Chapter 6
He didn't have time to think more because at that moment Jack himself burst through the doors with Nikki in his arms. He looked terrible. Behind him was another man, tirelessly holding an IV bag above his shoulder. Had he done that throughout the journey?
But Nikki.
Well he had to assume it was Nikki. The build was right, clothing possible. Hair a match. But the skin of her arms was blistered and red. Her face swollen.
"Jack!" Thomas exclaimed.
He saw his colleagues eyes whirl about, unfocused, uncomprehending.
"Thomas?"
He jumped to his feet.
"You have to help her…" Jack began.
"I've got a room, they're waiting for her," Thomas replied his voice calm despite his emotion. "What happened to her?"
Jack looked about nervously then surveyed Thomas with a critical eye as if he were about to transfer Nikki into his arms. But if that's what Jack had considered, he didn't go through with it and continued to carry her along the corridor in the direction Thomas indicated.
"I don't know…" Jack mumbled.
"I don't know!" he exclaimed louder as he gently laid her down on the bed. "She was barely conscious when she was returned. I can't get any sense from her. She talks occasionally but…" He broke off. He'd been able to do nothing for her; nothing. He had failed.
"I…" he began.
But Thomas held up his hand to silence him. "You've got her here now. That's all that matters. She's alive."
Without Nikki to hold on to, Jack was suddenly at a loss. He paced the room, balling his hands into fists.
"Barely!, The dehydration, she could go into organ failure at any minute. She's…"
"She's got this far. She won't give up now." Thomas said directing his words to Jack as he paced behind him, but all the time studying his colleague.
"Why did she lie to me?"
"Jack, she had her reasons. We need to focus. I need you to help her now."
"What can I do?" he said sullenly. "I can't help her."
"Just look!" Thomas growled and he leaned forward to study the evidence of her injuries to explain what could have happened to her. "Nikki? Can you hear me? You're going to be ok. You're safe now. We've got you back and the doctors are here to look after you."
Nikki turned her head.
Had she heard?
"Nikki?" Thomas half whispered and felt Jack stop still behind his shoulder.
"I knew he'd find me." Nikki whispered, her voice dry and hoarse. "Harry always finds me."
Jack doubled over and fled the room but despite the distance Thomas could still hear him retching.
A weekend treat of a bit more, just because you've all been so lovely. Thanks
