Shades of Grey Chapter 15
Title: Shades of Grey Chapter 15
Author: TalliW
Characters: Stephen Hart, Tom Ryan, Nick Cutter, James Lester, Abby Maitland, Connor Temple, Jenny Lewis, Oliver Leek, Lyle, Finn, Helen Cutter, Ditzy
Rating: K+, T in later chapters
Disclaimer: Primeval is the property of Impossible Pictures. I write just for fun.
Lyle and Finn belong to Fredbassett.
Acknowledgments: Thanks to the wonderful Fredbassett for beta duty.
Summary: Ryan has survived but he isn't the man he was. Can Stephen and Cutter manage to work together to help him? Perhaps Ryan has changed in more ways than it appears on first sight.
Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6
Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14
Chapter 15
"Thanks for coming."
"You’re welcome," Ditzy replied as he knelt down beside Ryan and Stephen. "Just don't ever mention it to Lester. He’d have a fit if he knew I'm making private visits on duty."
With a smile, the medic turned to Ryan. "Okay, Tom. So where's your headache?"
Ryan looked funnily at Ditzy and answered firmly, "In my head."
"Em... yes, of course," Ditzy muttered. "I mean is it in the front, top, back, or sides of your head?"
"In the back, I think. In the front, too. It hurts everywhere."
"All right. Then we’d better get you to the hospital and do some scans. My car isn't parked far from here."
Without complaining, Ryan got up and let Stephen and Ditzy escort him out of the park to Ditzy's car. He didn't even ask for a reward this time.
Finally, Ditzy emerged from the doctor's lounge where he’d been in discussion with Ryan's attending physician for over ten minutes.
The Royal London Hospital was a lot more strict than the one in Gloucestershire. Stephen had been denied all information about Ryan because he wasn't a relative. With worry edged on his face, he had been walking back and forward in the corridor ever since.
"And?" Stephen asked with fear in his voice as he noticed Ditzy grim expression.
"Nothing. Not even a sign of a slight concussion. The brain swelling still showing on the latest scan had also gone. Ryan's brain looks exactly as it should be."
"But his headache ... and the memory loss."
"The scan revealed nothing unusual anymore. Dr. Emmerson didn't even want to believe me at first when I told him Ryan had had a serious accident only recently. Have you noticed Ryan's bruise on his face has faded completely and his stitched wounds are healed as well? They’ve just removed the threads."
Stephen rubbed his arm, a little forlorn. "So what? You’re telling me you’re worried because he's healing too fast?"
"Exactly that. I don't know what's going on with Ryan but I don't like it one little bit. Every injury needs a certain amount of time to heal. Usually there isn't such thing as a sudden miraculous healing. I think Ryan should be put under permanent medical observation in an army hospital."
Speechless, Stephen stared at Ditzy, his heart suddenly beating in his throat. He couldn't believe that Ditzy was planning to take Tom away.
Frantically searching for a way to change the medic's mind, Stephen forced a few words past the lump in his throat, "You can't do this to him. Please, Ditzy. They’ll just lock him up somewhere. There must be a logical explanation for his speedy recovery."
"Then tell me one."
Stephen smiled thankfully. Ditzy was offering him an opportunity to win the argument. He probably disliked the idea of locking his former commanding officer up somewhere just as much as the rest of his team.
"Ryan has a good immune system. You know he never got ill, not even when almost the whole ARC stuff suffered from the sniffles. Or maybe Helen has given him something. A medicine from the future which speeds up the healing process. We know she has access to anomalies leading there."
"Then he must have a hell of a good immune system. But you might be right about Helen. Okay, I won't take any action right now. But please, Stephen ... watch him like a hawk. If anything unusual pops up, contact me. Immediately. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes, sir," Stephen answered brusquely.
"Oh, come on, mate. You know what I mean. You must understand my position. I have to make sure Ryan isn't a danger for all of us. In the past we have culpably disregarded safety measures. Anything could be imported through the anomalies. In fact everything coming or going through should be put in quarantine for a reasonable period of time. But that would cost more money than the Home Office is willing to spend on the anomaly project. So they continue pushing their luck."
"Okay, Ditzy, I understand. Can I see him now?"
"You even can take him home if you want. Dr. Emmerson sees no need to keep a perfectly healthy man in hospital. You just need to make sure he's getting enough fluids and fresh air. For the headache Ryan has been given some paracetamol."
With a mix of pity and worry written on his face, the medic followed Stephen to the car park. Ditzy wasn't blind. He'd noticed the furtive glances Stephen had sometimes cast at Ryan when he’d thought no one was watching. Although he admired Stephen's dedication to Ryan, Ditzy didn't think putting his life on hold for a hope that could never be fulfilled was a good idea.
"Are you mad at me?" Ryan asked anxiously as they'd entered Stephen's flat.
Ryan had been fidgety on the whole drive back home. But only when they were alone in the safety of the flat did Ryan dare to ask the questions that had occupied his mind the whole time.
"Why should I be?" Stephen answered whilst he peeled himself out of his jacket.
"Because I'm so troublesome. I really didn't want to hurt Bobby."
"I know that. Bobby and his mother know that as well," Stephen assured Ryan. "In a few days Bobby will probably be as good as new. Next time just be more careful. If you keep in mind that you are a little bigger and heavier than the other children everything will be fine."
"So I can stay?"
"Of course, you can stay."
"And you’ll go with me to the playground again?"
"Um, well ... Yes, eventually. If you behave."
Stephen was surprised when Ryan threw his arms around his neck and gave him a hearty hug.
"Thank you, Stephen. Love you lots," Ryan whispered in Stephen's ear before he entangled himself and dashed towards the couch.
"Stephen, my headache is gone," he announced as he got comfortable on the couch, all chipper again. "May I watch TV?"
Stephen's heart constricted painfully in his chest as Ryan flashed a toothy smile at him, a smile the adult Tom Ryan never would have given him.
Unable to reply just yet, Stephen only nodded glumly.
"I'm going to open the door." Cutter heard yelling from inside Stephen's flat. A neighbour had let him into the hall so he was already standing before Stephen's front door when he pushed the bell.
"It's Uncle Nick," Ryan called as he forcefully opened the door, a spoon in his left hand.
"Hello, Tom. How are you?"
"I'm good. We’re having breakfast," Ryan declared without stepping aside so Cutter could enter. "Stephen has made me porridge."
"That is nice of him. Can I come in?"
Ryan eyed Cutter warily. "Are you planning to take Stephen away?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"Then you can come in."
Bemused, Cutter followed Ryan in the living room.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in," Stephen greeted Cutter caustically. "I’d begun to think we’d been forgotten. Apparently the Lower Lea Valley report wasn't that important if Lester can go without it for three days."
"You wanted a break. You got it. Be glad you haven't been at work the last few days. One inspection after another. It looks like every little job’s worth wants to make sure the taxpayers' money is well spent in the ARC. Even another anomaly would have been more welcome than all the suits. The whole place is in uproar. Jenny almost bit my head off when I asked her a simple question."
"Have you called her Claudia again?" Ryan queried cheekily.
Stephen snorted quietly when Cutter flushed red.
"I don't like it either if someone names me wrong," Ryan declared fervently and licked at his spoon.
"All right, Tom. Now go back in the kitchen and eat your porridge. Uncle Nick and me have to discuss something."
"Nothing has changed then," Cutter said as he sat down on a armchair, his eyes drifting randomly down Ryan's backside as Ryan retreated.
"He has regressed into childhood out of shock. Do you think it will suddenly go poof and everything will be back to normal?" Stephen answered, testily. He had noticed Cutter's look.
"Whoa, don't go ballistic, Stephen. It was just an comment. So tell me, how are you coping with the situation?"
"I'm fine."
"Really? You have bags under your eyes the size of Scotland. When was the last time you had a good night's sleep?"
"I'm perfectly well. Thank you for your concern but I don't need a mother hen," Stephen declared indignantly, his body tense and his fingers slightly fisted at his sides.
"God, you’re irritable today. Aren't I allowed to worry about a friend?"
Ruefully, Stephen lowered his head, already regretting his crude behaviour.
"I’ll be all right, Cutter. I'm just not used to caring for someone 16 hours a day. Tom has so much excess energy and requires permanent attention. I'm completely knackered when he finally tires out."
"Well, that explains the name ‚grasshopper’," Cutter said with a smirk. "According to Lyle that was Ryan's codename in Bosnia. But it’s probably better not to ask why."
Stephen quirked his lips slightly before his expression turned sober again. He had a feeling he wouldn't like whatever Cutter was going to say next.
"Look, Stephen," Cutter started, a little uncomfortable with the level of tension still radiating from Stephen. "I know you don't want to hear about it but you should consider giving Ryan's care into someone else's hands."
"I will not sent him into a mental hospital."
"That's all right. It's still too early for that. But why not hire a nurse? You can't stay at home forever. We need you at the ARC."
"Ryan shouldn't be left with someone who's just here for the money. Besides I'm not sure I can afford a good nurse for a long time," Stephen replied, knowing it was only half of the truth. He plain and simple didn't want to leave Ryan behind in the hands of a stranger. For once he didn't give a damn about the ARC. Ryan was now his main priority.
"Does he really need a professional nurse? Perhaps a babysitter would do."
"I'll think about it.
"Good. Here is a list of suitable people who have already been checked over by Jenny."
Stephen eyed the list Cutter had pulled out of his trousers pocket suspicially.
"You’ve put a lot of thought into this. What happened? Why were so many inspectors at the ARC?"
When Cutter realised he couldn't fool Stephen he admitted grudgingly, "An incident at Blue Sky Park. Three people were killed by a sabletooth cat. Abby and I were almost mauled by the same creature and Connor shot a mascot in the shoulder. Jenny had her hands full keeping it out of the media. Because of that, the Home Office is investigating how that disaster could have come about. A good shot missing from the team was a reasonable explanation."
"So Lester has thrown me to the wolves."
"Not really. He told them you needed a break for personal reasons and quoted the part of your contract regarding your right to holidays. But you’d better cut your hiatus short before Lester is forced to replace you. You know you never will get such an interesting job again, and much less with that salary."
"And the unique opportunity to get killed by prehistoric or future predators is gratis," Stephen replied with dry sarcasm. "Has Lester made any progress with Ryan's files?"
"Lester has enough on his mind right now, don't you think?"
"He could certainly spare the time for one or two calls if he really wanted. But of course Ryan is just a little soldier who got hurt whilst his duty. Helping him isn't very high on Lester's list of priorities."
Cutter kept silent. There wasn't much he could say to that accusation. They both knew that Stephen was probably right.
"Stephen, I’ve finished breakfast," Ryan called from the kitchen. A moment later he appeared in the doorway of the living room. "And I've put the dishes in the dishwater."
"That's sweet of you, Tom. Now brush your teeth. Then we can go."
Cutter watched how Ryan bounced off to the bathroom. In the three days Stephen had been left alone with Ryan something had changed. Cutter couldn't exactly put his finger on it but Stephen seemed more content and it was obvious that Ryan and Stephen had grown closer. Cutter felt almost like an intruder.
"So, do you have to return to the ARC right away or have you time to come with us?" Stephen asked with a strange expression on his face.
"I'm not expected back until noon. Where are you going?"
"Just shopping. The Weetabix has been used up, Tom wants a toy fire engine and we need a watering can for Stanley."
"Stanley?"
"Jenny's cactus. Tom gave him a name."
A few minutes later, when Cutter noticed the long grocery list Stephen had made earlier and Ryan started to babble about the cool car he was going to buy, Cutter began to wonder what he'd got himself into.
Author: TalliW
Characters: Stephen Hart, Tom Ryan, Nick Cutter, James Lester, Abby Maitland, Connor Temple, Jenny Lewis, Oliver Leek, Lyle, Finn, Helen Cutter, Ditzy
Rating: K+, T in later chapters
Disclaimer: Primeval is the property of Impossible Pictures. I write just for fun.
Lyle and Finn belong to Fredbassett.
Acknowledgments: Thanks to the wonderful Fredbassett for beta duty.
Summary: Ryan has survived but he isn't the man he was. Can Stephen and Cutter manage to work together to help him? Perhaps Ryan has changed in more ways than it appears on first sight.
Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6
Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14
Chapter 15
"Thanks for coming."
"You’re welcome," Ditzy replied as he knelt down beside Ryan and Stephen. "Just don't ever mention it to Lester. He’d have a fit if he knew I'm making private visits on duty."
With a smile, the medic turned to Ryan. "Okay, Tom. So where's your headache?"
Ryan looked funnily at Ditzy and answered firmly, "In my head."
"Em... yes, of course," Ditzy muttered. "I mean is it in the front, top, back, or sides of your head?"
"In the back, I think. In the front, too. It hurts everywhere."
"All right. Then we’d better get you to the hospital and do some scans. My car isn't parked far from here."
Without complaining, Ryan got up and let Stephen and Ditzy escort him out of the park to Ditzy's car. He didn't even ask for a reward this time.
Finally, Ditzy emerged from the doctor's lounge where he’d been in discussion with Ryan's attending physician for over ten minutes.
The Royal London Hospital was a lot more strict than the one in Gloucestershire. Stephen had been denied all information about Ryan because he wasn't a relative. With worry edged on his face, he had been walking back and forward in the corridor ever since.
"And?" Stephen asked with fear in his voice as he noticed Ditzy grim expression.
"Nothing. Not even a sign of a slight concussion. The brain swelling still showing on the latest scan had also gone. Ryan's brain looks exactly as it should be."
"But his headache ... and the memory loss."
"The scan revealed nothing unusual anymore. Dr. Emmerson didn't even want to believe me at first when I told him Ryan had had a serious accident only recently. Have you noticed Ryan's bruise on his face has faded completely and his stitched wounds are healed as well? They’ve just removed the threads."
Stephen rubbed his arm, a little forlorn. "So what? You’re telling me you’re worried because he's healing too fast?"
"Exactly that. I don't know what's going on with Ryan but I don't like it one little bit. Every injury needs a certain amount of time to heal. Usually there isn't such thing as a sudden miraculous healing. I think Ryan should be put under permanent medical observation in an army hospital."
Speechless, Stephen stared at Ditzy, his heart suddenly beating in his throat. He couldn't believe that Ditzy was planning to take Tom away.
Frantically searching for a way to change the medic's mind, Stephen forced a few words past the lump in his throat, "You can't do this to him. Please, Ditzy. They’ll just lock him up somewhere. There must be a logical explanation for his speedy recovery."
"Then tell me one."
Stephen smiled thankfully. Ditzy was offering him an opportunity to win the argument. He probably disliked the idea of locking his former commanding officer up somewhere just as much as the rest of his team.
"Ryan has a good immune system. You know he never got ill, not even when almost the whole ARC stuff suffered from the sniffles. Or maybe Helen has given him something. A medicine from the future which speeds up the healing process. We know she has access to anomalies leading there."
"Then he must have a hell of a good immune system. But you might be right about Helen. Okay, I won't take any action right now. But please, Stephen ... watch him like a hawk. If anything unusual pops up, contact me. Immediately. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes, sir," Stephen answered brusquely.
"Oh, come on, mate. You know what I mean. You must understand my position. I have to make sure Ryan isn't a danger for all of us. In the past we have culpably disregarded safety measures. Anything could be imported through the anomalies. In fact everything coming or going through should be put in quarantine for a reasonable period of time. But that would cost more money than the Home Office is willing to spend on the anomaly project. So they continue pushing their luck."
"Okay, Ditzy, I understand. Can I see him now?"
"You even can take him home if you want. Dr. Emmerson sees no need to keep a perfectly healthy man in hospital. You just need to make sure he's getting enough fluids and fresh air. For the headache Ryan has been given some paracetamol."
With a mix of pity and worry written on his face, the medic followed Stephen to the car park. Ditzy wasn't blind. He'd noticed the furtive glances Stephen had sometimes cast at Ryan when he’d thought no one was watching. Although he admired Stephen's dedication to Ryan, Ditzy didn't think putting his life on hold for a hope that could never be fulfilled was a good idea.
"Are you mad at me?" Ryan asked anxiously as they'd entered Stephen's flat.
Ryan had been fidgety on the whole drive back home. But only when they were alone in the safety of the flat did Ryan dare to ask the questions that had occupied his mind the whole time.
"Why should I be?" Stephen answered whilst he peeled himself out of his jacket.
"Because I'm so troublesome. I really didn't want to hurt Bobby."
"I know that. Bobby and his mother know that as well," Stephen assured Ryan. "In a few days Bobby will probably be as good as new. Next time just be more careful. If you keep in mind that you are a little bigger and heavier than the other children everything will be fine."
"So I can stay?"
"Of course, you can stay."
"And you’ll go with me to the playground again?"
"Um, well ... Yes, eventually. If you behave."
Stephen was surprised when Ryan threw his arms around his neck and gave him a hearty hug.
"Thank you, Stephen. Love you lots," Ryan whispered in Stephen's ear before he entangled himself and dashed towards the couch.
"Stephen, my headache is gone," he announced as he got comfortable on the couch, all chipper again. "May I watch TV?"
Stephen's heart constricted painfully in his chest as Ryan flashed a toothy smile at him, a smile the adult Tom Ryan never would have given him.
Unable to reply just yet, Stephen only nodded glumly.
"I'm going to open the door." Cutter heard yelling from inside Stephen's flat. A neighbour had let him into the hall so he was already standing before Stephen's front door when he pushed the bell.
"It's Uncle Nick," Ryan called as he forcefully opened the door, a spoon in his left hand.
"Hello, Tom. How are you?"
"I'm good. We’re having breakfast," Ryan declared without stepping aside so Cutter could enter. "Stephen has made me porridge."
"That is nice of him. Can I come in?"
Ryan eyed Cutter warily. "Are you planning to take Stephen away?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"Then you can come in."
Bemused, Cutter followed Ryan in the living room.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in," Stephen greeted Cutter caustically. "I’d begun to think we’d been forgotten. Apparently the Lower Lea Valley report wasn't that important if Lester can go without it for three days."
"You wanted a break. You got it. Be glad you haven't been at work the last few days. One inspection after another. It looks like every little job’s worth wants to make sure the taxpayers' money is well spent in the ARC. Even another anomaly would have been more welcome than all the suits. The whole place is in uproar. Jenny almost bit my head off when I asked her a simple question."
"Have you called her Claudia again?" Ryan queried cheekily.
Stephen snorted quietly when Cutter flushed red.
"I don't like it either if someone names me wrong," Ryan declared fervently and licked at his spoon.
"All right, Tom. Now go back in the kitchen and eat your porridge. Uncle Nick and me have to discuss something."
"Nothing has changed then," Cutter said as he sat down on a armchair, his eyes drifting randomly down Ryan's backside as Ryan retreated.
"He has regressed into childhood out of shock. Do you think it will suddenly go poof and everything will be back to normal?" Stephen answered, testily. He had noticed Cutter's look.
"Whoa, don't go ballistic, Stephen. It was just an comment. So tell me, how are you coping with the situation?"
"I'm fine."
"Really? You have bags under your eyes the size of Scotland. When was the last time you had a good night's sleep?"
"I'm perfectly well. Thank you for your concern but I don't need a mother hen," Stephen declared indignantly, his body tense and his fingers slightly fisted at his sides.
"God, you’re irritable today. Aren't I allowed to worry about a friend?"
Ruefully, Stephen lowered his head, already regretting his crude behaviour.
"I’ll be all right, Cutter. I'm just not used to caring for someone 16 hours a day. Tom has so much excess energy and requires permanent attention. I'm completely knackered when he finally tires out."
"Well, that explains the name ‚grasshopper’," Cutter said with a smirk. "According to Lyle that was Ryan's codename in Bosnia. But it’s probably better not to ask why."
Stephen quirked his lips slightly before his expression turned sober again. He had a feeling he wouldn't like whatever Cutter was going to say next.
"Look, Stephen," Cutter started, a little uncomfortable with the level of tension still radiating from Stephen. "I know you don't want to hear about it but you should consider giving Ryan's care into someone else's hands."
"I will not sent him into a mental hospital."
"That's all right. It's still too early for that. But why not hire a nurse? You can't stay at home forever. We need you at the ARC."
"Ryan shouldn't be left with someone who's just here for the money. Besides I'm not sure I can afford a good nurse for a long time," Stephen replied, knowing it was only half of the truth. He plain and simple didn't want to leave Ryan behind in the hands of a stranger. For once he didn't give a damn about the ARC. Ryan was now his main priority.
"Does he really need a professional nurse? Perhaps a babysitter would do."
"I'll think about it.
"Good. Here is a list of suitable people who have already been checked over by Jenny."
Stephen eyed the list Cutter had pulled out of his trousers pocket suspicially.
"You’ve put a lot of thought into this. What happened? Why were so many inspectors at the ARC?"
When Cutter realised he couldn't fool Stephen he admitted grudgingly, "An incident at Blue Sky Park. Three people were killed by a sabletooth cat. Abby and I were almost mauled by the same creature and Connor shot a mascot in the shoulder. Jenny had her hands full keeping it out of the media. Because of that, the Home Office is investigating how that disaster could have come about. A good shot missing from the team was a reasonable explanation."
"So Lester has thrown me to the wolves."
"Not really. He told them you needed a break for personal reasons and quoted the part of your contract regarding your right to holidays. But you’d better cut your hiatus short before Lester is forced to replace you. You know you never will get such an interesting job again, and much less with that salary."
"And the unique opportunity to get killed by prehistoric or future predators is gratis," Stephen replied with dry sarcasm. "Has Lester made any progress with Ryan's files?"
"Lester has enough on his mind right now, don't you think?"
"He could certainly spare the time for one or two calls if he really wanted. But of course Ryan is just a little soldier who got hurt whilst his duty. Helping him isn't very high on Lester's list of priorities."
Cutter kept silent. There wasn't much he could say to that accusation. They both knew that Stephen was probably right.
"Stephen, I’ve finished breakfast," Ryan called from the kitchen. A moment later he appeared in the doorway of the living room. "And I've put the dishes in the dishwater."
"That's sweet of you, Tom. Now brush your teeth. Then we can go."
Cutter watched how Ryan bounced off to the bathroom. In the three days Stephen had been left alone with Ryan something had changed. Cutter couldn't exactly put his finger on it but Stephen seemed more content and it was obvious that Ryan and Stephen had grown closer. Cutter felt almost like an intruder.
"So, do you have to return to the ARC right away or have you time to come with us?" Stephen asked with a strange expression on his face.
"I'm not expected back until noon. Where are you going?"
"Just shopping. The Weetabix has been used up, Tom wants a toy fire engine and we need a watering can for Stanley."
"Stanley?"
"Jenny's cactus. Tom gave him a name."
A few minutes later, when Cutter noticed the long grocery list Stephen had made earlier and Ryan started to babble about the cool car he was going to buy, Cutter began to wonder what he'd got himself into.