Neon Encounter

3. Neon Surprise

"Linus?" A voice called out to him. He blinked repeatedly against the bright light of the hospital room. He recognized that voice instantly: his sister!

He sat up abruptly, and his sight swam before his eyes. It was indeed his sister Leanne.

"I came as quickly as I could. What happened? Are you alright?" She asked with worry in her voice.

He thought about how he could answer these questions, considering he only had a fragmentary recollection of yesterday's events.

"I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm feeling much better. Have you seen the doctors?" He decided to say.

"I'm glad to hear that. No, I just arrived. Wait a moment." Leanne, always the doer, instantly proceeded to take action.

Quickly, she left the room to look for someone to inform her, which gave him some time to put his thoughts together: He had definitely dreamed earlier. Or had been having a daydream. Maybe he should confront the doctor about it? And Carter was back in town. This screamed trouble.

After a few minutes, Leanne returned with who he presumed was the doctor.

"Good morning. Linus Hawke, am I right?" the doctor inquired.

"Yes."

"Yesterday night, we were notified about you lying unconsciously in front of the Neon Bar & Club. The anonymous caller suspected that some illegal drugs could have been involved. So we did a drug test."

Linus eyes turned wide: he and drugs? He was the most cautious person around - how could he have ended up taking drugs? Leanne's eyes had turned as wide as his, as she also knew this would be out of character for him.

"We did not find remainders any substance in your blood. We assume the reason was a combination of alcohol intoxication and stress. Your blood pressure was very high when you arrived. Have you been overly stressed the past few days?"

Linus just nodded, while Leanne eagerly added: "He is a research assistant at university and always busy teaching, researching, or correcting assignments. Doctor Brown, trust me, he never takes a minute of rest. " The doctor shook his head disapprvingly.

"You should feel better now since the alcohol has worn off. There are also no long-term medical consequences. We do advice to take it slow for today and also in the future. It is also important to be a good example for your students."

The doctor closed the patient document he had been reading from.

"Of course. Doctor, can I take him home?" his sister replied to that.

"Yes."

"Thank you."

With that, the doctor left the room, and we gathered my things. But no matter where he looked, Linus couldn't find his wallet. That was bad.

Maybe Linus had left it at home and only taken keys and some money with him to the club?

He tried to calm himself down. That was not unreasonable. So after one last check, they left the hospital room.

What if the stranger with the camera had taken it? Or Carter?

He hoped, neither did, and he had just forgotten he had left it at home. He didn't want to see either of them again. Not now, not ever.