He still took them, and Gregory observed all of the wounds again. The ribs were healing now, he explained, which is why they were more susceptible to pain than they were at first. Although it would mean more pain at first Jack was pleased to finally see some progress with his body. The doctor also decided to take the stitches out of his head wound, administering some pain killers to Jack before doing so. Throughout this painful process Jack asked why he had stopped with the morphine he had been keen on giving him before, and Gregory explained how that was for the first impressions with the pain. His body was used to it now and so it wouldn't be as bad, it was unnecessary. Jack nodded, he didn't care, it hadn't worked, nothing would.
He sat still as Gregory went on and on about nothing of interest, his mind focusing on one thing. He couldn't help it, and had long forgotten about trying to get it off his mind - that wasn't going to happen. Now the battle was keeping it out of his body, despite how much he wanted to feel free again.
Once finished with the lectures Gregory decided they get started with his physio. He did nothing much, but was surprised at just how tiring and painful it was. He had Jack lay on his back and lift the leg to his injured side up as high as he possible could, and hold it for 10 seconds. It only came up half of the length it could have, and he was surprised by how he had struggled to keep it balanced in the air. After 5 seconds he felt the strain, after seven the pain was unbearable. Gregory knew this, it was expected, and so was surprised when he actually made it to ten, not many of his past clients had been able to do so on their first day. After that he toned it down some, five sit ups for the broken ribs to help speed up the healing process, and some more leg movements afterwards. Once the session was over Gregory helped Jack into his back room and he flopped down onto the bed exhausted.
"That was brilliant,' Jack gasped his lungs fighting for air, he was out of breath from the activity, 'I feel better already.' He had exclaimed, a smile clearly plastered onto his face.
Gregory beamed at him, pleased with Jacks stamina, it was clear he was going to make a faster recovery than most. He was already making progress. Before leaving he informed Jack of how his body would feel tomorrow because of the movements. It would be slow and ache, but it was a good sign. Jack nodded his eyes now closed, he was so tired. Gregory let himself out. Jack was asleep before the man had closed the door behind himself.
Jacks sleep wasn't as good as it had been the night before, there was no barrier to prevent the nightmares today. So he slept, withering and crying out occasionally. Claudia noticed this immediately as she crept into the room, finding his asleep, not looking very peaceful. She gently woke Jack, who was pleased to be free of the nightmare, it had been horrible. He couldn't recall what it was about, but he was still scared. He could only imagine what it was these days, he wasn't short of material which his brain could reproduce as he slept.
Claudia stroked his cheek while he calmed down, before warming the meal she had brought over so it was steaming hot. She left it on the table and helped Jack hobble over, then watched as he ate it slowly. She couldn't help but stare at him as he ate, he looked so serious even when completing the simplest tasks, as he was now.
Jack was aware of her eyes burning into her but pretended not to notice. He didn't want to start anything tonight, he didn't have any energy. He finished the food off and thanked Claudia before leaning back in the chair dizzy, he was not used to doing as much movement as he had over the past two days.
Claudia walked over and he stood up, the two meeting around the table, just looking at each other. The tension was unbelievable, and Claudia found that she wanted him more than ever. Jack stared back at her and felt nothing but passion, but knew he had more important matters to deal with - 20 days to find the virus was not long enough. He smiled at her and looked away, breaking the stare between their eyes. He turned to move away, and thanked her once again for the meal, before standing by the door.
Claudia got the message that he wanted to leave and was hurt. Jack noticed this and was immediately guilty. As she passed by him he grabbed her wrist gently, and didn't let go until her eyes finally met his, she was trying hard no to let the disappointment show in her face.
"I'm sorry, I've just got a lot of work to do tonight."
Claudia was angry but when she looked in his eyes and saw the slight smirk on his face she couldn't stay angry. She smiled back at him before leaning forward and kissing him on the cheek softly, lingering there a few seconds, breathing deeply into his ear. She pulled away and could see the hunger in his eyes. He moved towards her and she opened the door, getting her own back now, preventing him from starting anything. She walked through it and turned around giving him a cheeky smirk back before shutting it behind herself, Jack no longer in view.
Jack laughed to himself as he rubbed a hand through his hair, she really did make him wonder sometimes. But still, he had to focus on this job. He sat down on the couch after struggling to find the cells, remembering he had left it on the arm rest. He grabbed the one Amador was calling on and tried to call him back, ready to move this thing along, he was taking too long getting the sample too them. As he rang the number back he got no dial tone, and instead an automatic voice cane on the line. "I'm sorry - this phone accepts incoming calls only." Jack hung the phone up and slammed it down on the couch angry - he had no way of contacting him. He would have to wait.