Chapter 15

He was no longer on Seaview, that much he could sense. Was that really important? He was a prisoner no matter where he was, his hands useless, and feet too painful to run very far left him at the mercy of his keepers.

Fight through the fog, Lee! Open your eyes, you have to protect yourself. Think, try to remember what happened. Try to open your eyes. Fight off the haze.

Why was he here? Did Chip know where he was? Yes, yes now he remembered - the injection. He must be at the clinic. Chip promised he'd be there when Lee woke up.

Chip always keeps his promise.

He was having trouble thinking again, nothing was making any sense. He couldn't trust himself to do the correct thing, but he did know Chip would protect him. The fog was descending again making everything muddled. He was tired, too tired to try and keep things straight in his head. You'll see, Chip will be waiting. Lee drifted back to sleep, not understanding what was happening around him, but somehowknowing he was safe for now.

The second time when Lee opened his eyes he saw Chip sitting next to his bed as promised, reading the sports section of the newspaper. Not wanting to alert his friend just yet, Lee kept still and studied the room through hooded eyes. He noticed the golden colored walls, unlike anything he'd seen in a hospital. The place was very roomy, with a loveseat, the chair Chip was in and a desk under a good-sized window. The bed was very comfortable and unless he had shrunk, was a queen size - bless those extra six inches.

"As a spy you should learn how to control your breathing better, smarty-pants," Chip said as he put the paper down. "Not that padded cell you were expecting, huh? Now, if you are awake enough, turn your head and you'll see there is a nightstand, a lamp plus a chest of drawers and closet on the other side. On the other side of the closed door are a shower and a bathtub. Lucky you, I'll make sure to bring you some bubble bath on my next visit."

With some difficulty, Lee pushed back the light blanket and gingerly swung his legs over the side of the bed, rolling his shoulders to limber them up. He observed his new outfit and looked at Chip.

"Angie went shopping and got some shirtsleeve PJs. She had to struggle not to buy the Superman ones. She thought they would look cute on you. Jamie has already driven back to the Institute. Only four of us know where you are exactly."

The fear in Lee's eyes subsided. Chip was right; he had been afraid of waking up in a padded room. This didn't look like any psych ward he'd ever seen. Were there cameras here? Was he being watched every second? They knew he couldn't escape off a submarine in open waters. Here, there was a greater chance for a successful escape. Is that what they wanted him to try to do? That way they could take Seaview away from him for good. Then again, how could he command a boat full of men wanting to harm him?

Lee couldn't think, couldn't understand what was happening. Yes, he must be being kept under control with some drug. Sure Chip had tasted his food, but one little bite might not affect you. The mind would clear for a while then go fuzzy. His head felt full of cotton at times. That would account for the blackouts he had been experiencing. The first time it happened was when he woke up upon his return to the boat with Jamie, Nelson and Frank standing around him. The rest he couldn't remember until everyone was gone and Chip was there talking to him.

He would play it cool until the time was right, pretending to go along with his 'treatment.' Lee paled at a sudden thought, what if they wanted to try electroshock? He needed to be alert to what the doctors here were going to try to do to him.

He had Chip along to help him. Chip would never be a part of anything against him. Chip's loyalty and friendship was the one steadfast thing he could continue to believe in.

The sedation had worn off completely, leaving his mind clear to plan his next move. He tried to remember what Chip had said before leaving Seaview. He recalled being told he would be free to walk around the grounds, the joking about his golf game. That was good news, it would allow Lee to check out and map escape routes.

Something else he said, that's right, he would have someone different from Dr. Wagner, a specialist. What kind of doctor specializes in helping you to survive friends who want to kill you?

His mind started to wander again, letting all the frightening thoughts overtake him. Chip is looking at me strangely. How can I reveal the trepidation I feel? What are Nelson's true intentions? Maybe I should smile, act happy to be here, or at least pretend to accept the fact of the forced commitment. Forced commitment, those words cause the stomach to clinch. He was staring off into space when he felt Chip's hand on his knee giving it a little shake and calling out to him.

"Lee, Lee are you all right? I lost you there for a while, buddy."

Lee looked around the room searching for something and frowning when he didn't find what he wanted. Chip must have seen the change of expression on his friend's face.

"What's wrong, are you in pain? Should I get a nurse?"

Before Lee could respond, there was a knock on the doorframe. The man who stood in the doorway was around Lee's age. He was wearing a white shirt and white pants with an ID clip to his belt, a standard hospital uniform.

"Okay to come in?" Not waiting for an answer, he walked up to the two men. "Commander Crane, my name is Rick and I will be working very closely with you. When I learned about your hands, I jury-rigged something easier for your call button. There's a chain by your headboard that has a small bar attached forming a triangle that you can pull down using your fingertips." He quickly demonstrated, checking to make sure Lee could use it.

"The Doc will be here in a few minutes to say hello, but told me to go ahead and get your lunch order. I understand you want to feed yourself. I figure the roast beef sandwich would be the best, and some apple wedges. Is that all right for you?"

Lee wasn't in the mood to eat and shrugged his shoulders. Chip appeared to be ready to step in but Rick beat him to it.

"Well, if that doesn't sound good, I can go through the whole menu and you just signal what you want. Because, sir, whether you like it or not, you're going to eat. I've got my orders. And after eight years in the Navy I definitely know how to follow orders."

Chip asked, "You were in the service, Rick? When did you get out?"

"Yes sir, mostly at Bethesda, and then San Diego Balboa with a deployment to Afghanistan in between. At the end of my stint, my wife put her foot down. Guess she was afraid they might get me back into harm's way again and with three and a half kids I can't blame her." Turning his attention back to his charge he continued in his nonthreatening but determined manner. "Now Commander Crane, about lunch. There are always hamburgers or hotdogs and the chef is doing baked spaghetti. He also does great vegan dishes. We're pretty accommodating here."

Lee threw up his arms in the classic 'I surrender' signal.

"Okay, roast beef sandwich it is, sir. I'll be back in about a half hour with your trays." The orderly turned to go then stopped, smacking his forehead. "I almost forgot, I'll be setting up your special laptop for you sometime this afternoon. Well, I better go get your food before Doc shows up and chews my six out."

Chip had sat back and watched the exchange. When the orderly first walked in, he was concerned how Lee would react to a stranger in the room. There was a sudden frozen expression but that quickly changed with the orderly's bubbly personality. Doctor Anderson had assured Chip all personnel would knock to give warning before entering. Hopefully the others would allow Lee a little time to actually grant permission. Rick might be just what the skipper needed, respectful, efficient, upbeat - and unable to take no for an answer. Maybe it would keep Lee from brooding too much.

Whatever had been upsetting Lee before the interruption seemed to have gone away, but Chip was still curious. "Lee, before Rick showed up you were aggravated about something. Is it something I can help you with?"

The smile was back on Lee's face as he shook his head. He managed to move his fingers a little as if typing, and then the light dawned.

"You were looking for the laptop, is that it?" At Lee's affirmative nod, Chip continued, upset at himself for causing Lee unnecessary distress. "Sorry, I should have had it set up for you. I know it's frustrating for you."

They were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"May I come in, Commander Crane?"

A woman stood in the doorway. She looked to be in her late 40s and was attractively dressed in a dark rose pantsuit and ivory blouse. Her hair was light brown and just touched her shoulders. Lee tensed as Chip got to his feet. Did he perceive her as a threat? Was she dangerous? Chip said hello and smiled. Lee realized it was just a gentleman's gesture of standing, not a defensive move. Lee reluctantly nodded his permission.

"I'm Doctor Eve Anderson, and I'm your psychiatrist." Her brilliant blue eyes had a twinkle in them as she observed Lee's reaction. "You're surprised having a woman doctor. It's even worse; I'm a retired Army major." She gave a little laugh. "I hope you don't hold the selection of my branch of service against me."

Chip couldn't resist saying some of their best friends had been misguided enough to join the Army, but everyone was entitled to one mistake.

With an answering smile, the doctor got right to it. "I won't bother you right now, just want to introduce myself and set a couple of ground rules. I will be back later in the afternoon for our first session.

"Starting tomorrow I expect you out of bed and dressed. Doctor Kennedy examined you upon your admittance. The infected sores on the feet are improving. They probably still are causing some discomfort, and with the injuries to the ribs and hands, your physical activities are limited. However, there is no reason to remain in bed.

"I'm modifying my routine by having the sessions in your room – for now. The same goes with dining in your quarters. I won't put up with that behavior for very long. The first thing we'll work on is your acceptance that no one here will harm you. One way to do that is to mingle during meals. I'm allowing Commander Morton to stay with you overnight. The strong bond of trust I'm told that exists between you will help you to acknowledge that the clinic is totally safe. I expect you to accomplish that in a very short time."

Lee had to admit, he was surprised at being addressed in this manner. On Seaview Chip and everyone else had walked on tiptoes around him. There was a slight possibility the clinic faculty was harmless, but he'd reserve judgment. He still didn't trust the motives of anyone and that included Doctor Anderson. Was she setting a trap? Her body language wasn't saying so, but maybe she was a pro. His own was betraying him with his increased sense of fear.

By Morton's expression, Lee's face must have showed his feelings. This had to be another scheme to draw him into a false sense of security. How could he trust this woman, after all Jamieson had requested her. Could it be possible Nelson had bribed the doctor to declare Lee insane? They could lock him away forever. Was there another building on the grounds with the dangerous patients? That was the real reason for wanting Lee to stay in the hospital. Chip said only a few people knew where he was, how easy it would be just to disappear forever.

Lee continued to work himself into a panic attack. He started to breathe heavily, swiveling his, head, looking around the room for a means of escape. Chip was here, he would help. Lee got off the bed and attempted to make his way out of the room but Chip blocked the way.

Is he being taken in by Nelson and Jamieson's fake concern over my well-being? Doesn't he understand what is happening, what a devious plan this really is? Think Chip, think. Why else would my enemies commit me here?

The doctor got in front of Chip, shaking her head. Placing her hands on Lee's shoulders to get his attention, the doctor spoke to him in a calm but firm voice. "Come on, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. You're having an anxiety attack, Lee, nothing to worry about. Take a breath, release it slowly."

At first, Lee struggled, trying to bat her hands away. Blows fell on her arms but the doctor didn't flinch. One swing connected with her face at the corner of her mouth, but she still held tight. His body started to tremble as he fought to escape.

"You're just overwrought. You need to control your breathing. In-out, in-out. You've been cooped up too long in one place or another. It will do you good to go outside. Just breathe, that's good. Just a couple more times. Remember you're free to leave the room, leave the building."

Arms at his side, breathing almost normal, Lee's head drooped, exhausted. He took a step back, wanting to break the hold. This time, Dr. Anderson removed her hands, keeping a close eye on Lee as he stumbled.

"Chip, why don't you help Lee over to the loveseat? If he still wants to leave the room, I'll get a wheelchair." As Chip guided the subdued Lee to the couch, the doctor pulled the call bell.