In The Company Of Monsters

Who Dies?

The room turned solemn. Even Lily knew the sound of breaking glass meant a death sentence. The only question now was for whom. She flashed back to her parents. The memories were faded in her mind. She hadn’t been able to see a photo of them for years now, but she remembered their voices, and the emotions behind them. Like any parents, they wanted her life to be better than theirs. They’d be horrified to see her life today. The thought made her eyes water.

Mitch held the last shot, wishing he wasn’t. As a younger man, he’d made life and death decisions for others, but that was a lifetime ago. He loved not having to think of such things anymore. 

He caught Jack’s eye. “Jack, I...”

Jack nodded. “I know, Mitch.”

Trapped in the locked maintenance shaft, Victor peered up through the bars and laughed. “Yeah, you know... You know!” he shouted. “Got some wisdom now, didn't 'cha?”

A flicker of disgust played across Blair’s face. 

Lily moved to Mitch for close contact. He took her in his arms, handing the shot to Blair. Comforting Lily was far better than holding someone’s life in his hands. She buried her face in his chest, breathing quick and shallow. She willed in one good, deep breath, then turned towards Victor.

“Why would you do that?!!” she screamed at him.

Victor smiled a jackal grin, but had nothing to say.

Blair held the last shot, unsure what to do. 

Mitch's eyes went to the grate, then to Jack, who silently met the gaze. A wave of weakness rolled through Jack then. He leaned against the desk to steady himself.

As a cop, Jack never thought of himself as heroic. Even back before Nancy Bowen. Being the hero always carried the hidden commitment of self-sacrifice. He’d enjoyed his indulgences too much to give up much of anything.

Now, with his body rapidly losing strength from the infection, his mind felt tired too. He’d spent enough years fighting for himself. Before he’d even realized it, he’d decided to fight for her instead. He caught Blair's eye and gestured towards Lily. He was careful to make no noise.

Blair returned his gaze, but waited. He repeated the gesture, letting her know he was sure about this. Her weak smile told him she understood.

So did Mitch. “Thank you, Jack,” he said.

Lily looked up at Mitch. “What?” she asked.

Jack nodded at Mitch in silent acknowledgement.

Blair stood taller, and her voice carried a command tone. “Roll up her sleeve.”

Mitch started to, but Lily knew what was happening. “What? No!” she cried, struggling out of Mitch’s hold. He took her in a bear hug from behind, pinning her arms against her sides as she pleaded for Jack.

“There's got to be another way! Wait!” she cried out. She fought harder, thrashing against Mitch. 

Blair took the last shot and moved to slide it into her arm, but she couldn't get close.

“Stop it!” yelled Mitch. “Goddammit, you break that needle and you're dead too. Settle down!”

He clamped down hard, hurting her. Blair got hold of Lily's bare arm and positioned the needle over an artery. The steel punctured the skin and slid in smoothly. Lily cried out, a heartbroken wail, then went limp.

Blair pressed the plunger and the cure began pumping into Lily's arm.

Mitch looked down over her shoulder, seeing the needle in place. “Good girl...” he whispered.