Milwaukee Deep

Dr Phil Jensen smiled at Michael, “I just need a minute to talk to Sam,” he said, “keep moving your fingers to ease the stiffness and I’ll be back in just a minute to have a closer look at that wound.”

“Thanks, doc, I don’t know what I would have done without you,” said Michael.

“Don’t mention it,” Jensen replied as he stood up and walked across the room to where Sam was sitting.

“Have you got a minute”? He asked Sam

“Sure, what’s up?”

“Can we talk in the other room?”

“Sure.”

Both men walked through the doorway and into the kitchen

“What’s up, Phil?” Sam asked, “You’ve got that look on your face.”

Jensen looked over his shoulder to see if Michael had followed them.

“Okay, I’m really worried,” Jensen said.

“Why, what’s wrong?”

“I got the tests back from Michael’s complete blood count and what I found earlier has been verified.”

“What, about the absence of white blood cells?”

“Yes, he has a zero count in his blood stream.”

“But that can’t happen, can it?” Sam asked.

“Well it shouldn’t,” replied Jensen, “but this is the result. By all accounts, Michael should be dead. He should have by now caught some infection, a cold, anything, and should have at the very least been very, very ill.”

“So why hasn’t he?”

“That’s what I’m worried about, Sam. Why hasn’t he?”

Jensen stared at Sam. Sam felt compelled to answer his friend’s question.

“Look, there’s something not right here, you and I both know that. I mean he’s been missing for eighteen years yet hasn’t aged one bit. Now this blood count – I told you we need that psychiatrist to find out what’s really going on”

“Well she’s on her way, but she isn’t going to answer these questions I have,” Jensen replied, “I’m a doctor, Sam. I took an oath to heal the sick and Michael’s sick – very sick.”

“What’s your point, Phil?”

“My point is he’s cooped up in this house when he should be in a hospital under observation. Not to mention that he has a tumour attached to his heart that I have yet to analyse.”

Sam rubbed his brow.

“Okay, okay, we can think this through, we’re two intelligent people.”

Sam walked around the island bench that sat in the middle of the kitchen – he needed to think. Half way around he stopped and looked up at Jensen.

“Okay, call your friend and tell her to meet you at the hospital – your choice, I don’t care which one. We’ve lost the tail, so they don’t know where we are at the moment, meaning we can check Michael in and you can do the tests you need to do.”

“He may need a blood transfusion.”

“Whatever he needs, Phil – just make sure you don’t check him in under his name, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Good. Now I won’t be coming with you, just in case I get seen – remember they’re looking for me not you.”

“And what about Dr Durham?”

“The shrink?”

“Yes.”

“Well she can evaluate him at the hospital, can’t she?” Sam asked

“I’m sure she can. I can let you know what happens.”

“Better yet, call me when she starts her evaluation and I’ll make sure I’m there one way or another.”

Tom Harding walked alongside Anthony Perks as they made their way towards the car.

“Don’t you think it’s time these handcuffs came off,” remarked Harding

“Sorry, Tom, but I don’t entirely trust you yet.”

Harding lowered his head as he heard the response – frustration was setting in.

As they reached the car, Perks guided Harding to the passenger side and opened the door.

“Watch your head.”

Perks shut the door on Harding and walked over to the driver’s side and got into the car.

“Okay, where do we go first?” Perks asked as he shut the door behind him.

Harding just stared at the windscreen or through it or at the images beyond.

“Harding, you did hear me?”

Tom looked across at Perks

“Are you certain you want to enter into all of this?”

“That’s why I’m here isn’t it?” Perks replied.

“Have you ever wondered what was in Pandora’s Box?” asked Harding.

“At a guess I’d say secrets.”

“Close. Knowledge. It’s irresistible when you don’t have it, but once you know, it’s a terrible burden. You have a responsibility.”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s crushing. Now, can we just get on with it and save the philosophy for someone who’s got time to waste.”

“Time, Anthony, is the only real currency we’ve got. We put so much value on money but what good is all the money in the world if all your time is taken from you?”

“Tom, you’re wasting my time and it’s fast running out.”

Harding smirked, “Right, Action Man, if that’s what you want. 143 Hurley Avenue, Jersey – and fast.”