She stepped into view of the bed just as Jack started to speak. She saw that several of her hunches had been correct. The manpresumably Brandon Holcombhad indeed come circling back around to make his way back to Dillingers room. He stood by the head of the bed, currently holding a scalpel in his right hand. Seth Dillinger had managed to block an attack, both of his arms blocking Holcombs right arm. The IV was stretched tight from the motion, and Dillingers arms were shaking.

Worse yet, Rachel and Jack entering distracted both men. Dillingers grip slipped from Holcombs wrist and the scalpel came down. However, Brandon Holcomb did not attack right away He hesitated, holding the scalpel to Dillingers neck. His hands were trembling and as they watched, Rachel could see a small bead of blood seep out of a minor cut on Dillingers neck.

Dont do it, Rachel gasped. Not…worth it.

Oh yes it is, Holcomb cried out. I have to help. She needs my help and if I dont, she wont stop…her voice…it wont….

Brandon, right? Jack said, looking at the man with the scalpel. Brandon Holcomb?

The man looked amazed that Jack had said his name but also shook his head slowly. Yeah, thats me.

I need you to drop that scalpel. Im not sure what youre up to, exactly. But I need you to drop it.

You have to let me do this. I have to…

For your mother, right?

Again, he gave that amazed expression. This time, though, at the mention of his mother, he withdrew his arm. Rachel watched closely, ready to draw and fire if he decided to make any sudden movements with that arm. But it hung listlessly by his side, the scalpel all but forgotten for the moment.

How do you know about my mother? he asked, his voice low and desperate.

I spoke with her. Not too long ago.

How? His hands continued to shake. Rachels hand slowly went for the butt of her gun because if that shaking continued, she thought Dillingers throat might get cut completely by accident.

Brandon…the things youve been doing lately arent helping her. I know you think it might be, but

Of course it is! The scalpel came back up, but it did not point in any particular direction. It was almost as if he just wanted to remind them that he had it. Shes the only one that deserves to be on the list!

And this man doesnt? Jack asked.

Rachel kept her hand just above her gun. She was rather hoping that with Jack engaging the man in such a direct way, shed become nothing more than a shape in the background. She was fully prepared to draw her weapon, but her body was still reeling from her moment of extreme weakness in the stairwell. Even as she stood there in the hospital room, her knees didnt quite feel fully there.

Youre a cop? Holcomb asked.