Madeleine & the Mind

by Felicia Mires

  Mike stood to shake her hand. "I've got to hand it to you. That's a novel approach. And I wish you well. There are some things I need to do tonight, and I'll make that call for you…to Steven's fiancée. If you'll excuse me."

  "Goodnight, Mike. I'll leave my door open until you return. You can shut it later."

  Madeleine went to stand behind the window. "What do you see, Steven, when you stare out that window? I wish I could open up your mind. But it's only been one day. I guess I expect a miracle." He didn't acknowledge her. "Come away…ha, that reminds me of a love sonnet. Come live with me and be my love…I'll bet you've never even heard it. Not exactly your cup of tea."

  She glanced at him, and his eyes burned with an intense look of concentration. She put her hand on his cheek. "Did you remember something?"

  The blank stare returned, and she patted his cheek. "Don't worry, pet. It's going to be all right. Sit on the bed, and I'll read to you."

  Steven lay back with his hands behind his head.

  Madeleine jumped up and ran to the phone beside his bed. "Just a minute, I forgot something."

  She rang down to the desk. "This is Madeleine Price. Who do I see about getting some clothes that fit?"

  "You should try housekeeping, Miss Price. They do the laundry."

  "Could you transfer me?"

  She heard the phone ringing. She looked over at Steven. His eyes followed her movements. "Just one more minute, and I'll read to you."

  "Housekeeping."

  "Yes, this is Miss Price. I'm Dr. Faraday's therapist. Could you send me some clothes, size four? Thank you."

  She picked up the Bible. "What should we discuss tonight? How about John, chapter one? I love it."

  She read while he watched her, but she didn't stop at chapter one. She read all the way through chapter three then closed the cover.

  "I couldn't resist. It's so beautiful. And heart-breaking, too. The God of all the world, creator of all things, loved us more than anything, sent His Son to redeem us, and we rejected Him.

  Madeleine looked at Steven as he lay still on the pillow. He gave her another of those childlike smiles, and her heart ached for what he'd lost. "Come on, little one. Time to sleep. I'm going to pray for you then you can change into your pajamas."

  She laid her hand on the sore spot at the back of his head. "Father, thank you for the opportunity to minister to this man. You know what the enemy has stolen from him. You know how important he is to his country, to his loved ones. Teach him your ways as you heal his body. Help him find that which he seeks."

  She opened her eyes. His eyes seemed to bore into hers. They stared at each other and then awareness faded from his eyes as if a bright light was snuffed out.

  "You know, Steven, I believe you're a great man. I can see it in your eyes. Every now and then it shines forth like the stars. Go to sleep now. I'm going to shut the door while I change. When you're ready for bed, turn out your light. I'll open the door."

  Madeleine closed the door. She still didn't have any clothes that fit so she couldn't change. She stared at her reflection in the bathroom, preparatory to brushing her teeth. She'd forgotten to eat!

  Perhaps she could go down the hall to the candy machine. Mr. Jamieson, at the embassy, had given her a few dollars to tide her over.

  She propped her door open and walked down the hall. The cubby hole at the end of the hall also contained an ice machine. Ice would be nice.

  She went back for the bucket and filled it with ice. Then she bought a soda.

  A door slammed somewhere down the hall.

  How many other people live on this floor?

  The candy machine also offered a selection of chips and crackers. Madeleine chose several.

  With her booty gathered to her chest, she rounded the corner to return to her room.

  Steven tore around the wall at full speed, nearly running into her.

  Madeleine jumped back, dropping everything on the floor. He stopped as soon as he saw her, but she'd seen the terror in his face.

  She pulled him against her chest, and his arms went around her. He was extremely strong.

  "What's wrong? Did you think something happened to me?"

  She shouldn't have left her door open to the hall with no indication of her whereabouts.

  Could fear have opened his mind? He'd panicked but already he pulled away from her, shuffling down the hall with the aimless movements of a crazy man.

  "I'm sorry!" She called after him. "I'll tell you the next time I leave the room."

  She looked at the floor. What a mess. Ice sparkled across the carpet, and her snacks were strewn everywhere, some crushed by their feet. She cleaned it up and went back to her room.

  The dividing door was open, but Steven's room lay in darkness.

  She set the pile of food on the dresser and tiptoed next door.

  He lay back on the bed, arms crossed behind his head and eyes shining from the light through the open window. The sheet was pulled up to his bare waist.

  Madeleine looked on the floor. His shirt lay carelessly to the side. She reached down and picked it up, folded it then put it in the chair.

  She sank on the side of the bed. "Thank you for coming to look for me. It was very brave." She brushed the hair back from his forehead and gave him a light kiss. "My hero. You know, if I hadn't gotten lost in the maze and missed my dinner, I wouldn't have gone looking for snacks. Good night, little one."

  Madeleine walked back to her room. She would have to keep treating that man like a child, or else she would think of him too much like a man…especially when he took off his shirt.

  Oh, Lord, help me keep my thoughts pure.

  Madeleine turned out the bright overhead lights and flicked on the small lamp beside her bed. Somehow, she'd lost interest in the high-calorie repast on her dresser. She turned out the light and went to sleep.

  Sometime later, the sound of muffled voices woke her. She peered at the clock by her bed. Two in the morning.

  A light shone underneath the connecting door. She crept toward it and listened.

  "I don't care if she looks like the Venus de Milo with the face of a saint! We can't trust anyone."

  Madeleine didn't recognize that voice.

  "I checked everything she said. It's all true. She got clearance because there's no way she could understand a single thing we do. She's very bright, but she's no rocket scientist."

  That was Mike's voice. Arguing about her.

  "Very funny. Steven Faraday remains a child or else."

  "Is that a threat?"

  "Take it however you want."

  What in the world were they talking about? And how could they talk about Steven as if he wasn't there? He understood a lot more than people thought. He just couldn't express himself yet.

  Madeleine climbed back in her bed. There were some creepy things going on at this Institute. She only hoped she was helping the good guys.

  The next morning she got up at the sound of a knock on her door. She opened it and peeked out. A bundle rested on the floor at her door.

  "Thank you!" Madeleine called after the housekeeping woman as she disappeared into the elevator.

  She took the bundle inside and unwrapped the clothes. Fresh lingerie, not her style, but brand new, nonetheless. A plain, black bathing suit and a stack of scrubs in various styles.

  She chose one in a soft peach color. It would bring out the red highlights in her hair.

  After she brushed her hair and teeth, she looked at her pale face. She needed some make-up, and soon. If she was going to be on call twenty-four hours a day, she'd need to hide those dark circles. She left her hair loose. If Steven liked it, it might draw his attention.

  Before meeting with anyone, she had some calls to make. First, her parents.

  "Hi, Mom."

  "Honey, it's so good to hear your voice. Dad, it's Madeleine. Pick up the extension. How are you feeling?"

  "Much better." Madeleine reached for her head. "It doesn't even hurt
any longer."

  "That's a relief. Did they catch the man?"

  "No, but I'm working as a therapist to earn my passage home."

  "How can you help the speech of someone Spanish?" asked her father.

  "He's an American, and there are several people who speak English here, so it hasn't been a problem."

  "Well, if you have to stay, it's better if you can communicate. I'm glad it worked out."

  "Yeah, me too. I'll call soon. Love you."

  "Love you, too, bye."

  Next, Madeleine called her roommate. Her roommate sounded grumpier. "Maddy dear, you know I miss you, but you've got to remember the time change. I was asleep!"

  "Oops! I forgot again. Really quick...will you make sure my bills are paid? Take them to my boss. The Institute is paying him for my time here."

  "You know, you really ought to think about getting at least one credit card. None of this would have happened if you had a credit card."

  "Well, I suppose they could have gotten me a new one after a few days, but if you'll remember, all my belongings were taken, including my purse, so what good would a credit card be? Just more money to owe after someone maxed it out."

  Her roommate chuckled. "You're right. I'm a dodo. I'll check your mail and take it by the office. And, I'll make sure they take care of the bills. Have a nice time and next time, call later."

  A knock at the dividing door brought Madeleine to Steven's room. She swung the door wide.

  "Good morning, Mike. Did you sleep well?"

  "Yes, did you? You look lovely. I see you got some clothes that...uh...fit."

  "Yes, thank you for not saying anything last night about my appearance. How is Steven?"

  She glanced around the room.

  "He's in the shower. I wanted to talk to you while he wasn't around. I think you're doing a marvelous job, and I don't want you to get discouraged. Hang in there. And I called his fiancée. She'll be in tomorrow. After you've had breakfast, perhaps we could go downstairs and I'll show you around."

  "Did he eat breakfast?"

  "Yes. I didn't want to knock on your door until we heard you moving. Your plate is right over here. I completely forgot you didn't get dinner last night. Did you find the candy machine at the end of the hall?"

  "Yes."

  The less said about that event the better. After the conversation she'd heard in the night, she didn't know if she completely trusted Mike.

  "Well, here you go." He handed her a tray.

  Madeleine took it back to her room. She saw no reason to sit around Steven's room when they'd already eaten. And she still felt as if she wasn't quite ready to face the day.

  After leaving the dividing door open, she took a seat at the little table beside her bed. Then she jumped up and opened the floor-length drapery.

  Well, what do you know?

  A sliding glass door led to a small balcony porch. She opened the door and stepped out with her tray. Two chairs and a glass side table.

  She dropped in a chair to eat, surveying the extensive grounds. A dense mist hung heavily over the area…except by the fountain. There was no mist whatsoever over the trickling water. What law of science might that be? Steven could probably explain it. If he could speak.

  She heard a sound behind her and looked around. Mike had come to join her. She sipped her coffee and looked at him over the rim of her cup. He looked about forty-five or six. But he'd let his body go. Too much time in the lab and not enough in the gym. He peered at her through bi-focal lenses. Too much time in the lab, staring at small things.

  He took a sip of his coffee. "I thought you might like to know what we're working on. What Steven figured out."

  "Not really." She kept her gaze straight ahead, remembering the argument of the night before. "I wouldn't know plans for a rocket if they jumped out and bit me, so I don't think I could help you find Dr. Faraday's notes. If there are any."

  "Oh, there are. He told Dr. Geliteau and me that he only needed to transcribe notes from his recorder."

  "Did you listen to his tapes?"

  "Blank. Either he erased them, or he hid the ones he used."

  "Sorry, Mike. I don't see any reason for you to tell me. And frankly, the less I know, the better. No one can make me say what I don't know."

  She stood to walk inside and nearly ran into Steven. The ends of his hair were still damp, and the scent of his cologne teased her nose.

  "I'm sorry, Steven. I didn't know you were there. Would you like to visit the library, your lab, or the gym? Since you've just taken a shower, you probably don't need to get all sweaty in a gym."

  She felt Mike at her back.

  "We'll visit all three. At least, you'll know where they are."

  Madeleine moved past Steven and put her tray outside the door to be recovered later.

  She assumed, with Mike along, she wouldn't have to worry about Steven wandering off, so she didn't take his hand. Mike gave Steven a push toward the elevator, and she followed them. Steven shuffled along as if he hadn't a care in the world…or even a thought.

  Sometimes he walked with purpose and direction. At other times, he wandered aimlessly. Last night, when he'd thought she was in danger, he'd run with decisive agility. Perhaps only another trauma would bring him out of his handicap.

  The elevator stopped on the second floor, an area Madeleine hadn't yet visited. Mike stepped out, pulling Steven behind him. They entered the first room on the right. A library. The walls were lined with bookshelves.

  "Oh, my. What a wonderful room. Do you spend much time in here?" asked Madeleine.

  "I don't think Steven has ever stepped inside this room. When scientists are working, they're rather single-minded. Anything that takes your mind off your project is merely a distraction."

  "I've found that when I have a problem, taking a break makes the solution less illusive."

  "But then, you aren't a scientist. Sometimes, the only way to find the answer is to do more research."

  Sometimes brainy people could be so thick-skulled.

  "Dr. Hanover, the human mind can only tolerate so much stimuli before it shuts down to protect itself...as in the case of Dr. Faraday. He over-worked his mind, and when it was traumatized, it shut down. If he lets it rest, all his faculties will probably return."

  Steven stood in front of a bookcase, staring intently. Now, why was that?

  Madeleine rubbed his shoulder. "What are you so obsessed with, sweetums?"

  "Why do you treat him like a child? He's a scientist."

  "Be quiet, Mike. There's a reason for everything he does, and he's staring at this bookcase."

  Madeleine searched the titles at eye level then turned a doubtful eye on Steven. "Love sonnets? Somehow, I don't think…Although, I did mention a love sonnet to him yesterday. I'm game." She reached up and grabbed several books. "These have never even been read. Does anyone use this library?"

  Mike laughed. "I tried to tell you. Scientists…"

  "Never mind. Where's the gym?"

  In the gym, several people labored at weights, bicycles, treadmills, and stair steppers. It was available to all personnel.

  "What does Dr. Faraday usually do?"

  Steven was already walking to the weights.

  Madeleine grabbed his hand. "Not right now, sweetums."

  Mike had to pull Steven out of the room. He obviously wanted to linger. If it was that important to him, she'd bring him back later.

  The next door could not be entered without a keycard. Mike pulled one out of his pocket and slid it alongside the door. A buzzer sounded, and they went through to a small vestibule. This time, Mike went to the box on the side of the door, opened it and leaned forward with his face plastered to the front.

  Madeleine laughed. "You've got to be kidding. It's reading your eye?"

  A door slid open, and Mike gave her a grave look then held up his hand for her to follow.

  She sighed. "You guys are really serious. You're really…somebody."

 
"Yes, and somebody tried to kill Steven in this room...which means they had clearance."

  Madeleine looked at Steven to see if he acted nervous. His eyes were totally blank which could be an indicator that he was very upset. She took his hand and whispered in his ear. "I won't let anyone hurt you."

  Mike had already gone inside, so Madeleine wandered in after him. He stood to the side, talking with Dr. Giliteau.

  Madeleine moved past them. This was like no science lab she'd ever seen. There were definitely things in here she couldn't identify. An entire wall was devoted to chemicals. In a closed cubicle at the end of the room, a man pointed a long cylindrical tube at a simple battery. Nothing came out. He stood up and hooked the battery to a battery tester.

  She rolled her eyes at Steven and flicked her head in the direction of the cubicle. "I think that scientist is losing it. There's nothing coming out of his laser gun, and he doesn't seem to notice."

  The corner of Steven's mouth twitched, as if he were about to laugh.

  Madeleine peered into his eyes, but they were dull and lackluster.

  Nothing in the room seemed dangerous enough to hurt him, so she dropped his hand and joined Mike.

  Dr. Giliteau gave her a brilliant smile. "Well, the therapist looks even better when she's dry. Have you found everything you need Mademoiselle Madeleine?"

  "Yes, Dr. Giliteau. What is a Frenchman doing with American scientists?"

  Mike interrupted. "I'm Canadian. Steven is the only American." He pointed at the cubicle. "And Dr. Benjamin is an Israeli."

  "I'm impressed! I've heard the country of Israel is teeming with technological brain power." A look of annoyance marred Dr. Giliteau's handsome face, but it passed quickly. Perhaps he was jealous because she hadn't noted the brilliance of the French. "Do you have any other geniuses running around here?"

  She gave Dr. Giliteau her full attention, and he practically crowed like a rooster.