“You’re a patient!” Annie’s gaze ran over him. “Why are your hands tied?”
“I’m not sick,” said Heath.
Annie leaned closer and her eyes grew even wider. “Is that blood on your face?”
“Don’t worry about Heath. Some of the illnesses we treat here make individuals unstable.” Nick hurried around the table and caught hold of Heath’s arm. “But Heath insisted he visited you when he found out you were in here. And I recalled you were once friends, so thought a familiar face would be welcome.”
Heath gritted out a smile and relaxed just a tiny bit. Annie’s memory might not be as perfectly wiped as Nick hoped. And she’d lost none of her smarts. Thankfully, the wipe didn’t appear to have damaged her.
“Sorry we lost touch,” said Annie to Heath. “After everything that happened at the university, I wasn’t sure you wanted anything to do with me.”
“You really don’t remember?” Heath fought against everything he wanted to say to Annie. Fought against grabbing her and shaking her, try to get her memories back, dislodge the damage from the procedure. He knew it was pointless. This was the best thing. Annie would be safe and no longer of interest to the State, no longer putting herself at risk by spending time with him. He had to let Annie go. But the thought tore his soul apart. If he let her go, she’d be safe.
Nick patted Annie on the shoulder. “Take time to rest, my dear. We can talk later. I have much to tell you, including information about a vacancy you might be interested in, right here in this facility. We always need someone with your skills.”
Confusion crossed Annie’s face. “An opportunity? What about the university?”
“All of that is waiting for you, if you want it,” said Nick. “But you might like to think about a sabbatical to gain new skills.”
Annie looked at Heath. “What do you think about this place?”
“Don’t work here,” said Heath.
“Let’s go.” Nick frowned, a coldness filling his eyes as he turned Heath and led him away from the bed, the guards shadowing his movements.
Heath looked over his shoulder. Annie was still looking at him and he slowed, his gaze burning into hers.
“Don’t blow your cover,” said Nick. “Annie’s unharmed and has forgotten your ridiculous mission. Be grateful I did nothing more permanent to her. People who break into one of our facilities do not live to tell the tale. As you’ll find out.”
Heath swung toward Nick and kicked out at him. “You’ll pay for what you’ve done to her. For what you’ve done to everyone in this sick place.”
Nick laughed as he backed away and gestured to the guards. “I’d like to see you try.”
Heath’s vision clouded with red as he charged toward Nick. But before he could reach him, he was yanked off his feet and slammed to the ground by the guards.
He heard a surprised cry from Annie. Heath craned his head in an attempt to see her. A guard blocked his view as his boot connected with his head, and he blacked out.
ANNIE’S THOUGHTS WERE hazy and there was a terrible metallic taste in her mouth. She was still shocked at the way Heath had attacked Nick, but Nick had reassured her, saying Heath was suffering paranoid delusions and was unstable. He’d been receiving treatment for months.
She sat on the edge of the bed alone, her skin cold from the chilled air in the medical room, as she recalled the odd conversation she’d had with Nick and Heath. The image of Heath played on her mind. It must have been a year since she’d had any contact with him. Annie felt a tug of sadness in her gut at what had happened. He was a brilliant man, eccentric and too obsessed with dragons for his own good, but someone so bright shouldn’t end up in a place like this.
It looked like his obsession had pushed him over the edge though.
She massaged her forehead, her fingers gingerly touching the sore spots dotted along her hairline. She must have been life-threateningly ill to have forgotten how she got here, and what had made her so sick.
On top of that, Annie found it strange Nick Falmouth was running this place. He’d always been interested in her studies and had questioned her about her knowledge of dragons and different belief systems around mythical creatures. But now he was running a medical lab? She shook her head and then wished she hadn’t as the room spun.
Closing her eyes, she let her stomach settle. Whatever this illness was, it had knocked her off her feet and clearly swiped away everything she’d gone through over the last few days... weeks? She was glad she didn’t remember if the illness was as grim as she imagined. She ran a hand through her hair and realized it was soaked with sweat. Annie never wanted to be this ill again. She had so much to get on with at the university.
The job offer from Nick was another strange thing. What could she offer him? If this was a place for treating sick people, it wasn’t the place for her. Her expertise was in anthropological studies, not healing the sick.
A nurse in green scrubs, her hair covered by a surgical cap, came in and placed clean clothes on the end of the bed. “The shower’s over there. Commander Falmouth asked that you meet in his office in half an hour. There will be someone outside the door who can take you there.”
“Commander Falmouth?” When did Nick get a promotion to that rank? And what was he commanding?
The nurse gestured at the shower again before leaving.
Annie nodded thanks before she slid off the bed. Her knees wobbled and her head pounded, but after taking a few deep breaths, she realized she’d be okay.
She shuffled to the showers, grateful to get out of her overly ripe clothes. Several streaks of red ran out of her hair as she washed it. It looked like blood. This illness was a strange one. She’d have to get the complete diagnosis from Nick and make sure she didn’t contract it again.
After showering and dressing, Annie tried the door and found it locked. She tugged on the handle, but it wouldn’t budge. She could make out the shadow of a person on the other side and tapped on the glass. The lock clicked, and a guard pushed open the door.
“Is everything okay?” she asked him.
“Just waiting for you, ma’am,” said the guard. “I’m to take you to Commander Falmouth.”
There was that odd job title again. Annie nodded, her gaze on the weapon in the guard’s hands. “Is this a secure medical facility?”
The guard nodded, a wary look in his eyes. “Something like that. This way, please.” He led Annie along a white, brightly lit corridor, then made a right turn and stopped by a plain, closed door. He knocked on it, and then pushed the door open, before stepping back and letting Annie inside.
Annie stepped through the doorway and into an office. It was decorated simply in muted green shades, with a large desk at one end and a low, green couch at the other. Nick sat behind the desk, a smile crossing his face when he spotted Annie.
“You’re already looking so much better.” Nick nodded at the guard who closed the door behind Annie. He stood and walked over to her. “We were worried about you.”
Annie looked around the office, confusion gnawing in her gut. “I have to admit, I’m still not feeling great. My head is spinning. My stomach doesn’t feel good.”
“All good signs,” said Nick. “It means you’re fighting the illness. You’ll be as good as new in no time.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” said Annie. “What was the illness I had?”
“Commander Falmouth?” A male voice came through the desk comms.
Nick raised a finger and smiled at Annie. “Won’t be a second. Go ahead.”
“Sightings of the criminals in the far wall vent.”
“Excellent.” A feral grin crossed his face. “Try to take them alive. And then take them to the medical room. I shall be there shortly.”
Annie’s eyes widened. “Criminals?”
“Nothing to concern yourself with. We treat the criminally insane here. They can be disruptive at times. Come and sit.” Nick gestured to the couch. Annie followed him and sat down. “T
o be honest, we’re not completely sure what was wrong with you. It was a disease that affected your brain. And we were concerned the infection had spread to your spinal cord.”
Annie shuddered. “Sounds like something viral.”
“Just that,” said Nick. “An unhealthy infection you picked up.”
“Any idea where it came from?” asked Annie. “My memories are foggy. The last thing I know for sure, I was sitting behind my desk at the university, writing a message to someone. Something about my father. Everything is okay with him, isn’t it?”
“Your father is fine,” said Nick. “He’s here and has been asking for you. I’ve arranged for him to come for a short visit.”
“It will be good to see him.” Annie smiled and relaxed at the thought of seeing her dad. “I haven’t seen him for what feels like ages. He’s always out on some site or other.”
“You might like to speak to him about that.” Nick poured two tall glasses of water and handed one to Annie. “It doesn’t do him any good to go spreading these lies about dragons.”
Annie sat back on the comfortable couch and sipped the water. “I try. But he has a stubborn streak in him.”
“I’m worried about his state of mind.”
“You think he’s mentally ill?” Water sloshed onto Annie’s hand as she started in surprise.
“He could benefit from treatment here.”
Annie’s brow furrowed. “Why are you working in a medical facility? I didn’t think this was your area of expertise.”
Nick smiled. “I dabble in many things. My investments cross several areas. Call me curious if you like, but I have interests in research, medical advances, anthropological studies, and more.”
“Sounds like you’re a busy man. But this isn’t the place for my father. He’s eccentric, but there’s nothing wrong with his brain. He’s just misguided in his hobbies.”
“Perhaps you’re right. But that brings me to my offer for you.” Nick sat forward and placed his glass on the table in front of him. “Come and work here. You can take a sabbatical from the university and join us for a year or two. However long you like.”
“What would you have me do?” Annie glanced around the office. “I’m still not sure what this place is.”
“Aside from our work assisting people with rare diseases, our main focus is the study of individuals still convinced by the reality of dragons,” said Nick, the easy smile fading from his face. “Many have similar neurological fluctuations in their brains. But we think there’s also an environmental aspect, possibly the influence of peers and those around them, reinforcing those beliefs.”
“And you want me to study that?” Annie’s curiosity piqued. Theories of the hive mind and the memetic transfer of ideas were fascinating to her.
“You have the right skill set we need,” said Nick, the lights overhead dimming for a second, framing his face in shadow. “With your knowledge of unusual beliefs and customs, it would complement our medical experts. We have several groups in this facility willing to take part. Many participants are uncomfortable with the beliefs they have and seek re-education to make sure they can function normally.” Smoothly—almost too smoothly—Nick rose and moved to the couch, seating himself next to her.
Annie drank more water, a niggle of doubt in the back of her mind. Nick’s words seemed sincere, and this study would be of interest to her. But it sounded as if he wanted to stop people having these beliefs, wipe out an entire belief system.
“What about Heath Ember?” asked Annie.
Nick’s gaze hardened. “What about him?”
“Is he involved in these studies?”
“It’s a possibility. He might be a suitable participant. He is one of those badly afflicted by an obsessive belief in dragons.”
Annie shifted in her seat. “I know of his interest, but I didn’t realize it was a problem.”
“It has become one,” said Nick. “But you could work with him to remove that. You would have free rein over any tools you want and unlimited funding.”
“It’s a tempting offer.” Despite the lure of limitless funds, an uneasiness sat on Annie’s chest, making her breathing labored. She wasn’t sure if it was because of how close Nick sat, his thigh brushing hers every time he moved, or the cold look in his eye. But there was something about him that unnerved her and sent a shiver down her spine. And his words had a hollow ring, as if he was hiding something, but she couldn’t figure out what, or why he’d even do that.
“We can talk about it more over dinner,” said Nick. “I have a free evening. And imagine you will make a fascinating dinner companion.”
“I should see my father,” said Annie, suddenly finding the idea of more time alone with Nick unappealing. “He must be worried about me.”
“I’m sure he won’t miss you for one evening.” Nick brushed a strand of Annie’s hair from her cheek.
She couldn’t help but flinch away. The touch was familiar and not welcome. She placed her drink down and stood. “I should go. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“I have,” said Nick, glancing up as the overhead lights flickered again. “Don’t dismiss my job offer. There’s only so much funding I can give you, if you return to the university.”
Annie’s eyebrows quirked. “That almost sounds like a threat. If I don’t stay here, you take away my research grants.”
Nick raised his hands. “Nothing of the sort. But I must focus my finances on my own areas of interest. This is my current priority, not what you do at Helstone. I want studies and progress, not more papers and theories.”
Annie clenched her jaw. “You don’t consider my work there of value?”
Nick’s smile froze. “It is valuable. Please, don’t take offense. I can get too involved with my own obsessions and forget other people have their particular interests. Take a look at one of our current experiments and see what you think. You never know, it could be something you get lost in, as well.”
Annie shook her head and moved toward the door. “I should go to my father.”
“Wait a moment.” Nick strode to his desk and pressed a button on a comms panel. “Send in Professor Grimwald. And find out what’s causing the lights to dim. Make sure it’s not any unwanted interference from the outside.” He smiled at Annie. “He’s being brought to us now. After you see him, you’ll be reassured.”
Annie nodded, still unable to shake the uneasy sensation in her stomach.
“Relax. I understand you’re shaky after your illness, but you have nothing to fear here. And neither does your father. This place could be your new second home if you’re prepared to try it.”
There was a knock on the office door. Nick walked over and opened it.
“Annie!” Dmitri hurried toward her, his hands held out.
Annie let out a sigh of relief and grabbed hold of his hands, shocked at how pale and thin he was. “I’m fine, dad. I’m recovered from whatever illness I had.”
Confusion passed over his face. “I’ve been waiting to see you.” Her father cupped her cheek with one hand. “What happened to you after we were separated?”
“Separated? I don’t remember much about being ill. Were we together when I got sick?”
“You haven’t been ill.” Dmitri glared at Nick. “What have you been telling her?”
“Only the truth.” Nick folded his arms over his chest. “Annie, don’t forget, your father hasn’t been well. Since he was found delirious in the Badlands, we’ve had trouble keeping him lucid.”
“Dad, I didn’t realize you were unwell. What were you doing out on your own?”
“Hunting for dragon finds,” said Dmitri. “I was taken and forced to work here. Your friends were helping us get out. We left them in the vent. I fear they’ve been taken as well.”
Nick tutted. “Sadly, that belief is a part of his ongoing weakness of the mind.”
Annie tilted her head, irritated by Nick’s smug tone. The Badlands? Why was that name familiar to her? �
��Is that where we are?”
Nick nodded. “Close enough.”
Annie touched the cut on her dad’s forehead. “Look at you, you’re hurt. And you’re so thin. Haven’t you been eating?”
“I’m not sick. I eat.” Dmitri’s fingers kept stroking her cheek. “You’ve been injured, though. Your face is puffy and there are bruises on your skin.”
“All side effects of the illness,” said Nick. “Nothing to worry about.”
“We’re fortunate Nick has been here to take care of us,” said Annie.
Dmitri cast a fearful glance at Nick. “What have you done to her?”
“Dad!” said Annie. “Nick’s been looking after me and helping me recover. It sounds like he’s been helping you, too.”
“You haven’t been ill,” said Dmitri. “You are here with the—”
“That’s enough of that, Professor Grimwald,” said Nick. “You’re recovering from exposure and severe dehydration. Don’t overexert yourself and get your thoughts muddled again.”
“I was fine until I was abducted and dragged here,” said Dmitri.
Annie shot a worried look at her father. “What are you talking about? You weren’t abducted from anywhere.”
“Enough!” Nick strode over and caught hold of Dmitri’s elbow. “I should have warned you, Annie, your father has been having delusions since he arrived. We hoped that with time and the right medication we could stabilize him, but it’s not looking good.”
Annie licked her lips. She hated the way Nick was talking about her father, but she’d also had the same concerns about him in the past. “Nick’s only trying to help.”
“Don’t believe a word he says,” said Dmitri. “I’m not sure what he’s done to you, but it’s nothing good. We need to leave. We should find your friends and go.”
“I would advise against either of you leaving,” said Nick. “Annie is still recovering. And I’ve heard reports of the volcanoes off the coast becoming unstable and pumping out toxic gas. Leaving would be dangerous.”
“We’ll take that risk.” Dmitri turned to Annie, his jaw trembling. “We need to leave.”
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