A World That Is Not Mine

XXIV.

"I have a maid coming around eight," Lindsey said as he fixed his clothing in the full length mirror. "She usually cooks if I am home---but she can make whatever you want, this morning. Before you go, I'd like you to eat---" he added as he entered to see her wrapped cozily in the bed's covers.

"I appreciate it," she mumbled---sniffling.

"You okay?" he asked, nearing her.

"Yeah..." she pulled the cover off her head. "I am not big on this time of year---it's when Solan disappeared and when I start getting nazily," she rubbed her forehead with the ball of her palm.

"I can give you sinus medication," he offered.

"It's alright, I prefer natural regimens than drugs," she almost smirked---only recalling the conversation with Rick months ago, when he took her to a therapist. "Once I get to the magick shop, the sage will clear it up and all that jazz."

"Okay..." he lingered, watching her suffering. It was the same suffering he had watched since meeting her the first day. It came and went, but it was definitely noticeable today. "Do you need anything?"

She shook her head, gently. "I think, I'm good, just trying to get through."

"Stevie, it's okay for you to cry and lean on people."

"I know, but I can't right now. I am on a mission---if I start crying now, I won't stop and we don't have time for that. Not now," she mentioned.

"Alright, when you think it's time---let me know," he assured with a light wink.

She nodded, lovingly and gratefully to him.

"I have to go, I'll be back as soon as possible---I'll pick you up from the shop," he rubbed her shoulder.

"Thanks---" she laid back into the pillows on the bed.

…

Lindsey, soon got to the facility and parked in his normal spot---this time seeing Warner's car next to his spot. He sighed as he pulled in. Getting off, he looked at the car and paused. "What fresh hell is this?" he mumbled on his way into the building.

As he walked in, he was conveniently stopped by Warner.

"Morning, Buckingham! how are you?" asked Warner---his hands in his lab coat pockets.

"Fine," Lindsey bluntly responded---still on the move, to his office.

"You're here early," Warner added.

"Yep and you're not supposed to be here, so what do you want?" Lindsey responded.

"Well, I had a question---regarding one of our patients."

"Our patients?" Lindsey laughed. "Since when do we share those?"

"Since you took custody of my patient---Stephanie O'Connell," the older man slammed Lindsey's office door shut.

"Nope---she was my patient from day one," he settled his briefcase on the desk and started to organize his papers. "I was the first one to test her and you came later that night."

"Look, Buckingham, we both know you made that change---I don't know how you managed that so quickly, but I want ownership back."

"That's rich---the mad scientist wants me to give my patient over?" he sat in his chair---staring down the older man.

Warner kind of huffed.

"Can I asked why?" he asked. "I will only do that if there is a valid reason and by the hesitation in your face, there is not one good one, you can think of."