Lucy was eager to drop her stern demeanor which she had bravely displayed during the last few weeks during her gradually less intimate 'examinations' of Dr. Thackery. It has been a farce all along and she knew it. Somehow, Dr. Thackery was still taking the drugs the hospital would deny him, but how? And why had he not confided in her again if he was taking cocaine again? Their destinies were somehow linked to that poisonous, spectacular solution which he had introduced her to over a year ago. She still carried some in her handbag and she had brazenly introduced it into her sexual play with Henry Robertson. But the act still wasn't the same as it had been with John Thackery. She longed to peak his interest in her again – and maybe the drug was the way?

"You're exhausted, John. You don't want to stay here. You can't be here tonight alone. It's not safe."

Thackery became petulant as he heard Lucy's voice – the voice of a daughter scolding him.

"I'm fine."

Lucy approached closer, her hands reaching to untangle his unkempt, ragged hair, "You need to eat and you need a real bed. Why don't you go home."

"Home," Thackery said sourly.

"I can call us a hansom and we'll be home in a few minutes. It's only a few minutes away, " Lucy added softly, although she realized that there was a distinct pleading in her words. She winced, but Thackery hadn't taken the time to look at her yet.

"I can't."

"Why not?" Lucy's voice caught an edge, "I have other things that can help. They used to help, anyway…"

Thackery looked up at her slowly, a snarl on his lip as he pulled her hands away.

"You mean the cocaine? I've moved onto a better substitute, Lucy."

"What about Chinatown?"

"I'm afraid I can't help you."

Lucy felt heat in her face, "Help me? I want to see you get better, John. I am sorry about what happened today, I am sorry for Mrs. Alford. I liked her, I really did. I can't imagine what you're going through right now. Please, John, let me help you."

"It's too late, Lucy. For everything. I'm way past that – can't you see? Why would you want to waste your time on this?"

Thackery gestured to himself; his disheveled and thin appearance and his eyes brimming with of bemusement and hopelessness.

"I know you think I only miss the drugs and the sex, but you're wrong. I actually do love you, John. Just the way you loved Abigail."

Thackery stared at her in silence.

"It happened on that day I came to your apartment and found you shivering and helpless. You needed me. I loved you then and I still do."

"I'm sorry, Lucy."

"You don't love me at all like I do you. I can see that now."

"I love you for who your are, Lucy. Nurse Lucy Elkins. No more, no less."

Lucy stopped her tears with a sharp intake of breath. She leaned down to place a gentle, lingering kiss on Thackery's sweating forehead.

"Good night, Dr. Thackery."

Thackery watched Lucy turn briskly and leave the room, turning the lights out as she left. He sensed that she had tears like himself brewing behind those blue, blazing eyes of hers.

"Good night, Nurse Elkins."

Slowly and mechanically, Dr. Thackery pulled out his two powder vials which he kept in his coat pocket. After a quick couple of sniffs it would be time to lay down on the leather lounge and drift off. But he dreaded waking up in the morning to realize that Mrs. Abigail Alfords would never smile at him again.

THE END