A sleek black car dropped Maizie off in front of the burned building. Smoke still lingered in the air. She stood outside and watched the scene. Rescue firefighters were still hosing down some areas that were smoldering.
"Tsk," Maizie muttered as she shook her head. She started walking and entered the building. A security guard led her to the security wing where the woman was held. The guard entered a room where there was a one-way see-through mirror and a monitor that was recording the woman.
"Ahh, You must be Ms. Myers?" Dr. Marsh turned as he heard their footsteps.
Maizie nodded as she put her hand out. They shook hands then turned to the mirror to watch the woman.
"She's been like this since it happened. There were no casualties thank goodness. But it did put a dent in our Thorazine supply," the doctor spoke. He turned to her. "Are you sure you want to go in?"
Maizie nodded and the doctor led her to the other room. She walked in quietly. The woman didn't turn to her. She sat at the table across from the woman.
"Miss. Sherman? Or would you rather I call you Liz?" Maizie asked.
Liz's eyes flickered over to Maizie then away.
Maizie smiled, "My name is Maizie Myers. I've been assigned to be Hellboy's caretaker."
This time Liz looked at her. Still gave no response.
"I heard you had an interesting night. It must've been terrifying for you."
Liz's eyes flickered down to her clasped hands in her lap. Maizie cocked her head. She knew Liz was listening to her. Maizie leaned forwards.
"I read your file. I know you spent time growing up with Broom and Hellboy. I know he tried to help you manage your fire. He helped me too when I was younger."
This time Liz looked at Maizie, "Don't tell me you killed your entire family too?"
Maizie smirked, glad to be able to get some kind of response from the other woman. She shook her head, "No. My mom died when I was three. My dad raised me until he married again. I manifested my ability when I was thirteen. Then Broom found me and took me in for about a year or so until he deemed me good to go."
"At least you had a family," Liz retorted.
Maizie raised an eyebrow, "Really? You're going to go there? Listen Sherman, my life wasn't all daises and sunshine. My dad doesn't give two shits about me. I got a stepmom who I believe legit came from Hell. My mom was the only one who loved me, and I barely remember her."
Maizie stood up from the table, "You had a family. Broom and Hellboy were your family. And I get why you felt the need to come to a place like this and I hope it was beneficial, but don't assume my life is any better than yours."
Maizie headed towards the door. Her hand grabbed the doorknob and Liz spoke.
"I'm sorry."
Maizie took a deep breath and turned. Silence between them lasted for a moment before Maizie spoke, "I'm only here because I volunteered. They were going to send some dude who didn't understand shit about what you went through. Broom wants you back. Of course, so does Hellboy. You got a choice. You can either stay here or go back."
"I've quit the Bureau thirteen times. I always go back. What makes this time any different?" Liz asked as she looked at the table.
"I don't know. But maybe it doesn't hurt to find out," Maizie softly replied.
Liz thought for a moment before she nodded. "Okay, I'll go."
The door clicked open behind Maizie before she had the chance to reply. Dr. Marsh stood in the doorway with a folder in his hand and a bag in the other. He handed them over to Maizie.
"These are her discharge papers, and these are her bag of belongings. There's a taxi out for you," the doctor said.
Maizie cocked her eyebrow at the doctor, "In a rush to kick us out Doc?"
The doctor's face reddened. He stuttered. Maizie grabbed the folder and the bag, already irritated. She turned to give Liz the bag.
"Don't even bother Doc. You can let the Taxi go. I'm the Taxi," Maizie stated as she headed to Liz's side. She helped Liz stand from the chair and grabbed her hand.
Maizie looked at Liz's face. Already she could see apprehension and a little bit of terror. She could tell that Liz didn't want the hand hold.
"Just breathe…and trust me. I got you," Maizie whispered with a gentle reassuring squeeze of her hand.
The hand with the folder raised in the air, and as Liz and the Doctor watched, gray wisps of smoke began to bellow from her feet and soon it enveloped them both. Then in the next second, they were gone. The Doctor fainted in the doorway.