It was nearly midnight when Malcolm came back to the loft. Looking more than just a little tired and uncomfortable. Raphael knew it was better than to jump up and greet him. Figuring he'd needed a moment to decompress as he'd been through a lot in the past twelve or so hours. If he'd been through what Malcolm had, he'd want to be left alone for a bit. Instead of bugging the other man, he started putting away his art supplies. Devon asked,"Is everything alright, Bright?"
"Not really, Devon.",Malcolm answered. Giving a soft sigh as he got his suit jacket off. Setting it down on the nearby kitchenette stool. Looking at Raphael, he gave a tired smile. Then glanced back at Devon. In a quiet voice, he added,"Marinus isn't going to be able to answer questions anytime soon."
"And all we got from one of the victims is a vague description of him.",Malcom added. That was bad. That was very, very bad. And Raphael knew that meant they'd have difficulty catching the man. It would mean having to hide in Malcolm's loft. For who knew how long. Which meant having to be somewhat of a burden on the criminal profiler. He felt a little guilty about this but, did his best to avoid allowing this to show on his face. Instead, he just continued to fix up his art supplies. When he was done, he walked over to one of the couches. Plopping down on an end of the one nearest Malcolm's bed. Curling in on himself as he vaguely listened to Devon and Malcolm speak. Malcolm asking what they did together and how things had gone. Along with what they had eaten during the day. Which, struck him as odd. But, he didn't linger on it as he turned his attention to the T.V. Trying to distract himself with what was on.
Just some rerun of Spongebob that he really liked. A tiny smile came to his face as he watched it. Doing his best to just tune out the conversation happening to the left of him.
"I just want to know to pay you back for what you bought.",Malcolm explained. It came to him so easily that he almost forgot it was a lie. He was trying to keep track of Raphael's eating habits. Wanting to be sure that he wasn't emotional eating or not eating at all. As he knew both were Raphael's reactions to stress. And what could be more stressful than still being hunted by a serial killer who kidnapped you? Devon insisted,"Nah, you don't gotta do that. It wasn't really that much and I ain't gonna miss it."
"Are you sure about that? I mean I cou-""Nah, I'm sure. It's cool, Bright.",Devon stated. Gently clapping Malcolm on his shoulder with a huge smile. It was clear that he wasn't going to allow Malcolm to pay him. Or tell him more about Raphael's eating habits from the day. But, knew it would come off as weird if he did. So, he just gave a soft sigh and thanked him for protecting Raphael. The older man nodded his head before turning to Raph. Who was definitely zoned into the T.V more than what was going on near him. In a calm voice, Devon called,"Have a good night, Raph."
"G'night, Devon. See you when I see you.",Raphael called back. Turning his head slightly to look at Devon and giving him a small smile. One that Devon mirrored back to him before heading out. Malcolm raised an eyebrow at this but, said nothing. It was good they were getting along. Though he still would have to ask about them together later. For now, he just wanted to tell Raphael about the case. Walking over to the couch, he sat down next to the shorter man. In a calm voice, Malcolm informed,"We didn't get any clues from the scene about the Hangman."
"Aside from Nessa's description of him being short and having short brown hair.",Malcolm explained. Which definitely sounded vague in Raphael's book, too. Nodding his head a little, he did his best to try to keep calm. In a low voice, Raphael muttered,"Great. So you're essentially no closer to getting this guy than you were before."
Of course they did. Raphael toyed with his hair as he sat back against the couch. Malcolm scooted even closer to him and wrapped an arm around him. Keeping close to him as he nodded his head. It was true, they were really no closer to catching this guy than before. But, he felt as soon as Marinus was able to answer questions that they would be. And Malcolm informed,"At least, not now. Soon as Marinus wakes up, we'll probably get more information about him."
"I'm very sure that he'll be fine, Raphie.",Malcolm added. Petting Raphael's hair with a tiny smile. It seemed to help the shorter man keep calm as he leaned into the touch. Nearly smiling as they sat together on the couch. Raphael sort of turned his attention to the screen. In a low voice, he muttered,"I really hope that you're right about that."
"I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me.",he mumbled. Malcolm raised an eyebrow at this. Unsure if he heard the shorter man right or not. Gently poking him, he asked,"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, if you hadn't saved me from the Hangman. The Hangman probably wouldn't have moved on so quickly.",Raphael explained. Looking over at Malcolm, he chewed his bottom lip. Feeling like it was all his fault that the Hangman was loose on Malcolm's world. That if he had just died, things would have been fine. Or at least fine for his universe. Considering all the things that Malcolm generally went through. It would be a lot less, damaging if he hadn't found him. Pushing this aside, he stated,"I just feel like I'm fucking up your life, Mal."
"You're not, Raphie.",Malcolm informed him. Pulling him pretty much onto his lap and into a hug. Giving him a gentle squeeze as he rested Raphael's face into his shoulder. To allow him to cry if he needed to. Gently rubbing his back in little circles. In a low voice, he continued,"It isn't your fault that he's hurt others. It's his own fault."
"You are not responsible for his actions nor will you ever be.",he assured. Malcolm adjusted him on his lap to essentially rest against him. He rested his cheek against the top of Raphael's head. Quietly murmuring assurances that it wasn't his fault. Reminding him that the Hangman would have moved on to someone else once he died. As he had done in the book. Which, Raphael knew but still felt like he was responsible for it. Despite knowing full well that it wasn't entirely true in the slightest bit. Giving a soft sigh, Raphael muttered,"I know, I know. I just still feel like it's my fault."
It was something about his conscience that he hated. Telling him that it was all his fault if the tiniest issue arisen.
He took a deep breath to steady himself as Malcolm held him. Bright was gently stroking his back as they sat together. For a few minutes at least, then he asked,"Did you eat dinner, Raphie?"
"Yeah, we just had some leftover pizzas from lunch.",Raphael answered glancing up at Malcolm's face. A bit surprised by the change of topic but, grateful for it. It probably wasn't the healthiest option. But, it was the easiest thing for Devon and himself to eat. This was also the cheapest option for them to do as well. And it seemed like Malcolm understood this. As the look on his face seemed to indicate that he understood why he did it.
Malcolm didn't mind that they had leftover pizza. He really wished that Raphael and Devon hadn't eaten so much junk food like that. And that they would have eaten something that was a bit better for them. Though, he didn't say that out loud. Instead, he stated,"That's good, Raphie. Now let's get ready for bed."
"I'm tired and I'm pretty sure that you are too.",he continued. Which was true. Raphael was pretty tired from the whole night. Yawning a little, he nodded his head as he pulled out of Malcolm's grip. Both of them got up and started getting ready to fall asleep. Something that Raphael was slightly dreading. If the nightmares from last night were bad, tonight's were probably going to be worse. Then there was a bit of guilt over feeling so low for himself. That he was only thinking of himself and not the victims that were hurt thanks to him being alive. His mind wouldn't let it go for any of what it was worth. But, he did the best that he could to avoid looking sad. As he didn't want to unsettle Malcolm or worry him more than he already had. For the most part, he felt that he was doing a decent job at it.
Malcolm, on the other hand, was very worried with how quiet Raphael was. The way he was trying to keep an expression on his face made him worried. Feeling the shorter man was trying to shield the criminal profiler from his feelings. Not, wanting to be a burden on his new friend. Something that he felt he would have to gently encourage out of him. Either by working together on it. Or taking Raphael to a therapist that could help him speak about his feelings. Knowing that he was taught that you keep your feelings to yourself and not burden others. Well, that was what Malcolm picked up on in the book. From his younger brother's words at the very least. Right now, there would be no calling the shorter man out on it. Instead, Malcolm just ushered him into the bathroom to brush his teeth. Which they did together. Flossing and using mouth wash before he walked out of the bathroom. Letting the shorter man get into his pajamas without him there.
Raphael hurriedly slipped into the borrowed pajamas. Hating that he was still borrowing Malcolm's stuff. Just hating that this was how he was going to live for now. For who knew how long. And despising that this was something that he had to do. Live off the kindness of his favorite character. None of which the shorter man could easily repay. How could he? Repay him for saving his life aside from maybe saving his life? That was something that he hoped would never have to happen. Not that he wouldn't try to save Malcolm's life. But, he didn't want either of them to be in that position. While he walked out of the bathroom, the criminal profiler held out his arms for him. A tiny smile on his face as he questioned,"I don't suppose you'd mind giving me a hug?"
"It's been a real long day, Raphie.",he added. It felt a little off but, figured Malcolm just needed the security. Sometimes his Mom needed that. Walking over to him, he wrapped his arms around him. Tightly hugging him as he pressed his face into the other man's shoulder. Allowing him to squeeze him for a few moments and gently rubbing his back. Soon as he let him go, Raphael let out a soft sigh. This was very nice. Taking a deep breath, he walked over to the cot and slipped into it. Pulling the blankets around himself as Malcolm got the lights turned off. Soon as the lights were all turned off, he noticed the criminal profiler get into bed. Listening to the clink of his restraints before everything settled down. This was becoming something that was starting to be a noise that Raphael was getting used to. Along with the fact that there weren't any actual walls for his bed to be against. A thing that the shorter man didn't really like at all. But, was starting to get used to as he laid there on the cot. Feeling grateful that despite how he moved around in bed, he didn't fall off it. Slowly he closed his eyes as he called out,"Goodnight, Mal."
"G'night Raffie.",came the muffled reply from Malcolm. Another thing that he was becoming used to. Ignoring all of that, he felt himself drift off to sleep. Finding himself waking up in his Grandparent's guest room. Laying on top of the blankets instead of under them. The super firm bed was making his back hurt as he laid there. While he did, there were footsteps going on downstairs. Sounds of people talking about something that he couldn't make out. Getting off of the bed, Raphael walked out of the guest room. Down the short hallway and towards the stairs. Heading down the stairs, he called,"Grandma? Grandpa? You guys home?"
No one answered him. The talking didn't stop as he walked down the stairs. Instead the voices got clearer. There were relatives and folks that he sort of knew talking about him. Some talking about how they couldn't believe that Raphael was dead. Some saying how they missed him and were worried about his brother. Along with his Mother. Who was in the hospital voluntarily committed herself after finding out Raphael died. Looking around, Raphael tried to find his Grandpa. Very aware that no one could see him or even hear him. Walking through, he found his Grandpa in the kitchen. Sitting at the kitchen table with his Grandma. Her back was turned to him and he saw her shoulders trembling. His Grandpa was doing his best to keep it together. Some tears were rolling down his cheek as he sat near his wife. Raphael was the favorite of his youngest daughter's children. Letting him off with stuff that he knew his younger brothers would never be able to. Seeing him as a Father figure thanks to that. Seeing his Father figure crying uncontrollably made his heart hurt. Walking up to his Grandpa, he tried to touch his face. Only having it go through his head as he gasped. Tears started rolling down his own face at this. In a low voice, he muttered,"I'm so sorry, Grandpa. I'm so sorry."
"I love you so much and I wish I said that the last time I saw you.",he added. Turning to his Grandma. Who was bawling her eyes out. She had taken off her glasses and set them down in front of her. Pressing her hands over her face as she leaned forward. Trying to rub her back, he apologized,"I'm so sorry, Grandma. I love you too and I wasn't a good grandkid to ya."
"I wish I had another chance to show you how much I care.",Raphael added. Walking out of his Grandparent's kitchen, he headed out of the house. Ignoring the family members who were crying. Along with the folks that he knew somewhat vaguely in passing. While the short man walked out of the house, he headed down the street. There wasn't a ton of people talking about him. Just a few here and there. Thank goodness his ego was realistic and knew only a few folks would care. Mostly his family. While he walked, he had the strangest feeling that someone was following him. Turning around, he didn't see anyone at first. Then there was a shape in the distance. An oddly familiar one. His eyes widened as he stared at the young man walking towards him. One he hadn't seen in so many years.
His baby brother.
The baby brother that he felt responsible for the death of. That he hadn't done anywhere near enough for. Taking a step back as he held his hands up. In a quiet voice, Raphael demanded,"Please, leave me alone."
"I don't wanna see you right now, it hurts so much.",he continued. More tears were rolling down his face as he tried to back away. Only to be met with a wall that hadn't been there before. One that he knew that he wouldn't be able to get away from. His baby brother didn't seem to notice his pain. Or if he did, he was thoroughly ignoring this. When he got within arms reach of him, his baby brother asked,"You know that you're not actually dreaming any of this right?"
"That this is real, right?",he continued. It was a lie. This just had to be. None of this was real and he was alive in Malcolm's world. His baby brother was probably just his own anxieties making this worse. Raphael answered,"This isn't real, I am sleeping I know that I'm sleeping."
"You're not going to fuck with me on what is real and what isn't.",he continued. It was his brain just messing with him. Nothing more and nothing less. As he pressed his back against the wall, he added,"You're not my brother. Just something that looks like him and nothing more."
"I want you to leave me the Hell alone and let me wake up.",Raphael demanded. Wanting to be awake. Deal with whatever the Hell Malcolm wanted from him. The thing that looked like his younger brother frowned a little bit. Taking a few more steps towards him and gently grabbing Raphael's right hand. Making his eyes widen as he goes to pinch him. Then something grabs his shoulders from behind him. Gently shaking him back to the waking world. Malcolm was kneeling next to him with a worried look on his face. Teeth digging into his bottom lip as Raphael opened his eyes. In a low voice, he asked,"Did you have another nightmare, Raphie?"
"Yeah...really messed up and I don't wanna talk about it.",Raphael answered. The criminal profiler let go of his shoulders. Smiling down at him as he seemed to be thinking of something. Then looked over at his bed and then down at Raphael. Quietly, he suggested,"This is going to be weird but, do you want to sleep on the bed with me?"
"Uhh...would that be really be wise, Mal?",Raphael asked. Fearing that he could be too restless. Or that Malcolm might have a night terror and accidentally harm him. With a nod of his head, Malcolm answered,"Yeah, it'll be fine."
"Let's just give it a shot and see how you feel about it?",he suggested. It still felt a little strange to him but, Raphael agreed to it. Getting off of the cot before following Malcolm to the bed. Allowing him to get restrained and putting his mouthguard in before crawling under the covers. Curling up next to him and settling his head on the criminal profiler's chest. Listening to his breathing as he slowly shut his eyes. A tiny smile on his face as he barely noticed Malcolm humming quietly.
~Meanwhile~
It was everything that he predicted it would be. Andrew had predicted that the police would find the women. That Jessica would find Marinus. Hell, he was hoping that she would find him. Wishing that he could have seen the look on her face. How terrified that she was with what had happened. And how in the world she dealt with it. Figuring she probably couldn't have handled things as easily as cops would. Smirking at the image, Andrew continued to walk through Claremont's hallways. Knowing that he wouldn't be seen as he walked. Thanks to finding a spare janitor's uniform. Well, he wouldn't be questioned for a little while at the very least.
If he stuck around unnecessarily, he probably would be.
But, he wasn't going to be leaving without his prize. And that prize was the Surgeon. A smirk came to his face as he quietly snuck towards his room. Using cards that he stole to open the doors. Quietly sneaking over to the older man's room. Noting how well furnished it was. Vaguely being reminded of Hannibal Lector's cell from the movies. But, it seemed quite a bit nicer than that. Probably thanks to the carpet that was laid on the ground. It didn't matter. All that mattered was getting the gentleman that was sleeping peacefully on his bed. Laying on his side with his back facing the door to his cell. Raising an eyebrow, he entered Martin's cell. Barely paying attention to the man's stirring as he walked over to him. Holding up a cloth that was pre-soaked with chloroform and snuck up on the man. Pressing the rag over his face as carefully as possible. Martin started to thrash as he let out a shout of surprise. Not enough that it worried the Hangman. No, he knew that no one would be coming to help him. As the guard seemed to have gone to the bathroom. Or whatever the Hell it was that he needed to do. Quietly, he kept a firm grip on the older man. In a low voice, he stated,"You can thank Raphael for this, old man."
Nearly laughing as Martin's struggles grew weaker and weaker. It wasn't a quick process but, he wasn't worried. Wasn't afraid that the man that kept him in would see. After all, he was prepared for the guard as well.
Soon as Martin was out cold, he moved the older man's body into the trash can. Made the bed look like the Surgeon was still in it. Then hurried out and relocked the door behind himself. Heading out of the asylum through the backway that he got in. Getting out within twenty minutes as he had planned. And headed immediately towards the van that he had stolen. Shoving the garbage can with the knocked out former killer inside into it. A huge grin on his face as he headed to the driver-side door. Nearly jumping inside before pulling out of the parking lot. Driving down the street to a place he had brought his other players too. It was perfect to keep the Surgeon tied up in. And he knew that the former serial killer wouldn't be able to leave the place easily. That, Andrew was going to make certain of.
It was going to be a whole new level of fun for him.
Everything in this place was much better than the old one. Much more fun. As he didn't exist in this world like he did in the other one. Just like his own former victim didn't. Who he hoped to be able to get his hands on as soon as possible. Wanting to retry their own game again and leave him like he wanted to before. Almost like he had done with Marinus not that long ago. Smirking as he parked in a place that he knew wouldn't be easily seen. Andrew carefully pulled Martin out of the back of the van. Towards the barn that he kept his first three victims in. Putting him in the chair that formerly held Marinus. Quickly tying him up as the older man started to come around. Soon as he got the last arm restraint tied, Andrew stated,"Good morning, sleepyhead. I bet you're wondering why you're here."
"...yes, I'd love to know why you've broken me out of Claremont and just why you're blaming Raphael for it.",Martin admitted. Not looking the least bit distressed with his situation. Hell, the older man didn't even look the least bit angry about it. In fact, he looked completely bored with the whole thing. Something about that made Andrew's blood boil as he stared into the older man's eyes. Quietly, Andrew answered,"Well, if Raphael hadn't escaped me then you wouldn't be here."
"Hmmm...I suppose I actually should be blaming your son for this.",he stated. A smirk on his face as he stood up in front of him. Crossing his arms, he stared down into Martin's eyes. Who didn't look the least bit unsettled or upset. And seemed to be starting to look a bit amused by the whole situation. Frowning deeply, Andrew asked,"Doesn't this make you even the slightest bit worried?"
"You're at my mercy and no one is going to save you.",Andrew informed. There was no one would want to save someone like him. No one in the entire world would want to save the Surgeon. As far as he could tell, he got himself the perfect victim. It was Martin's turn to smirk at the newer serial killer infront of him. There was someone who was definitely would save him. His son. Malcolm wouldn't let him die or allow this greenhorn to keep him. Tilting his head to the side, Martin informed,"I know someone who will come and save me."
"Oh? And who in the Hell would that be?",Andrew asked. Seemingly shocked that the former serial killer in front of him had someone to want to help him. To want to save him at all. Martin answered,"My boy, Malcolm. I'm sure you've talked together, Hangman."
"I'm very sure that the minute he realizes that I'm not in my cell, he'll be after you.",he continued. Looking up at him, he couldn't contain his laughter. Couldn't stop himself from smiling wider at the now angry man. Laughing, he added,"You've just put an even bigger target on yourself."
There was something so hilarious about the Hangman's expression. It made it so hard for him to not laugh. Martin didn't care that the younger man was upset about the whole thing. Chewing his bottom lip, he watched Andrew pace the floor. Almost as if he were debating with himself on what to do about this. Which, he understood. This was a difficult situation that he just landed himself in. Then the younger man stopped in his tracks. A faint smile on his face as he turned to the older man. Tilting his head to the side, he asked,"How much does your son love you, Martin?"
"Do you think he would come out here to save you if he finds out that I have you?",Andrew questioned. Causing Martin's blood run cold as he stared straight at the younger man. It would happen. Malcolm would have definitely come out to physically save him from this. If he had to, Malcolm would do anything to go get him. Even if it meant possibly getting injured to do so. A trait in his son that was something he at one point adored. Now, it terrified him out of his mind as he sat there. Knowing that the Hangman knew about it from the look on his face. Quietly, Andrew chuckled,"I suppose I just got my answer."
"Your poor little boy seems like he's got decent lungs...",the hangman trailed off. Watching Martin's face grow red as he struggled in the bonds. Throwing threats at the younger man as he tried to break free. Wanting to strangle the other serial killer in front of him. With this, Andrew got out some duct tape. Putting some over the former serial killer's mouth. Not caring if his beard hairs would be pulled out if he pulled the tape off. All that mattered was shutting his mouth. With a laugh, Andrew stated,"It's going to be so much fun to hear him scream."
"Maybe I'll get him to beg for Daddy to save him.",he taunted. Cackling as he left Martin to his own thoughts. Loving the sound of his muffled screams as he walked away from the room. Smiling ear to ear as he thought of how Malcolm would react. And how this part of the game was going to go.
~In The Morning~
That morning, Raphael found himself laying in Malcolm's bed. And his head was still on top of the criminal profiler's chest as they laid together. Noticing that despite being awake, Malcolm hadn't moved from the bed. Instead, he was just relaxing as he waited for Raphael to wake up. Carefully, the shorter man got up off of him. Looking down at him, he apologized,"Sorry for sleeping in so late, Malcolm."
"I didn't hurt you, did I?",Raphael asked. A bit afraid that his weight would have harmed him. Even if it were for the smallest amount of time. Malcolm didn't seem to have minded it. He gave a gentle smile at the shorter man as he sat up. Lightly patting Raphael's back, Malcolm informed,"It's okay, you didn't actually hurt me."
"It was kind of nice.",he added. Which was true. It was sort of nice having someone cuddle him. As he couldn't remember the last time that someone actually touched him like that. Nor was he going to actually dwell on it. Instead, he was going to make breakfast for the both of them. Something that would be not only filling and super healthy. Getting off the bed, he led the shorter man towards the kitchenette and had him sit down on the stool. He started to make them some waffles with sausages and toast. While he worked on the waffles, his phone started to ring. It made him mentally groan as he set down the supplies on the kitchen island. Picking up the phone, he saw that it was Gil calling him. Answering it, Malcolm asked,"Did Marinus wake up yet, Gil?"
"Is Mother's wrists alright?",he questioned. A bit worried that one of Jessica's wrists were broken or something to that effect. Panic suddenly flaring up in his gut at the idea. Then his blood ran cold as his boss's words. Gil answered,"Your Mom is fine, Malcolm. And Marinus still isn't awake yet. But, this is about the Surgeon."
"Someone has been broken him out of Claremont Asylum sometime last night, Bright.",Gil continued. Those words bounced around his skull for a few fleeting seconds. Making him stand there in total silence for the longest moment. Almost whispering, Malcolm questioned,"Do they have any footage of whomever did this?"
"They do. The person was in full view of the camera several times.",Gil answered. With that, he felt somewhat better about the situation. Though his heart still sunk into his stomach as he thought about what he was doing to Martin. Hating that he was still worried about the man he formerly considered his Father. While he stood there, Gil continued,"You should stay with Raphael today."
"We can handle finding the Surgeon ourselves and Raphael probably needs you.",he added. That was something that he barely listened to. All he could think of was how someone had taken the Surgeon out of Claremont. What the man was going to do to him when he got the chance. And the idea kept him frozen in place. Unable to think of anything else. While he stood there, Malcolm answered,"No, I need to be there with you."
"I can't not be there.",he continued. There was no way that he couldn't be there. No way in Hell. Raphael could come with him if absolutely necessary. Sure, it'd be a little difficult to manage. But, the criminal profiler was absolutely sure that he could handle it. Gil stated,"I don't know, Bright."
"I'm pretty sure that the tea-""Ican handle this, Gil.",Malcolm interrupted. Hating how harsh his tone sounded to his own ears. Taking a deep breath, he gentled his tone as he continued,"I promise. I can handle investigating this, I can."
"Would it be alright if I bring Raphael with me?",he asked. It was something that he regretted asking. As Raphael might not want to go back to Claremont. Since, it was the spot of one of his nightmares. And he highly doubted that Gil would like the idea. But, the idea of leaving Raphael alone was uncomfortable. Nor did the criminal profiler want to leave him with Devon again. Feeling that they couldn't just keep making him come over. The man was retired and had his own life to lead. Gil answered,"I don't think that would be wise, Malcolm."
"It's a crime scene and he'll probably be uncomfortable.",he reminded. Well, he knew that was coming. Malcolm thought it over as he glanced over his shoulder at Raphael. Who was fixing up the breakfast that he was planning on making them. Making the waffles for them with a tiny smile on his face. It probably would be better that he stay here with Devon again. As it seemed they were getting along fine and he could protect him easily. Though, the criminal profiler didn't like the idea of making him come back to help. Part of him felt like this was taking advantage of him. But, it was better than being left alone with the Hangman running around. Since he feared the instant that the shorter man was alone, he'd be taken. Quietly, Malcolm stated,"Yeah, I know. I just. I wanna be sure that he's safe."
"I'll see you in a little while.",he added. Gil said 'goodbye' and they both hung up. He hurried over to Raphael as he plated one of the waffles. Making another one as he asked,"Is everything okay, Mal?"
"Dr. Whitly was broken out of Claremont last night.",Malcolm answered. There wasn't a point in lying to Raphael. After all, he was going to find out sooner or later about it. And it was better sooner and from him than someone else. He also knew that Raphael hated being left out of the loop. Sure, he was fine if it had nothing to do with him. But if it had something to do with him, he hated it. While Raphael was making waffles, he turned to Malcolm. Looking worried as Raphael asked,"Are you going to be alright?"
"Do you know who took him?",he questioned. No, unfortunately, that wasn't something that he got just yet. Nor was he entirely sure about who it could be. Though, there was an inkling that it was the Hangman. A part of him wasn't entirely sure why. But, he had the feeling that it was the Hangman's doing. Malcolm answered,"Not yet, Raphie."
"I'm pretty sure that I have an idea on who it is.",he added. And so did Raphael. He knew that the shorter man knew it was the Hangman. Though, he doubted that his new roommate felt guilty about that. Well, guilty about his new roommate's Dad being taken. When the waffles were finished, Malcolm snagged one and ate it quickly. Then he continued,"You know who decided to step up his game."
"Great...",Raphael trailed off. Looking a bit uncomfortable with the whole thing. He knew the reason and gave him a side hug. Then hurried off to the bathroom to wash up before getting dressed. Leaving the shorter man to his own thoughts. As he finished making a third waffle, Raphael felt highly uncomfortable. This wasn't good. Martin got kidnapped by the Hangman and he didn't know what to think about it. There was so much to process as he finished making the waffles he wanted. Then moved on to making toast. The Hangman kidnapped the Surgeon for some reason. Why? What exactly did he have to gain from this? He chewed his bottom lip as he made started making some toast. Quietly, he muttered,"Fuck, fuck, fuck...this isn't good. This is terrible."
"He's either going to kill Martin or Martin's going to kill him.",he whispered. Either way, it was going to be terrible and all his fault. When the breakfast was finished, Malcolm's shower was over. The other man dressed himself and gave him another hug before going to leave. Telling him that Devon would be over soon to protect him. Raphael forced a smile as he sat down to enjoy the breakfast that he very much didn't want to eat. Feeling utterly disgusted with himself as he dug in.