A/N: And now we have another member of the cast…
My head won't leave my head alone – Dave Matthews Band
Jimmy and SAIC Bowden stood in the hallway, their voices lowered in order to not disturb the other people in the waiting area. Both agents had checked in on Goren and both found him asleep, clearly struggling with the demons in his mind. They were now waiting for his doctor.
"Jimmy, tell me what happened."
"Well, ma'am, when I finally found him this morning, he seemed to be in a daze. You know, out of it. And he almost shot me."
"What?"
Jimmy ran a hand through his hair, stalling for time.
"Out with it, Deakins."
"It was nothing. I startled him, that's all. Could have been anyone. Anyway, we were going to get some air and he just collapsed."
"Damnit, where is that doctor? I need to know what's going on."
"I don't know, ma'am. I'll go check the room again, see if the nurse knows."
Jimmy turned on his heel and strode off towards Goren's room. As he approached, he saw that the door was closed. He knocked quietly.
The nurse that had been attending to Goren when he was admitted stuck her head out the door. Recognizing Jimmy, she nodded to him and stepped back.
Jimmy entered the room and stood next to the nurse, watching as the doctor read Goren's chart.
"Well?" Jimmy whispered to the nurse, trying not to distract the doctor from his work.
"He's dehydrated and his blood sugar is out of whack. Has he…"
"I'll ask the questions, Heidi, thank you." The doctor approached Jimmy, his hand extended.
"Hello Agent, I'm Doctor Carver. Do you mind if we step outside. I'd prefer not to wake him."
"Certainly, Doctor."
Jimmy and Dr. Carver exited the room, leaving Heidi to finish tending to Goren, who remained unconscious.
"How is he, Doc?"
"He's hypoglycemic. Do you know when the last time he ate was?"
Jimmy swore softly, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Doc, I don't. I only met him for the first time this morning. And you see how well that worked out. I probably should have seen this coming."
"Agent Deakins, I very much doubt you could have prevented it. Agent Goren is an adult and should not require a babysitter. Are there any other agents here who might know when he last ate?"
"My SAIC is here. She's in the waiting area. She might know."
Carver turned to a passing orderly and, with a few quiet words, sent him off to find Bowden. Jimmy looked up and down the hallway, feeling nervous and guilty, despite the doctor's words.
"So, Agent Deakins, is Agent Goren here to assist with the kidnappings?"
"How do you know that?"
"Agent, this is a hospital. We have law enforcement in and out of here all day long. You know how cops talk. And one of our consulting psychologists happens to also work with your Victim's Assistance office."
"I'm sorry, Doc. I didn't mean to snap at you."
Carver smiled, resting a hand on Jimmy's arm reassuringly. "No need to apologize. If your partner in there is an indication, this situation is taking its toll."
"He's not my partner, really. I'm his liaison. Agent Goren works alone."
"Why am I not surprised. His chart says he's a forensic psychologist. You would think he'd understand the way stress can effect the body."
"I don't know anything about that, Doc. I'm just a cop in a suit."
SAIC Bowden approached the two men, relieved to see Jimmy smiling.
"Don't let Agent Deakins pull your leg, Doctor. He's more than just a cop. I'm SAIC Bowden. What can you tell me about my agent?"
"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Bowden."
"Call me Marcia. And the cop here is Jimmy. So, how is he?"
"Well, Agent Goren is dehydrated and hypoglycemic. Basically, he's not been eating or drinking enough. And his body has finally had enough."
"Damn. George warned me about this. Guess I know better than to not take him seriously anymore. How long until he's back on his feet?"
Before Carver could answer, the door to the room opened and Heidi called to the group.
"He's awake and he's not happy."
Smiling apologetically, Carver nodded to Heidi. "I'll be right in."
Turning to Jimmy, Carver handed him a business card. "Remember the psychologist I spoke of?"
"Yeah, Doc."
"When she heard Agent Goren had been brought in, she asked me to see that someone escort him to her office after he was released. Since you are his liaison, here is her card."
Heidi stuck her head out the door again. "Doctor, please. He wants to leave."
"Guess I'd better go handle this. I'll update you after I've got him calmed down."
"Thanks, Doc. I'll go make that call."
Bowden and Jimmy headed back to the waiting area, Jimmy extracting his cell phone from his pocket and dialing the number on the card.
"Ah yes, this is Agent Deakins. Dr. Carver gave me your card, said you wanted to meet with Agent Goren."
Jimmy stopped and searched his pockets for a pen. Locating one he scribbled a note on the back of the card.
"Okay, I'll call you back once I know when he'll be released. Thank you."
Closing his phone, he sat down across from Bowden and waited.
TBC