained confidence.

For the most part, Audrey kept her face a solemn mask. Occasionally, Dr. Carlson or Dr. Besson was able to elicit a small, almost non-existent smile, but it disappeared in seconds. Almost all of her tiny, shy smiles were reserved for Jack alone. Although still wary of others, she was completely at ease with him.

-o-o-o-o-

The days fell into a predictable pattern. Heller spent most of the day with Audrey, keeping a careful eye on Jack. In the afternoon, Dr. Besson or Dr. Carlson carefully persuaded Heller to take a break and go get something to eat. As soon as he was out of the room, Jack slipped inside and spent a blissful hour with Audrey. They held each other close, enjoying each other's company and savoring the short visits. This is like a prison, Jack thought bitterly one afternoon. Someone's always watching us. Time is limited; I've only got an hour. We have to be careful what we say. Somehow, this has got to end.

He was seated on the window seat with Audrey, watching the scenery outside as he gently ran a brush through her long blond hair. Doug and Joe were positioned outside the door, keeping a wary eye out for any sign of Heller's return. Jack appreciated the help and the short visits. It wasn't much, but it was enough... for now. However, he and everyone else were busy thinking of a way to approach Heller. This wouldn't work for much longer.

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