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“Is because you believe him to still be alive?”
“Uh, I don’t know but I can still feel him, everywhere, in my heart and in my head and I know that my soul which I’m not even certain I possess couldn’t touch him”
“Look son, you’ve had a hell of a time of it. Let’s get you home and settled and we’ll discuss it in a day or so.” Ray bent to pick up the overnight bag and Peter hung his head staring blankly at his hand.
“Sure Dad.”
~~~~****~~~~
“Final Case Log Entry: Anton Hendricks reporting. Case number seven eight one nine has been officially closed. Local law enforcement are treating the matter with caution as several major local business people appear to be involved with the distribution and creation of a new street drug Nexus. Russell Sinclair has been indicted along with several other accomplices who are assisting police with their investigations. Senior Science Analyst Peter Axon continues to improve and has been released from hospital into his father’s care. He has suffered no long-term effects from exposure to the drug. Luke Moncrieff also continues to improve and has had no further psychotic episodes. Curtis Rollins has been suspended from active duty pending a full inquiry into his handling of the case. Similarly Frank Elsinger has been stood down and will not be returning to active duty. Central control has named me as the new temporary head of operations. Hendricks out.”
~~~~****~~~~
Matt was never impressed with government installations. Area 51 was no different than the dozens of others he’d had to visit over the years. Situated in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by hillocks and tufts of grass that steadfastly clung to life when it would be clearly better if they gave up the ghost, made his skin crawl. The low squat buildings of the installation had all the aesthetics of concrete poured haphazardly on the unsuspecting landscape and he felt a pang stab at him that Doyle may have been locked in such inhospitable surroundings for so long.
The security guard waved them through and going into the central offices with Joel they took the lift down the ten floors into the complex hidden deep underground. Bright lights illuminated the grey corridors; painted directional signs on the floor the only indication of movement from area to area. Bleak, cold, and forbidding the clinical atmosphere was interspersed by the occasional grim faced technician that scurried along at a fair clip. Matt frowned, a lot of worried faces passed him and increased his already nervous disposition. Aware of the frenetic energy that almost burst from them he found himself sidestepping their headlong flight frequently.
The Commanding Officer had been withheld, the entire base was on lock down and the marines were not prepared to allow anyone any leeway. He followed the escort they had picked up in silence, his hands firmly clenched in his pockets as his thoughts went back to the mercurial man who had become his friend. Peter had grown over the years that they had known each other; he was smooth, controlled; more assertive now than he had ever been before. Tragedy had tempered the man along with pain and he found himself dreading seeing Doyle. If he was truly alive just where did that leave him? His feelings over the last few weeks had been in turmoil and while he couldn’t deny the growing attraction he knew it was wrong. Not for the reasons of sexuality, he found that didn’t bother him in the least, but for the reasons he had approached Peter at all. Guilt combined with rage and need was an amoral mix at best but on cold dark lonely nights Matthew imagined the man he had held only once in his arms and shuddered. He was about to lose it all, and then he chided himself; he had nothing to lose and a friend to gain.
They were led into a room with a two way mirror, on the other side was a man hooked up to IV’s laying crumpled on a bed and Matt knew he couldn’t and never wanted to compete. He smiled.
“Professor Doyle I assume?” he quirked his lips into a smile as he turned to Joel.
“You assume correctly Matt; the doctors say his condition is stable and that the IV is merely a precaution. However, he has been openly hostile to anyone who approaches him.”
“Maybe I should have a talk to him.”
“He doesn’t know you.” Joel folded his arms across his chest.
“No but I know Peter and that should give me some leverage. Besides, if he won’t co-operate there’s a very real chance that we’ll lose him forever.”
“Alright.” Joel nodded to the doctor. “Makes sense. Just tell me why Matt.”
“Why?” Matthew feigned ignorance and turned back to stare at his old friend.
“I’m not stupid and neither are you. I just wish I could believe you’ve done all of this because it was your job.”
“It is my job.” Matt asserted.
“Caring this much is never anyone’s job, Matt. We do it because we want to. I’m just glad we have you on our side.”
~~~****~~~
He sauntered into the room; aware of the dark eyes that followed his every movement and the coiled power in the smaller form. Despite nearly two years of privation he looked remarkably well. A little grey and weary but nevertheless whole.
“And you would be?” the soft Canadian accent drifted across the room and Matt smiled.
“Matt Praeger.”
“Is that supposed to mean something to me?” Connor pushed himself up in the bed and folded his arms across his chest.
“Probably not. I got your job.” Matt sat down and smiled.
“Friend of Elsinger’s then?” Connor said the name with evident distaste.
“Hardly.” Matthew laughed out loud. “Frank is right where he should be.”
“And that is?” Connor’s voice was still soft as he studied the other man, not openly hostile but wary.
“Behind bars.”
“You’re the one responsible for this then?” Connor looked down at the IV.
“Responsible for bringing the sonofabitch down yes. For you being here no.”
“What happens now?” Connor relaxed slightly; whether Matt had breached the wall or because he was just weary Praeger couldn’t tell.
“Largely depends on you but I’m sure Peter would be happy to see you again.” Matt watched intently as Connor paled, anger etched into every taut line of his body.
“Cruel Mr. Praeger.” Connor closed his eyes.
“Not meant to be. Just what did Elsinger tell you?” Matt began a restless pacing.
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