The Secret Patient

by Vaughan W. Smith

  A few minutes later Elizabeth heard the footsteps and squeak resume once more. This time it would be safe to visit Nathan again, but she would wait a little for safety. Just in case the nurse had forgotten something. The time passed more easily, the fact that she had just avoided a dangerous encounter made her a little more patient.

  After five minutes of silence she carefully opened the door and returned to the hallway. She paused to listen again, and then continued on to Nathan’s room. Once she arrived she opened the door slowly, so he would know it was her.

  “I’m back,” she said smiling at Nathan.

  “I’m so happy to see you. I was pretty worried, before I thought you would come back too soon.”

  “I almost did, but luckily I heard the mop bucket. What happened here? Did you make a nuisance of yourself?”

  “I certainly did. But for this,” Nathan said, pulling back the sheet to reveal the blood vial. Elizabeth quickly walked up to the bed and then picked it up.

  “This is your blood?”

  “Yeah, I managed to save this one and destroy the rest. They won’t even know it is missing,” Nathan said. He was grinning from ear to ear.

  “That’s amazing. Wow, no wonder the nurse stormed off in anger.”

  “Yeah, it’s annoying for them. But I did get a vibe, that it was an unusual annoyance for her. Nurses get frustrated, but over routine matters they just kind of shrug it off. This blood collection for testing is pretty regular. I’m wondering why she was so angry.”

  “You might be on to something. Which nurse was it?”

  “Annabelle.”

  “Oh I’ve run into her before. She’s very suspicious of people isn’t she?”

  “That’s exactly what I thought. One to look into maybe.”

  “Yeah, it’s a growing list though. Wow, so I have a sample. The next trick will be finding someone I trust to test it. But don’t worry, I’ll sort that out. It’s a good problem to have.”

  “Yeah, my work here is done.”

  “Ha-ha, you did great. You have good instincts. Maybe I can make a reporter out of you?”

  “If you get me out of here, I’ll do whatever job you want.”

  “When I get you out of here, you won’t need to work if you don’t want to. They’re going to pay for this.”

  “Sounds good to me. But that’s a bonus. Get me out in a way that I can’t be taken back here, that’s what I need. If you do that, I’ll be happy.”

  “Yeah, I know. That’s the main thing. Well I don’t want to push my luck, so I think I’ll be going. You doing alright?”

  “Yeah, it’s been the same old story. This routine is wearing me down, but seeing you, and hearing about what’s going on, that’s keeping me sane. I’ve got a reason to hope again.”

  “Good, focus on that. And do whatever you can to try and improve your strength. If we can get more options on getting you out, the better. If I don’t have to wheel you out on a bed, I think our chances are much higher.”

  “I’ve been thinking the same thing. I’m not convinced that there’s any reason why I can’t walk right out that door. But being bedridden for so long has taken a toll. Maybe there will be more information in the results from that blood test when you get it done. But for now, all I can do is keep positive and try to exercise a little.”

  “Take care and don’t let them get you down. I’ll be in touch again soon,” Elizabeth said. She carefully placed the vial in her bag, and turned to leave. Nathan reached out his hand and grabbed her arm.

  “You take care too. You can’t help me if something happens to you,” Nathan said, looking into Elizabeth’s eyes.

  “You got it boss,” Elizabeth said, nodded at Nathan and waited. He released his grasp and sunk back into the bed. Elizabeth waved, gave him a quick smile and headed for the door.

  “We’ve got this,” Elizabeth thought as she walked down the corridor. Nathan had proven resourceful many times over, and the useful leads kept piling up. It was only going to be a matter of time until she blew the whole thing wide open. As she left the secure area she looked around the hospital corridor and saw that it was empty.

  “Good, now I can get out of here,” Elizabeth thought. She was looking forward to going home to rest. It had been another busy day, and she didn’t know how many more it would take. She left the hospital via a side exit, and walked the long way around to her car. The streets were poorly lit and quiet, but she wanted to minimise any attention she might get. Things would get ugly if she started to appear on the radar of those behind the conspiracy. From what she had seen that was definitely the right label.

  She paused for a moment to adjust her hair, because it was annoying her the way it was hanging. And she heard a footstep that suddenly stopped. It was probably nothing, but put her on alert. She continued walking, trying to appear as normal but listening out for any other noises. Now that she was paying attention, she could hear distant footsteps resuming. She didn’t want to turn and look for fear of losing the element of surprise. She turned a corner and then stopped quickly. She slowed her breathing and listened out. The footsteps continued then stopped suddenly.

  “Just get to your car,” Elizabeth told herself. There was still a chance this was all in her head, with the sneaking around she had been doing. So she continued walking, with a bit more pace and determination. Her heart started pumping faster and faster but she kept a lid on her emotions and just focused on walking. She could still hear the footsteps in the background, which sounded pretty ominous. This was mostly an industrial area, so nobody was around in the evenings. It made her caution and fear more justified.

  She spotted her car at the end of the block.

  “Ok almost there. Keep it up,” she said to herself. Once in the car it didn’t matter if there was someone following, she could drive away. She quickened her pace instinctively, trying to get there as soon as possible without running. She heard the footsteps following speed up as well. The chances of there being a random person who just happened to be walking at the same time plunged. She was sure that someone was after her.

  Her first thought was about the blood sample. If someone got to her and found that, it was all over. She would lose the sample, Nathan would get moved, and she would be in serious trouble. It would be hard to explain away with so much evidence on her. But if she stashed it, things would be easier.

  “Let’s play the safe game. Just in case,” Elizabeth whispered. She noticed a small garden on the corner of two streets with some bushes in the middle and flowers along the edges. It looked like an initiative to soften the area a little. It was fairly close to her car, so gave her an idea. She pulled her bag off her shoulder and started rummaging through it. She wanted her pursuer to think she was trying to find her keys. What she was doing though, was transferring the blood vial to her makeup bag. That should keep it safe.

  Once she approached the garden she fished out her car keys and dropped them to the ground. She bent down to pick up the keys, and in the same movement pushed the makeup bag under the bush. She didn’t know how safe it was, but in the dark she couldn’t see it well. She scooped up her keys and walked quickly to the car. She unlocked it and rushed forward, heading for the driver’s side. She started to open the door and a black hand shoved it closed again. She turned to look, and saw a tall man dressed in black with a balaclava hiding his face.

  “Keys,” he said, his voice was rough and low. Elizabeth knew to play along. She could ask questions later. But she didn’t want to just lay down for them.

  “Who are you?” she said as she handed over the keys.

  “Nobody. And if you say the right things you’ll never see me again.”

  “I haven’t seen you yet,” Elizabeth said.

  “That’s the idea. I have the keys,” the man said. She heard footsteps behind her and he was joined by another man, dressed normally but with a black cap pulled down to obscure his face.

  “Good. Let’s get moving,” the man with the cap said.
His voice was smoother and more pleasant. He seemed well-spoken. Elizabeth felt her arm grabbed roughly and she followed along as they led her around the corner to a black van. The man with the cap went over to drive, while the other took her to the back of the van, and pushed her inside. Elizabeth shuffled back to get a seat against the wall. The man stepped in, closed the door and sat opposite her.

  “Don’t try anything, this won’t take long,” he said to her.

  “At least tell me where we are going,” Elizabeth said.

  “She’s definitely a reporter, can’t help herself,” the man called out to the driver.

  “Why don’t you help her out then,” the driver replied. An ugly grin distorted the fabric of the balaclava and Elizabeth saw a giant gloved fist come down before total blackness enveloped her.

  19

  Taken

  Elizabeth opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. She was tied to a wooden chair and was sitting in a utility room of some kind. A single neon light lit the room from above.

  “You’re awake,” a voice said behind her. Elizabeth tried to look around, and shuffled the chair around to see who was talking to her.

  “Your voice sounds familiar,” she said, not recognising the man who sat there. He looked exhausted, his face was pale and sporting stubble. He was also tied up in the same way.

  “Charles Manfried.”

  “Oh right. Now I know why I’m here.”

  “Why we’re both here,” Charles said, making it clear who he blamed for his situation.

  “Hey, it was a natural thing to call you. I’m sorry but not my fault.”

  “What are you after anyway?”

  “I’m just following up a news story. Clearly I’ve hit a nerve, but not sure what I have stumbled onto.”

  “I can’t tell you anything.”

  “Can’t or won’t?”

  “Both.”

  “Well that’s why you’re here, they think you might. Who are they?”

  “Don’t know.”

  “Fair enough,” Elizabeth said. Charles was not being helpful, which was understandable given the circumstances. However, since they were alone she expected a bit more give.

  “Maybe we’re under surveillance. They’re using Charles to see what I know,” Elizabeth thought. It was a possibility.

  “So what’s the story?” Charles asked.

  “Is he fishing or just curious?” Elizabeth thought. She decided to answer carefully just in case.

  “Not much to it really. Got a tip that a man was missing. Made a few calls, you were the last call I made. Now I’m here. Not ideal.”

  “So you’re a reporter?”

  “That’s right.”

  “This is not good.”

  “Look everything is fine. You don’t know anything, I don’t know anything. I’m sure this is just a big misunderstanding. Maybe he owes some money or something?”

  “I really don’t know.”

  “Yeah, I know. You said that before.”

  “Stop being smart. You think I want to be here?”

  “No, I believe that. Here’s an easy question then, did they say you could go home?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ok great, that’s a good sign. Now we just play the waiting game,” Elizabeth said. She wasn’t sure what to make of Charles, although he was clearly scared and uncomfortable. She didn’t really feel any anxiety about the situation herself. She wondered why.

  “Maybe I have Amy to thank,” Elizabeth thought, her mind wandering back to the near-death experience she had had during the Mayor story. Her alter-ego Amy in the dreams had faced up to worse and survived. And oddly those dreams still remained vivid in Elizabeth’s memory, like she had lived them herself. An unexpected gift.

  Amy had been captured, drugged and left on the street. But she had come back and beaten them all.

  “Yes, that’s what I’ll do. Wait it out, make sure they release me. And solve this puzzle, bringing hell down on them all. They won’t get away with this!” Elizabeth said to herself. She felt a warmth run through her, and renewed confidence.

  “How long have they left you here?” she said.

  “A few hours, I think they’re waiting for you to wake up.”

  “Well I’m awake, maybe they’ll be here soon.”

  “I hope so, I just want to get home. My wife will be terrified.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll be home soon,” Elizabeth said.

  “One way or another,” she thought to herself.

  The door clanked open moments later, and balaclava man entered the room.

  “You, you’re coming with me,” he said, pointing at Elizabeth.

  “Sorry I’m a little tied up.”

  “I know,” the man said, annoyance in his voice. He pulled out a knife from his boot and sliced the rope cleanly. Elizabeth felt her wrists, rubbing them to ensure everything was alright. Then she stood up and followed the man out of the room.

  They were in a dimly lit corridor, with concrete walls. It looked like they were underground. Elizabeth followed closely behind, not wanting to try to escape yet. If at all possible she wanted them to release her. It would make things easier and she wouldn’t need to worry about them coming after her again. With any luck.

  They soon came to another door, and the man opened it. He stood to the side of the door, and directed Elizabeth to enter. Inside was a similar room, furnished only with a small table and two chairs. Sitting in one was the man with the cap, the smooth talker who seemed to be in charge. She entered the room and sat down on the available chair, resting her wrists on the table. The door slammed shut and she looked at the man across from her.

  “Thank you for accepting our invitation for a chat,” he said, flashing a wry smile. Even with the cap on she could see his green eyes and they looked dangerous.

  “I couldn’t refuse,” Elizabeth said.

  “I’m not at liberty to tell you as much as you may want to hear. But I do need to know what you know about Nathaniel Stenson.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s very simple. We want to discover more about his disappearance, and you must have some information if you contacted Charles.”

  “That’s a big assumption. But I’ll tell you what I know, so you’ll understand where I am coming from,” Elizabeth said. She needed to set this guy’s expectations, but she didn’t buy what he was saying for a second. They were definitely testing her to see what she knew, and if she was any threat to them.

  “This story came to my attention via a tip to the newspaper. It was very simple: a mother wanted to know what happened to her son, and the police were not taking notice.”

  “Why did you pick up this tip?”

  “I thought it would be a simple story to solve, and I wanted to help her out. It could be a positive news story to balance the rest out.”

  “You seem to specialise in big, conspiracy stories. Why go after a simple missing person?”

  “Well I recently did a story on a hospital nurse who is retiring soon. It had a really nice tone to it, and the effect it had on people was totally different. I realised that a bit of balance and inclusion of those kinds of stories might be better for everyone.”

  “I see. Carry on.”

  “So I met with the mother, and she told me some details. Where he had worked, and roughly when he had disappeared. So my first action was to call his employer,” Elizabeth said. She looked over at the man, and he didn’t react. He just waited for her to continue.

  “They didn’t tell me much. Just that Nathan had gone on extended leave and they confirmed his manager’s name; Charles Manfried.”

  “So you called Charles. How did you get his number?”

  “I found it in Nathan’s apartment.”

  “You’ve been in his apartment?”

  “Yeah his mother gave me the key. Wasn’t really comfortable looking through it to be honest, but she was pretty desperate for answers and I found the number for Charles so it was worth it. Well,
so I thought. Here we are,” Elizabeth said, looking directly at the man opposite.

  “Yes, here we are. Your story makes sense, but aren’t you leaving something out?”

  “No, that’s really it. I made a point of being straight with you.”

  “I appreciate that. I expected a reporter with your history to have uncovered more information.”

  “Sorry for disappointing, I’m actually pretty happy with what I’ve uncovered with such little information to work with. Now that I’ve explained, do you think you could tell me who you are and what’s going to happen next?”

  “I can’t reveal those details, they are classified. All I can say is that if what you have told me is true, then you have nothing to fear from us. You can continue working on your story, but you can’t publish it.”

  “Why not?”

  “Until we find him, we need this matter kept under wraps.”

  “You can’t stop me publishing,” Elizabeth said. She didn’t expect to have anything worth printing for a while, her focus was on getting Nathan out. But she wanted her captor to see her fight for the story. If she backed down too easily he would get suspicious.

  “I absolutely could, if it came to that. But I’d prefer that we have an agreement. It’s a very generous offer. I’ll let you continue doing what you are doing, but I’ll be watching. If you discover anything more about his whereabouts, you must tell me. And you cannot publish anything without my approval.”

  “That’s a lot of conditions. I don’t even know who you are? What’s your authority?”

  “Classified. You can refer to me as Don. My number will be in your phone when you get it back. Text me to get in contact,” Don said.

  “If that’s what it takes, then ok. I’m willing to be pragmatic on this, even though I don’t agree.”

  “Good. I’m glad we are seeing eye to eye. And don’t forget, we are always watching.”

  “I won’t. Will it be you or balaclava boy walking me out?”

  “It will be my associate. You can call him Nod.”