It was less than a minute before Dr. Williams entered the room and stood beside Dr. Souza, this time without his white coat. Instead, he wore a yellow, short-sleeved shirt and dark slacks.
“Hi, John.”
Reiff turned his gaze. “Hey, Perry.”
Williams noted Reiff in his standing position. “Going somewhere?”
Their patient grinned. “My ride didn’t show.”
“I see.” The older doctor caught his breath and brought both hands to his hips, motioning at the picture still in Rachel’s hand.
“What can you tell us about his picture?”
Reiff raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”
“Was this one of your visions?”
“Yes.”
“And are these”—Williams nodded at the paper—“cages?”
“Yes.”
“Where are they?”
When Reiff didn’t answer, Rachel did. “He said he doesn’t know.”
“I see. And what are in the cages, John?”
“Animals,” mused Rachel.
Reiff studied the two. The picture had gotten them both excited. If he didn’t know where the cages were, something told him they did.
“John, do you know which animals you saw?”
Reiff’s eyes remained on Williams. “I think it’s your turn, Doctor.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s your turn. For answers.”
Williams slowly lowered his hands. “Okay.”
Reiff looked back and forth at them. “Let’s start with … where am I?”
Both doctors feigned surprise at the question.
“We already told you. In a hospital.”
“I don’t think so. If that were true, you two wouldn’t be the only two rotating in and out of my room. There’s no television or phone line. Or window.” He then peered past them at the door. “There’s no noise outside when either of you come and go, telling me there’s probably no one else on the other side of this wall. And most hospital room doors don’t have locks.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I think it’s time you tell me where I really am.”
Rachel began to speak, but Williams cut her off with a raised hand. After thinking for a moment, he nodded. “You’re right. You’re not in a hospital. You’re in a special facility. The only one with the equipment to save you. You’re also correct that there are no other patients in the building. Just you.”
“Why?”
“Because of the severity of your condition,” answered Williams. “You suffered an extreme case of hypothermia. Most acute victims are treated within minutes or hours. It took longer with you, requiring extra precautions to resuscitate you. Just like Dr. Souza said.”
Reiff looked at Rachel.
“As for the lock on the door, it’s a precautionary measure. Patients subjected to severe trauma, like you, often experience illusions or hallucinations that cause them to panic and even flee. That would be bad.”
“Is that right?”
Williams nodded, noting Reiff’s dubious expression. “You don’t believe me.”
“I’m a cautious fellow,” replied Reiff, looking back at the door. “Maybe we should take a look.”
Williams became solemn. “After you finish answering our questions.”
“A dog, couple of monkeys, and a pig.”
Williams felt his heart race. “Is that all?”
“Some rabbits,” added Reiff, “and a few rodents.”
The older man remained still, facing Reiff but saying nothing. Wavering slightly. Processing. Until he finally spoke to Dr. Souza.
“Get the wheelchair.”