Ward's Salvation

Chapter 5: The Prisoner

I'm having trouble sleeping. Although I wanted John dead, I can't get used to him actually being gone. I don't think I ever really thought I'd lose him. He was a psychopath and a murderer but he had taken me out of hell and given me a life. He'd saved me and, in the end, I'd helped take him down.

Coulson—Director Coulson knew I was going insane down in this "cell". He'd taken down the laser wall and I was free to roam the bigger room. Not that it helped, there was still nothing to do. He'd also installed a tiny button to deactivate and activate the laser wall. The button was by my bed. I was to turn it off when the buzzer (also located near my bed) went off to let me know that someone was coming down to see me. The laser wall had to be up if anyone came in. If the laser wall was up the buzzer would automatically turn off.

I was grateful to Director Coulson for that. It gave me the illusion of freedom. He came down every couple of days and brought me a book to pass the time. He kept his word and not even a week into my "capture", he came down with a man I had never met.

"Grant, this is Dr. Andrew Garner. He's the guy you'll be seeing." Coulson pointed at the man and I could see a ghost of a smile on Coulson's face.

I eyed him suspiciously as the man, Andrew, sized me up.

"Him." Andrew questioned Coulson. "This guy?" Andrew looked like he was confused.

I frowned. What's going on?

Coulson is no longer hiding his smile and simply nods.

Andrew shakes his head. "You've got to be kidding me."

Clearly, Andrew did not want to be around me. This isn't going to work and what the hell was he referring to? "Can I know what the hell is going on?" My voice showed my impatience.

Dr. Garner finally looks me in the eye. "You slept with Melinda?" He asks.

Woah. Who the hell is this guy? I look at Dr. Garner again and try to think of who he might be.

"Ok, then." Dr. Garner stepped forward, grabbing the only chair in the room and places it near my bed. "I'm gonna need you to sit if we're gonna talk."

"To be fair, I'm pretty sure it meant nothing to either of them, Andrew." Coulson is still clearly amused. "Agent Ward, please forgive me. Dr. Garner is the best I know. I value his opinion and I think he's the best at what he does. I really think he can help you." Coulson slaps and holds my shoulder. He looks genuine. Then, Coulson turns to the doctor, "Take it easy on him please. I know this situation is difficult and shouldn't even be taking place but I need you on this, Andrew."

I realized all at once why I should know who this man was. I've read his name on a file before I joined Coulson's team. I read it in the file of one Agent Melinda May, back when I was studying who I'd be dealing with on the bus. This is Melinda May's ex-husband, the shrink.

Damn it, Coulson. This is who you bring me.