A/N: Sorry about having to spell out the email address - the site wouldn't allow it any other way!
HAYLEY
I sigh heavily and rub my eyes as I sit at my computer. Not those pitiful things I have for the customers to use, but my personal computer. Sorting through my email mostly just looking for something to occupy my mind at the moment I come across an unfamiliar email address - the address itself as well as the subject line making me frown slightly.
Evil_Overlord at hotmail dot com
- why do I have a feeling I know who that may be. Hesitating to delete it as I read the subject line stating 'Just so you know', I take a minute and make sure that my personal blocks and antivirus programs are running before I open it and begin to read.
"To the female and children
Just so you know, I have taken Thomas as I said I would though I have not done this for exactly the reasons I had given and anticipated. Rather than simple failure to help him the humans at the facility took it upon themselves to also abuse and molest him.
They have caused severe damage to him physically and hell only knows about mentally. When I arrived there were THREE males beating his near nude form and talking about having him in ways that I'm sure you can imagine would not be all too pleasant or with his consent.
At least one of the three has been punished, you may thank me for this, but not to the degree that he deserves as Thomas was too in need of my attention at the time. According to my computer's scan, he has three broken ribs, his throat is torn and swollen, his core temperature is well below normal range, left wrist is sprained and he has assorted cuts, bruises and abrasions all over his body. I trust that you will do something with this information before I have to come back and handle it myself.
If there is any doubt of my claims attached are photos of some of the damage. I'd advise you not to view them if the children are present.
My hands are shaking and I'm feeling slightly nauseous as I click on the link to open the pictures. Less than ten seconds later, I'm in the bathroom attached to my office, the contents of my earlier lunch gone not but a few moments later. Once I'm done, I rinse out my mouth and recall a phone conversation I'd had not three hours ago.
-oooooo-
(3 hours prior.)
Head pounding more out of frustration and stress than anything else, I can only hope that Zedd has departed from the planet before causing anymore trouble. It's bad enough he had to arouse the kids suspicions, but then to blatantly claim that he'd take Tommy as if I had no say in the matter I should have-
As the phone ringing cuts through my angry thoughts I grab it from the cradle on the wall answering with what I hope is semi pleasantness. "Hayley's Cyberspace - This is Hayley - How can I help you?"
"Miss Viktor, this is Doctor Franklin from Reefside Rehabilitation. I wanted to inform you that some very unfortunate business has just occurred which concerns Thomas Oliver." Oh god he did.
Straining to keep my voice calm and level, I urge him on even though I already have a fairly good idea of just what's happened. "What's wrong? Is he all right?"
"Actually Miss Viktor, well you see someone broke in to the facility and for whatever reason took him." Somehow I'm not surprised after what Kira told me. "You wouldn't have any idea who the man might have been would you? The receptionist said he asked specifically for Dr. Oliver and when he was refused entrance to see him he forced his way in with surprising strength." You can take the man out of the evil...
"No, I don't. However, I would like to know what you are doing about it." Knowing too well that there is nothing that can be done, but still having to play the part, I listen to his response trying to reassure myself that Zedd was being truthful in what he said.
"We have called the police and they will be circulating his picture and a sketch of the perpetrator. I'm certain the police will come to see you soon to inform you and ask if you perhaps know who the man was, however I thought it would be better if you heard it from me first." Yeah, like that's good news to hear from anyone. "I am worried about his safety and well being though. As I said this man was surprisingly strong and when taking him hurt three of our orderlies to do so - one of them pretty severely." If I didn't know better, I'd swear that he sounded a little too happy about that.
Still, I have to play my part. "I'm sorry to hear about your orderlies. How soon do you think we'll hear anything about Tommy?"
"I don't know. It depends on how far his kidnapper planned to take him." You have no idea. "Hopefully, we'll have him back in a few hours, none the worse for wear."
"Thank you for the call, doctor. Please keep me updated."
"We will." Yeah, right.
-oooooo-
(Present time)
Returning to my computer, I check the time stamp on the email. It was sent barely an hour after Tommy was kidnapped and I feel a mixed wave of relief and sickness. There is no way that Zedd could have done that kind of damage to him and it show up that quickly. Which makes Zedd's story absolutely true.
I reach over and pick up the phone as I hit the key to print out the email and pictures. I dial and wait patiently for someone on the other end to pick up. Once they do, I - with as much restraint and calm as I can muster - speak, "May I speak to Dr. Tina Elliot, please?"
I cross my fingers as I wait and hope that she isn't part of this and can help me.
