Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 21: Questioning

Connor and the detectives worked their way through two more warehouses, finding no signs of either the deviants or Dr. Hayes. Connor stalked back to the car, pushing down a feeling of dread. It'd been several hours since she was taken. She was hurt. It was cold. What if--What if she--

He stopped himself, taking a breath. No. He could not let himself be overwhelmed by his emotions. That would do them no good. He closed his eyes, leaning his head against the Gavin's car. Unable to control the emotions, he slammed his hand down on the hood, growling in frustration. A large dent was left behind.

"Hey! Watch it you plastic f**k!" Gavin shoved him away from the car. "You need to calm down."

Connor whirled to face the man, ready to fight back, but another form interceded. 

"Detective Reed is right, Connor." Richard stepped forward, placing its hand on Connor's shoulder. "You cannot let these set backs cloud your judgement. You have a mission to complete."

Connor closed his eyes again, letting his emotions sink back down. "You're right." He pulled away. "Where's the next location?"

Richard gave him a brief smile, and they all climbed back into the car. The next warehouse was about five minutes away. The drive felt agonizingly slow to Connor. At this rate, they'd lose the deviants. 

Finally, they approached the building. As they pulled in to the entrance, a small figure stumbled out of a door off to the side. Connor immediately recognized her.

"It's Dr. Hayes." He unbuckled his seatbelt. "Call an ambulance and get the other officers here now. The deviants might still be in the area." He opened the car door before they could answer, not waiting for Gavin to stop.

He sprinted over as Dr. Hayes collapsed, catching her before her head hit the ground. Her pale face was a mess of blood and bruises, and a large cut on her temple oozed. Her dress was smeared with blood and dirt, torn in a few places, and her tights a shredded mess. Her blue eyes gazed up at him, unfocused. "You're here." The words came out the barest whisper. She offered him a weak smile, then her eyes fluttered closed.

Connor felt his system flood with relief. He'd found her. "I've got you, Dr. Hayes," he said, hooking his arms under her legs to lift her up. He stood, cradling her against his chest. She was so cold.

"Stay here with the doctor," Richard said, jogging over. "Detective Reed and I will scout the warehouse. The other officers are en route. They'll be here in about five minutes. The ambulance should be close behind." He disappeared through the door with Gavin close behind him.

Connor hesitated, briefly considering going after them, but Dr. Hayes groaned softly, pulling his attention. No. He wasn't with the DPD anymore. This mission took priority. Holding her closely, he walked back to where Gavin's car was still running. Shifting the woman carefully to one arm, he pulled the door open, setting her down carefully in the backseat. He scanned her, assessing her injuries.

She was out cold, but her vitals were strong. She'd sustained a cut on her temple and had severe bruising on the left side of her face. Her bottom lip was split and a little blood from it dripped down her chin. They'd hit her. She had a few scrapes and bruises on her legs, but mostly they were just dirty from being dragged. A long slice marked the bottom of one of her feet, shallow, but bleeding steadily. A few bits of broken glass stuck out from other places, also oozing.