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He didn't quite trust this humbler version of Jack, but maybe time had changed his perspective. "The past is done. We need to figure out what's happening now. Did you see other patients during your time at Waverly, especially when you got into the intensive treatment?"

"There was a Marine named Brett Young. We talked in the waiting room one day, and then I saw him downstairs. The intensive treatment was done in the basement. You gotta get down there, man. Can't you get a search warrant, go in there and tear it apart?"

"I wish it were that easy," he muttered, because Jack's words were exactly what he wanted to do. "I need more evidence. I'm also concerned that they may have moved things to the warehouse you were talking about. Do you think you could find it again? Do you remember anything about the street?"

"I remember seeing the water."

"What about one of the bridges?"

"I think so. I don't know which one." His brows knit together. "I felt like I wandered for a long time. When I'd hear a car, I'd try to find a place to hide for a while, and then I'd move on. I could have been going in circles for all I know. I stopped at the laundromat to rest, and I begged some guy to use his phone. Somehow I remembered your phone number. Maybe because I stared at it so many times, wondering if I should call you or not."

"We need to find that warehouse. That might be easier to breach than Waverly Health."

"I wish my head was clearer. I don't want to sit here and do nothing, but I feel like there's a jackhammer pounding my brain."

"I'm sorry you've been having so many issues." He was beginning to realize that his friends had been more dramatically affected by their service than he had.

"It is what it is." Jack paused. "Dr. Thorne—she's the one who wouldn't release Evan, right?"

"Yes. I have to admit I was surprised that you went to her."

"It didn't register when I first saw her. It wasn't until I was talking to Evan a few weeks ago and mentioned I had seen her for treatment that he reminded me who she was. Then when she kept talking to me about taking a slow, conservative approach, I realized that's the kind of physician she is, and I needed someone who was willing to move quicker, be more aggressive, not worry so much about rules."

"That kind of thinking didn't get you to a better place."

Jack tipped his head in agreement. "So, what now?"

"I want you to do nothing. I don't know when they last medicated you, but it feels like it's wearing off."

"It's better, but there's still fog in my brain."

"Then you need to take it easy. And don't try to leave, because you're safe here."

"I don't trust anyone. If you're thinking of getting some guards to watch me, I don't know if I can handle that. I can't feel trapped, Iowa. I just…can't."

"I understand." He paused as Rachel entered the room, giving them both a wary look. She looked brighter. Her skin was no longer as pale as it had been, but the bruises on her neck were very visible.

"I'm going to need to stop at my house after I get my car to put on a turtleneck, something to hide my neck," she said. "When is my ride coming? I need to leave in a few minutes." She stopped abruptly as the doorbell rang. "Is that them?"

He glanced down at his phone, then nodded. "Yes." He got up and walked to the door, relieved that Evan had made it so quickly. "Thanks for coming."

"No problem," Evan said, giving Rachel a nod as he moved into the living room. He stopped in front of Jack. "You look like shit."

"I feel like shit," Jack returned. "Are you my babysitter?"

"Looks that way. It wouldn't be the first time," Evan said dryly. "I hear you're in a lot of trouble."

"You know I like to do things in a big way."

As the two of them talked, Tyler looked at Rachel. "Evan will stay with Jack. I'll drive you home and to work."

Relief ran through her gaze. "I have to admit, I'm glad it's you, and not someone I don't know. I feel more vulnerable than usual. I'll just get my bag out of the bedroom."

As Rachel left, Evan said, "I cleared my schedule, Tyler, so I can stay here as long as you need."

"Good. Jack has been through an ordeal and needs to be with someone he trusts, and I don't believe he trusts anyone more than you."

"I'm right here," Jack complained. "But Iowa is right. I do trust you, Evan."