Lucas met Shade at the elevator and led him to his small office. There was room enough for a small desk, two chairs, and still be able to walk on one side. Shade sat in one of the chairs and set his computer on the desk.
“I didn’t know there weren’t any visitors allowed at the clinic,” Shade said. “Why is that?”
“You didn’t know because you’ve never checked,” Lucas said.
“No, I mean, why aren’t there any visitors allowed?”
“Oh, It was something set up a long time ago. I think it has to do with wanting the patients to focus on recovery. Besides, who would want to visit someone in the clinic?” Lucas leaned back in his chair. “They have other things to be concerned about. Like doing their jobs.”
“I know.” Shade said.
“A non-productive person is a non-person,” they said in unison.
“Exactly,” Lucas said. “Which is why you’re here. I need you to look into the scrubbed footage and see what happened when the orderlies reached the bottom of the elevator shaft.”
Shade shook his head and took a breath. “You realize how difficult that is, don’t you?”
“Well, if you’re not up to it,” Lucas grinned.
“I didn’t say all that now.” He booted his computer and waited for the main screen. “I just said it would be difficult.” He cracked his knuckles and started working on the keyboard. “Being in here makes it a lot easier. But I’m sure you knew that.”
“I’ve picked up a few things,” Lucas said. “I’ll go get us some coffee.”
***
Lucas sat in the small breakroom and waited for the coffee to finish brewing. He had just started to nod off when he felt someone walk into the room. Keeping his eyes mostly closed, he watched as the blurred figure walked towards him. He opened his eyes and looked up. “Dr. Svikt?”
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