DISCLAIMER: DON'T OWN THEM...
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NOTES:
Hope you enjoy this chapter and thank you again for all the likes, follows and reviews.
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Chapter 28: 3 days.
Previously:
"Now, stay where you are!" The prison officer who held the gun demanded, while the other officer put the food tray on the floor.
The Hood smirked. "Now officers... What on earth could I do from here?"
The prison officers glared at the Hood and were instantly transfixed when his eyes turned to a penetrating golden yellow.
... ...
'Weak minded fools, so, easy to manipulate!' The Hood mused to himself, with a giant smirk painted across his face, when the two officers had left his cell. He leaned back on his prison bed and considered his plan. The two men who were now hypnotised and under his influence had been given explicit instructions. They were to find out if the boy had survived and where he had been taken. The Hood knew how badly his prisoner had been hurt, and because of his injuries, if he did survive, Jeff would probably have him taken to a hospital. So, as soon as those officers had discovered which hospital the boy was at, the Hood would then use that opportunity to free himself from his current confinement. He hated being in there, but he knew if he was to flee now, then International Rescue would be alerted to his escape, and would take the measures necessary to stop his plan. So, that meant waiting. He would bide his time, strike when they least expected it, and then he would finally be able to take his revenge against Jeff Tracy. His retribution would begin by taking the life of that damn boy, followed by Jeff's other sons. Then when Jeff Tracy was falling apart in front of his very eyes, he would reveal to him how he was the one who had caused the avalanche that had killed his wife, and how he had tortured the mind of the boy he had held captive with visions of that fateful day. Then finally he would take International Rescue for his very own.
... ...
3 Days Later:
"Son."
Scott yawned, stretched his arms out, and then opened his eyes. "Oh, hey dad. Is it swapping over time already?"
"No, I'm an hour early, didn't really want to stay away too long and I thought I'd bring you a coffee," Jeff said, indicating the drink in his hands.
"You read my mind." Scott took the coffee from his father's hands and took a sip. "Thanks dad."
Jeff sat down in the chair next to Scott and observed Virgil's sleeping form. The past 3 days had been physically and mentally exhausting for all of them. After Virgil, had first woken they had all initially been pleased that, although with some difficulty, he had been able to communicate with them, and had managed to remain awake for around 10 minutes. However, the next few times he had woken he had been unable to talk with them due to the tremendous amount of physical pain he was in, and unfortunately, the medication he had been given was only able to help so much. Doctor Gerry Sylvia assured them all that Virgil had responded well to the antibiotics, the infection he had caught was getting better, and because of this they would be moving Virgil onto a stronger painkiller, as soon as the Rynax had completely left his system. At that point, they would then proceed with the operation on Virgil's legs, which if successful would help alleviate some of the pain he was in.
Initially, they had all refused to leave Virgil's bedside. However, after the first evenings restless sleep, Ruth Tracy, had finally put her foot down and insisted that they book themselves into a nearby hotel. At least so they could get some proper food, rest and freshen themselves up. They all reluctantly agreed to this but only on the condition that someone would always be with Virgil. A schedule was arranged: The night would be split into three sessions, starting with John, then Scott, and then followed by Jeff. Ruth would then come and take over for the early morning session, which would allow Jeff to get some rest, and spend breakfast with his other boys. Late morning and the afternoon would see the whole family spending their time with Virgil. The early evening would see Ruth, Alan and Gordon staying with him until it was time for John to take over from them.
This schedule had all worked out quite well. Although, the emotional anguish of seeing Virgil in so much pain when he was awake had not lessened, and only grew stronger when they all became aware that when Virgil was sleeping he seemed to be trapped in some form of nightmare. Doctor Sylvia reassured them that this was most likely Virgil's subconscious processing what had happened to him. However, the worry they all still had for Virgil did not subside and as Jeff had stated the one afternoon, would remain until he had Virgil safely home, where he could be nearby if he needed anything. Nevertheless, deep down they all knew that even when he was home their concern towards Virgil would not diminish for a long time.
Jeff sighed. "So, how's he been?"
"The same," Scott stated, with a sad smile.
"Have you heard anything else from Doctor Sylvia about the operation and if it will be going ahead later today?" Jeff questioned.
"His colleague Doctor Sanderson came in about 2 hours ago, she just confirmed what Doctor Sylvia said, that they wanted to make sure the Rynax had completely left his system, and that if the next lot of blood tests also came back with the all clear then the operation would go ahead as soon as possible." Scott replied.
Jeff nodded and continued to quietly observe Virgil. After a short time, he noticed Scott starting to fall asleep once more. Jeff gently tapped Scott on the shoulder. "Scott, why don't you head back to the hotel and get a good sleep."
Scott yawned and stretched himself out. "You're probably right dad." Scott took Virgil's hand in his. "I will see you later too... Now, be good for dad okay!" Scott received no reply from the sleeping Virgil. "I'll see you in a few hours"
Jeff stood and pulled Scott into a quick hug. "I'll see you later. Now, go and get some sleep!" Jeff watched as Scott left the room, he then sat himself down in the chair that Scott had vacated, took Virgil's hand in his, and watched his son sleep.
… …
3 hours later:
Jeff observed Virgil with concern when he seemed to be experiencing another nightmare. Leaning forwards Jeff gently stroked the top of Virgil's head and whispered comforting words to him; hoping the soothing motion and the words would calm his son. Virgil's eyes eventually opened and rested on his father's watchful eyes.
"Daddy." He muttered.
"You definitely must be out of it," Jeff said with a sad smile. "The last time you called me daddy you were 9 years old!" Jeff sighed as the memories of his boys as children came flooding to the front of his mind. Virgil's eyes continued to flicker open and shut, the discomfort he was in etched across his face. Jeff pressed the green button which would call one of the doctors. "Don't worry, one of the doctors will be here soon. Now, I want you to try breathing slowly in and out… Can you do that for me?" He asked in a calming tone, while he continued to stroke Virgil's hair. "That's good!" He responded when Virgil did what his father had asked.
The door opened, and Doctor Gerry Sylvia entered. He greeted Jeff with a handshake and then turned his attention to Virgil. "Now, I have good news for you Virgil, the blood tests have all come back clear, which means you are clear of the Rynax and the infection you had as gone." Jeff breathed out in relief at this news. Doctor Sylvia smiled at Jeff and then continued. "That means we can put you on a different medication which is stronger and should hopefully help to ease the pain you are in."
As Doctor Sylvia began administering the pain relief, Jeff asked. "Does that mean the operation will be going ahead today?
"Yes, all being well. We will be proceeding with the operation around late afternoon." Doctor Sylvia answered. "This medication will make him extremely drowsy."
Jeff nodded. "Thank you."
"Anytime!" Doctor Sylvia said, before leaving the room.
Jeff turned his attention back to Virgil who was struggling to keep his eyes open. "Go back to sleep." Jeff whispered, holding Virgil's hand in his.
Virgil looked in his father's eyes, he didn't want to sleep, there was so much he needed and wanted to tell his father. "Mm… No sleep."
"Oh, really?" Jeff returned with a slight laugh. "I really don't think this new medication you're on is going to give you that option. Now, stop fighting it and get some sleep!"
Virgil felt his eyes beginning to close. He knew his dad was right, he couldn't fight it, and he knew both his body and mind needed the rest. However, he also knew that when he did sleep he would once again be plagued with the visions that the Hood had planted and had left engraved in his mind. 'No,' he thought to himself, 'I need to stay awake, I need to tell them what the Hood did to mom. They have a right to know.' Virgil tried to open his mouth to speak but found he couldn't, he also realised that he was now unable to open his eyes as the medication took its effect and pulled him into a deep sleep.
… …
Meanwhile:
The Hood heard the door to his cell being unlocked, he opened his eyes and observed the two prison officers, who he had hypnotised, enter the room.
"We have some information," The one officer said.
The Hood sat himself up. "Well, speak then!"
The other officer stepped forwards. "Our sources have confirmed that Jeff Tracy, his mother and boys are staying at the Claude Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. Jeff's son Virgil, was checked in to Good Hope Hospital about three days ago."
The Hood grinned. "Virgil Tracy, so that's his name."
"We've got someone watching the hotel and hospital," the other officer added.
"Good… Good!" The Hood responded.
"What would you like us to do next sir?" They both asked.
The Hood stood. "It's time you got me out of here!"
