Chapter Eleven
When dinnertime came around, Emily seemed much chirpier even though macaroni cheese was on the menu
"I had a visitor," she said, telling Nikki for the fifth time that day
"Who was he?" Nikki said
"William," Emily said with a mouthful of food
"William Brown?" Nikki asked and Emily nodded
"Why was he here?"
"To visit me," Emily said
"Apart from that," Nikki said
"He wanted to take over being my next of kin now that my Dad...can't be,"
"I see," Nikki frowned
"He said that if I help him, then he'll write a letter supporting getting me off my section,"
"Help him how?"
"He just wanted to know about Dad. Like what I told the police and stuff," Emily shrugged
"Emily, have you told the police he's come to visit?"
"No, why would I?"
"He could be involved in what happened to your Dad,"
"But he promised to write that letter,"
"I know but.."
"Nikki I can't stay here. You have friends and a life outside of this place. I don't have anyone except the voices. I need out of here and William can help,"
"My concern is.."
"Nikki, it's fine," Emily said curtly and with that she picked up her plate and left Nikki alone deep in her thoughts.
….
After dinner had passed, Nikki was in her bed-space. Emily had made herself scarce and was sitting in her bed space, curtains drawn, away from everyone. Her good mood somewhat deflated.
"Nikki you have a visitor," Anna called to her
Nikki walked into the day-room expecting to see Jack but instead found someone else. Sitting in one of the chairs, looking out of place in his suit and tie, was Thomas.
"Nikki," he said, standing up to greet her
"Why-" she cut herself off before she could curtly ask him why he was here instead of Jack
"How are you?" he asked as she sat down beside him
"Fine," she replied, still looking slightly confused at his presence
"You weren't expecting me I assume?" he said and she nodded
"I thought Jack..." her sentence trailed off and shrugged
"Yes, well it's Jack I want to talk about. He came to me with some evidence concerning the Edward Hooper case. It has come to my attention that you've been trying to work on this case,"
Nikki sighed "All I'm trying to do is help in which ever way I can,"
"You're here to get better, not investigate a crime"
"I've found evidence,"
"Leave that to the police," Thomas retorted
"I'm helping Emily," Nikki protested "And you admit that his death is suspicious," she said, catching his words
Thomas paused for a moment, looking sternly at her and then looking defeated said "That's the first time since Mexico that I've seen that look in your eyes,"
"What look?"
"Jack calls it the Nikki look,"
"Is that a good thing?"
Thomas shrugged "Jack seems to think so. He's been singing your praises with what you've discovered so far. My concern is that you're not focusing on getting better,"
"It's working that will help me get better,"
"You're still under a section; you need to be here, however hard that sounds. This is why I've told Doctor Redford-"
"Thomas!" Nikki exclaimed, interrupting him
"-my concerns," he finished "I'm not the enemy here Nikki," Thomas protested
Nikki shook her head and left the room, leaving Thomas looking bemused and frustrated
...
"Emily," Nikki called to the shut curtains when she had entered the room
"Emily's not here," came her response
Nikki smiled "I wanted to apologise," she said
"It's fine,"
"No, it's not," Nikki said "I didn't realise how hard it's been for you. But I want to help,"
"What are you going to magic a friend for me out of thin air?"
"Not quite. We'll have to be careful, but I have a plan,"