“It’s because this city is ‘dying’ that I have to stay here,” Hall said. “If I leave, the staff here won’t be able to keep up with the incoming patients. More people will die, and even though I’m usually able to save only a small number of people, I like to believe that they go on to make the city a better place.”

Clarke stared at Hall for a moment in wonder. She was a dreamer, idealistic and wasn’t properly grounded in reality, but she was a hard worker and did everything she could to make everyone around better off, even if she had to fight for it fiercely.

Clarke tried not to think of how much she reminded him of his first wife.

“Well, it was very nice to meet you Mr. Clarke,” Hall said, rising out of her chair. “I’m afraid that I’m about to fall over though. I need to take a nap in the on call room before my next shift in a few hours.”

Clarke glanced at her as she snapped him out of his thoughts. He rose to meet her and shook her hand in gratitude. “Likewise,” he said. “Thank you for the meal, and good luck in your work Dr. Hall.”

“I told you,” she said. “Call me Chloe.”

“Uh, right,” Clarke said. “Chloe.”

The good doctor dropped her tray off before leaving, looking back for a moment and giving Clarke one more smile before the door closed behind her. Clarke stood still, watching the door for a minute as he tried to contemplate the situation. He shook his head, thinking himself foolish, as he exited the hospital in his pursuit of more criminals.

XXXXXXXX

The three stronger thugs kept pushing Clarence to the front of the group, forcing him to lead them back to the hospital where Clarke had last been seen. The violence was unnecessary, but Clarence was a runt, existing only for the amusement of the others. They stopped in a small alleyway, across the street from the hospital, watching it from the shadows.

The cops who had guided the electricians in were gone now, leaving only skid marks behind. The hospital had gone back to its quiet setting, just like before. Even a few patients were being wheeled around outside for some fresh air. The hospital was ripe for raiding, and the whole gang knew it. Once they took care of the hobo, they’d have a clear shot at the pharmacy and its inventory.

“You’re up,” one of the thugs said, pushing Clarence into the street.

“What?” Clarence asked in a panic. “Why me?”

“‘Cause you’ve seen him,” the thug said. “Do something to get his attention, then get him to follow you. You know where the boss said to meet up.”

“Right, the warehouse,” Clarence said, remembering the plan. He didn’t like it at all, especially since he was now demoted to ‘bait’, but he wasn’t about to go against Freddie G. Clarence would be murdered for speaking his mind. He just shivered in fear as he approached the hospital very slowly.