Sam gets cut in the fight with Hempe. A nurse in the lock down wing stitches him up, thanking Sam for taking the monster out. He shows Sam a scar from a cut that Hempe gave him.
"Shit!" Sam hissed. "I had help. I couldn't have done it without my friends."
The nurse smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "You've got some damn good friends."
"Yes, sir, I do."
The nurse and the security officer led them out and the officer walked them back to the common room. He bid goodnight and left. Their friends were waiting and jumped up when they walked in. They gathered round, crowding Emma and Sam.
"So, it's over?" Emma asked Raleigh.
He looked away, somewhat furtively.
"He didn't escape, did he?" Emma asked.
"No. Nothing like that. Now the investigation begins. How did he get back in without being seen?"
"Makes a body wonder how much help he had," Molly said.
"Who would help a psycho like that?" Sam demanded. But he knew. He realized what he'd sensed in Dr. Abernathy's voice. Fear—and regret. Did he dare say anything? He could be wrong. Didn't he owe her the benefit of the doubt? It took a moment, but he realized that Raleigh was talking to him.
"You okay, Sam? You kinda zoned on us."
"I'm tired and I hurt like hell," he replied. It was the truth, just not all of it. "I just want to go to bed."
"Good idea," Molly said. "Though it's nearly morning wake up. I think we can afford to sleep in a wee bit. Things are likely to be in a turmoil for at least part of the day, while the police investigate. Whist, you lot. Off to bed!" She made sweeping motions with her hands.
None of them argued. They shuffled back to bed, yawning and groaning. Emma and Sam went to her room. His was roped off as a crime scene. She curled up in her recliner, leaving the bed for him. Despite how much his body hurt, Sam fell asleep immediately. He didn't wake up until nearly noon.
Everyone went down for lunch, somewhat subdued after their night's excitement. When they got downstairs, they were surprised to find Frank Tan at the dining room table with Molly and Raleigh. He stood when they came in, smiling.
"Hi, everyone. I have a few more questions and I need to take statements about last night. No worries, coffee and food first. But I have to do my job."
"What happens with Hempe now?" Sam asked as he ate.
"He goes to a prison psych ward," Tan replied. "In my opinion, he should have been there in the first place. But the judge is a limp wristed liberal...." He grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. He tried to kill someone I care about. I take it rather personally."
Sam nodded. "I get it."
"Sam and Emma, I'd like to start with you," Frank Tan said. "I have officers to take the other statements. When we're done, I'd like to talk to...." He checked his notes. "Glenn and Carlos." He smiled at the two men. They were bruised and obviously a bit worse for wear. "I'm guessing it's these guys?" He winked. "Quick thinking, gentlemen. You probably saved Sam's life."
"And has he thanked us?" Carlos teased.
"No, I haven't," Sam replied solemnly. "Thank you. You guys are two of the best friends I've ever had." He felt himself tearing up.
Glenn grinned, nodding. "Ditto. Carlos, dude, you whoop ass good."
The young gay man laughed. "I learned the hard way, believe me."
"If we can go somewhere private?" Frank Tan asked Raleigh.
"Sure. Let's put you in Dr. Stewart's office." He led them to the office and unlocked the door.
Total chaos greeted their eyes. Papers, books, nicknacks were scattered around the room. The upholstery on the chairs was torn, the desk turned over. Nothing had escaped. Even her plants had been uprooted and hurled around the room.
Frank was already on his phone, calling officers to the scene. He escorted Emma, Sam and Raleigh back to the common room. When his people arrived, he put the sergeant in charge and took the teenagers to the library.
©2020 Dellani Oakes
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