Simply Fate – By Sandra B – The Jarlena Journal

Darkness And Light

Two strangers, two lives, two hearts unaware

Who understands the mystery, what makes us care….

The place was fairly quiet this evening; it was Saturday night he guessed from the general attitude of the lowest life forms that watched him continuously. Finally, he could taste freedom; it was right there within his reach. He had been waiting for so long to have his first real chance to escape and he took it, navigating the hallways with uncanny precision, though he was having difficulty focusing on anything besides remaining upright. He had been drugged periodically and disoriented for such a long time, but he had memorized the corridors of his oppressive prison. He knew every window, every door, every turn and he managed to slip out under the cover of the dark night, after knocking out one of the thugs assigned to guard him, just as the other man was trying to set the alarm system. He took out the first one with one fierce chop on the back of the neck and the second with one blow to the gut followed by two good punches full in the face. As he moved away from the area, he absently wondered where he had learned to fight so well.

Once outside, the former captive took one moment to breathe deeply of the fresh air, letting it slowly fill his lungs and send fresh oxygen to the farthest reaches of his body. It was a glorious experience; it had been so long since he was outside for more than a minute or two. ‘How long had it been?’ he pondered briefly. The escaped prisoner had no concept of how much time had passed, or even the changing of day to night. Much of the time he was kept in a room without windows; that was as his captors wanted it. They wanted him to be completely at their mercy, vulnerable to whatever mind games they chose to play, and he was for as long as he could remember. In fact, being held prisoner was the only existence he could recall; there was nothing in his mind to tell him of a life before that. The young man didn’t know much of anything at all. He didn’t know where he was, why he was being held, what they wanted, or even who he was. His mind was much like a blank slate, waiting to be filled by someone, and that was what they seemed to be trying to do. All he knew was that there were these images that played over and over in his head, almost like an assault. Pictures of men, women and children, photographs of places. Somehow he was supposed to know them all; it was all so confusing and he was frightened by it. To him, the world was a brutal hostile place, a place where everyone around him treated him terribly. This man had no idea where he belonged, if ever he had a home or a family, friends. All he knew was that he had to get away from that house, as far and as fast as humanly possible, so he ran until he dropped to the ground from sheer exhaustion. It was quite chilly and he had no coat, so he laid there on the cold hard ground hugging his arms tightly around him in an attempt to stay warm. Lying in a ditch near a city limits sign, he peered up into the heavens before nodding off to sleep. It was a beautiful sight to his sore eyes. To be outdoors, to breathe the air and now to look up at all the sparkling lights, gave him a feeling of freedom, but with that freedom came fear, gutwrenching, soul penetrating fear. Where would he go, what would he do? He had no money, no vehicle, no one to turn to for help; he didn’t even have a name to call himself for the purposes of meeting people or more importantly for seeking employment. What kind of work did he do before, what could he do? It was all such a mystery. He was as lost and alone as a soul could be.

As he laid there surrounded by darkness, staring into the sky, he suddenly found himself fighting back desolate tears. Turning to some hoped for higher power that could help him, he prayed in quiet desperation, “God.. I don’t know what kind of person I was… before, but.. if you’re up there.. could you.. please… give me someone to trust, someone who can help me find out who I am? I promise.. I’ll do my best to be a good person from now on… thank you for listening.” When he finished his short prayer, he found his eyelids were growing heavy with exhaustion and he fell into a deep restful sleep, at least he thought that’s what it was.

* * *

It was late winter in Salem, almost Spring. Oh, how she longed for the sunshine and warmth, and the bright colors of flowers blooming. It was one of those dreary grey February days that seemed to characterize the entire winter season and Marlena Evans, MD a prominent psychiatrist at Salem University Hospital found herself feeling down yet again. It had been well over a year now since her husband Roman Brady was killed by an evil man named Stefano Dimera. She had grieved that loss for so long and every time she thought she was truly moving past the intense longing and sadness about his death, something would come along to remind her of the pain. Today was one of those days.

She had arisen feeling fairly positive; there was a normal patient load and the cases were interesting. Normally, she didn’t work weekends, but she was filling in for someone and using the time to get caught up on documentation. Feeling relaxed and hoping for a slow day in the ER, that was when it happened. A phone call from some old friend of Roman’s brought back memories that were pleasant and yet at the same time caused pain. Having been out of the country, incognito for a long while, the man didn’t know Roman had died. He was so excited to see Roman that he started telling a bunch of old “war stories” before Marlena could tell him the news. After realizing what he’d done, the man was very apologetic and ended the conversation fairly quickly. The damage, however had already been done. Immersed in memories of Roman’s storytelling with his policeman buddies, his impish smile as he spun the tale, his sweet face, his twinkling eyes, brought yet another round of tears to her eyes and she wept right there at her desk for the longest time.

At last, as she wiped her eyes and blew her nose, she got another call. This time it was about a patient who had been admitted to the ER. It was apparently a young unidentified male who was admitted with bandages covering his face and head. The man was reportedly found unconscious in a ditch outside of town and taken anonymously to the hospital. A note was pinned to his shirt and he was left at the emergency room entrance. Thankful for being given something to distract her from the sadness and loss, she quickly washed her face and hurried on down to the ER to consult with the physician who requested she see the John Doe patient.

Upon arriving at the main nurses’s station, Marlena read the brief notes taken by the nursing staff and the attending physician. The man was tall and fairly lean, He wore weathered blue jeans and a plain white long sleeve cotton shirt, both of which were quite soiled and a pair of cowboy boots; he had no coat, no hat or gloves. That was odd for winter. He was also completely mute thus far and if someone tried to touch him he shied away, his body trembling slightly, as if he were accustomed to the possibility of being hurt by anyone who came near him. He definitely didn’t want anyone to take off the bandages, striking a defensive pose if it were even mentioned.

At least he had some receptive abilities; that was a plus she thought, as she prepared to enter the room after talking to Neil Curtis. “Marlena.. I don’t know what to make of him. It looks like he may have had some plastic surgery and possibly some head trauma from the looks of those bandanges. He’s clearly dehydrated, and observing how slender he is, I would guess he hasn’t been eating much recently. Otherwise, he looks fine on outward appearance. I’d really like to run a full blood panel and some other tests as well as get a peek under those bandages, but he won’t let anyone get near him. It’s obvious something pretty traumatic has happened to him. Basically, I called you in to see if you can make any progress in getting him to let us complete a thorough examination. Otherwise, we have no choice but to send him on his merry way.”

Marlena nodded and then answered with mild hopefulness, at the same time as she peered through the small window at the patient. He was sitting on the examining table with his legs dangling, his arms wrapped tightly around his mid-section, his head tilted downward. “Well, Neil, I’ll see what I can do. Poor man, he must be so confused and frightened.” She took a deep breath and put on her most pleasant expression, planning to talk very softly and slowly in an attempt to gain his trust. He looked up as soon as she entered the room.

“Hello there.. I’m Dr. Marlena Evans and I’m here to see if I can help you. You were brought here to the hospital by some people who found you unconscious in a ditch outside of town. We’d like to make sure you’re alright.”

The man started to back up, scooting away from the edge of the table toward the wall as soon as she took a step toward him. It was obvious that he was frightened he would be hurt if he allowed it. Marlena realized that he was very fragile and she had to be careful. “We don’t know what to call you… is it alright if I call you John.. until we get to know each other and you can tell me your real name?”

As the seconds passed he could feel himself relaxing slightly; there was something about her that was soothing, some undefinable quality she possessed that made him feel safe and comfortable and a part of him wanted to trust in what she said. He nodded to let her know that what she asked was alright.

She smiled and said warmly, “Good.. thank you, John.. I like to call people by name, it’s more personal that way. ” Just hearing her voice and seeing her smile made him feel much better, and the name.. it seemed…right, somehow. Her smile was like the warmth of the sun to his chilled body and rest and comfort for his weary soul. Yet, as she moved closer to him the fear took over again, and he flinched and then moved his body away from her.

Mindful of his vulnerable state, she spoke even more quietly, reassuring him, “Don’t be afraid. You’re safe here at the hospital, no one here will hurt you. Did someone.. hurt you, John?” she asked with such compassion he couldn’t deny her the truth, in spite of his need for self protection. His heart wanted to trust someone….

He nodded again, then moaned slightly, “Hurt.. a lot.” Telling her that reminded him of something. He hadn’t eaten since early afternoon the other day, and he blurted it out then instantly wished he hadn’t been so impulsive, “hungry.. so hungry.” After saying it, he seemed embarassed and directed his gaze toward the floor again.

She was shocked that he had spoken to her so quickly when the nurses and other doctors had been trying for quite some time. It was odd, but the situation seemed so familiar, and she felt some empathetic connection developing rapidly for this fearful, vulnerable man. “John.. I’ll make sure you have some food. Will you let us.. examine you and take care of any.. injuries? The doctors want to run some tests.. would that be allright?

His whole body tensed immediately at her use of that word. Shaking his head in quick anxious movements, he said, “No.. no, tests.. tests…hurt,” he stammered timidly through rapid breaths.

So, he had been mistreated by someone who conducted some sort of testing procedures on him. Convincingly, the doctor said, “John… we won’t do any tests that hurt, I promise.. not if you don’t want us too, okay?”

Again, he seemed to relax when she reassured him, but he didn’t respond. “John… I know you’re not sure that you can trust anyone, but this is a safe place. Could you please let me see how you look under those bandages? I really want to help you and I need to see you and make better eye contact in order to do that. What do you say?”

They were the only thing that offerred him any protection and he didn’t want to let the shelter of their covering go, but.. he wanted to be normal instead of looking like some sort of freak. And she did seem to care, to want to help him. Maybe she was the answer to his prayer. Uncertain, he whimpered softly, and then agreed, “Mmm.. mmm… Okay… but.. slow.. go.. slow.”

Surprised that he was going to allow it at all, she didn’t want to waste any time. “Of course I will. I’ll take it as easy as you want me to, John. You tell me to stop anytime you start to feel uncomfortable, allright?” she said very softly, as she searched the cabinet for some scissors.

Again, all he did was nod his head. When she stepped closer with scissors in hand, standing only a few inches from him, he instinctively flinched and began to tremble again, and his breathing became rapid and shallow. This was clearly a man who had been badly mistreated. “I won’t hurt you, John… I promise, ” she said, again in quiet soothing tones.

His response to this kind woman’s gentle manner and her soothing voice was instinctive also and he said, “I b.. believe.. you.” But still, his body didn’t stop shaking. The situation itself was frightening. Although she didn’t realize it, he had no more idea what was under those bandages than she did.

Then she touched him with her hands, placing one on a shoulder, the other near his neck, and he shuddered very briefly, then sighed with relief and something else he couldn’t define and felt himself relaxing again. It was as if his body knew that tender touch somehow and yet.. how could that be? “Okay, now, John. I’m going to start slowly with the bandages at the base of your neck and work my way up. Is that okay?”

“Yea..” he answered quietly, as he geared himself up for what he was going to look like. He didn’t know why the bandages were there in the first place. When he awakened from whatever experiences he had been subjected to they were in place already, and he had no memory of any procedure or specific injury. He had no memory at all when he regained consciousness. Somehow, he managed to sit still for the doctor and soon all the bandages except those over his face had been removed.

“Allright, John.. you’re doing very well. Now, we’re ready to take them all the way off and uncover your face, should I go ahead?”

Finally, he mustered the courage to speak to her again. Nodding slightly, he answered positively, “Yea… ready now.”

In one more minute his face was revealed and Marlena couldn’t help but react to what she saw, at least in the privacy of her own mind. This man was absolutely gorgeous, as handsome a man as she had ever seen and her gut reaction to him was powerful. He had thick dark hair, and striking blue eyes, and there was something familiar in those eyes, something she couldn’t define or identify completely. Almost as soon as she’d stepped in the room she felt some connection begin to develop, but now to see his face.. that was clearly a bonus effect. “Oh my.. I wonder why you had that face covered. There’s nothing wrong and you look mighty handsome,” she said with a wide smile, hoping to coax one from him.

What happened next was absolutely adorable. The man actually blushed at her compliment, his cheeks turning a flattering shade of pink, his shy eyes hidden slightly from her gaze. He was so sweet and vulnerable looking and her first instinct was to hold him. Of course, she resisted the urge; Marlena Evans was nothing else if not professional, though a part of her believed it was exactly what the man needed. Would you like to see yourself, John?” she asked with a pleasing smile that he couldn’t help but respond to in kind. ‘What a sweet smile he has,’ she thought.

“John.. it’s nice to see you smile,” she said, hoping to draw him out, but he only blushed and looked away again. When he didn’t respond, she repeated the question, “Would you like to see how you look?” she asked, hoping to spark a more extensive verbal response.

Again, all he did was nod his head that time. She reached into a drawer and then handed him a mirror. The man simply stared at the face that looked back at him, for the longest time. She didn’t realize it because he hid it well, but he was looking at that face wishing that seeing it would help him remember something about himself, like his own name. When it didn’t, he suddenly found himself fighting back desperately sad, fearful tears.

John… what’s wrong?” she asked him with concern, when she saw the moisture welling up in his eyes, and the look of profound disappointment on his face.

He knew she’d seen him about to cry and he felt the need to hide the tears and he definitely couldn’t tell her he didn’t know who he was, so he turned away, and withdrew inside himself again. Her new patient didn’t speak to her after that. Marlena waited a few minutes, but unfortunately, he didn’t relax again; she had obviously lost him for the time being.

She tentatively reached out to touch his shoulder and he shied away, moving his body in the opposite direction. Marlena was immediately apologetic, “I’m sorry if I went too fast for you. I didn’t mean to upset you.” ‘Darnit all Marlena.. you pushed for too much too soon and now he’s turning inward again,’ she was telling herself. So close and yet so far. “John.. I’m really sorry. I’ll give you some time alone right now, but I’d like to go get something to eat and bring it back for you. Would you like that?” she asked as pleasantly as possible, hoping to get at least a minimal reaction.

Thankfully, that got a response… Nodding his head slightly, he said without looking up at her, “Yea… thanks.” Then he went back to the silence, his eyes fixed firmly on the tile floor.

As she left the room, she felt a strange mixture of hope and frustration on her new patients’ behalf. Whatever he had experienced recently, it left him fearful and distrusting and it had retarded his communication skills in some significant ways. The psychological trauma was apparently great, while it seemed the physical effects were minimal. Whatever the case, she was determined to help him. He seemed so sad, so very lost and she believed she could help him. If felt surprisingly good to be in the position of reaching out to someone in need after being the sad and lonely one for so long.

She had no idea who or what she was dealing with, and unbeknownst to her, neither did the man on the examining table. Marlena Evans, MD found the mystery quite intriguing and alluring. It was just what she needed to take her focus off her own troubles, she thought, as she rounded the corner and headed back into the examining room with the food she’d promised. Smiling as she backed her way inside, she spoke cheerfully, hoping to snap him out of his withdrawn mood. “Well, I hope you like hamburgers and french fries because that was all…” she started to say, but stopped short when she realized she was speaking to an empty room.

Damsel In Distress Meets Hero

What does it mean when we say, “He’s such a hero!”

Why do we call him that, to what lengths must a man go

Is it simply his physical prowess we admire

Or more to the point, his courage under fire……

It had been a very long day and Dr. Marlena Evans was dog tired. As she locked the door to her office at Salem University Hospital, she found her mind drifting back to her most interesting patient, the extremely handsome young man, who came in with bandages on his face. She never did learn his real name or anything of substance about him, the poor man had been so anxious and fearful. Her mind had a hundred unanswered questions swirling around inside. Why wasn’t he wearing a coat? Why were the bandages there when it was perfectly obvious that nothing was wrong with his face or his eyes? At least not on outward appearance, anyway. Who was he and what horrible things could have happened to him to make him so fearful that he instinctively trembled when someone came near him? Why did he run away from her when it was so clear that he had begun to trust her? What was it that made tears come to his eyes when he looked at his reflection in the mirror and why did he withdraw so significantly when she asked him what was wrong? It was all such a mystery and she was very intrigued by it and found herself hoping that she would see him again soon, although she doubted whether he would return to the hospital in the near future. He was definitely frightened by the prospect of any tests being performed, even if they were supposed to help him.

Because of her preoccupation with that mystery man, Marlena wasn’t paying much attention to what was going on around her and consequently she was ripe for the picking for the low-lifes that periodically drifted back toward the hospital area when the crackdown eased off in that inevitable cycle of police protection. She finally had the sense that someone was following her when she approached her car, key in hand, but it was too late, he was on her before she could reach the relative safety of her vehicle.

* * *

The former prisoner was enjoying his newfound freedom, but he wasn’t quite sure what he should do or where he should go. He was so hungry and he didn’t have any way of getting food, and was therefore kicking himself for running out of the hospital when that nice doctor lady was about to bring him something to eat. Walking along, feeling the increasing emptiness in his taut gut, he said to himself, “You idiot.. she was nice.. she was going to get you some food, why’d you freak out and run away?” John Doe didn’t understand why he was so afraid and why it was instinctive to shy away from someone’s touch. The wounds and damage from his brutal treatment were buried deep within his subconscious mind; he didn’t remember the details, but his body reacted from those memories. It wasn’t something he thought about or had any control over when it happened. Just as it wasn’t when he took out the the two thugs who were watching him. He hit them with brute force and precision.. and that response too came from experiences that were buried deep inside him, training of which he had no conscious memory. When in the proper situation, he was compelled to use that training.

Realizing that walking around aimlessly was not going to help him in the slightest, he decided to begin researching the town in which he found himself and was going to locate the library, then tomorrow morning he could determine whether any of the images which flashed in his head were visible in photos of the city or its prominent citizens. However, the hunger was making itself the main priority.. he couldn’t think of much else and though it pained him to do it, he went first in search of some sort of mission or shelter where he could have a free meal and hopefully a relatively warm, safe place to sleep. It was really cold and he dreaded the thought of sleeping outside again. In the back of his mind there was some sense that he shouldn’t have to rely on the charity of others, but he dismissed it in favor of the aching sensation in his belly, the chill that went clear to his bones, and the feeling of exhaustion that threatened as a result of the energy it required to keep his body warm.

* * *

The large burly man grabbed Marlena from behind and started to take her purse and she let out a bloodcurdling scream, as soon as he touched her. “Help me! Someone please help me!!” she cried out desperately

Shut up, bitch and give me your purse!” he yelled at her, while whipping out the switchblade he was carrying. She gasped in response and then was silent, praying that he didn’t intend to use it to force himself on her or worse.

Frightened out of her mind, she said, “Yes.. yes, here.. take it, please take it! Please just.. don’t hurt me!” she cried handing it to him, fearfully.

“I’ll do whatever I want.. to you, you rich bitch! Take off your coat..looks like it’s worth something too, give it to me!” He made a quick threatening move with the knife and she shuddered, and fought back a whimpering cry, as she began to to do what the assailant said.

Growing increasingly worried he was going to harm her, Marlena battled the fear so that she could use her training to survive. With deliberate calmness, she quickly took off the coat, then handed it to him. “Here.. it’s yours.. take it, but you better hurry.. and leave the area. The hospital security guard is on rounds and he’s going to be coming around here any second now..”

“Ha.. ha… nice try lady… there’s no guard gonna come around here.. Now… give me your watch too!” he yelled agitatedly. His victim complied immediately, hoping that the man would give it up at that, but at the same time fearing that he wouldn’t.

Once he had the items he wanted, the thief began to look her over, staring lewdly at her ample chest which was well showcased in the cashmere sweater she was wearing, and then he touched her face.. “You look mighty fine…. I think I might take a little something else before I go,” he said menacingly while licking his lips and stepping closer, holding the knife out to control her. She shuddered with terror, but watched him very closely, and she saw her chance in the second he looked away because there was an unidentified noise nearby. Marlena broke free and started screaming at the top of her lungs, “HELP ME! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!” as she ran toward the entrance of the parking structure.

Within seconds he was on top of her, tackling her. When she hit the ground she was stunned and he tore at her sweater, suceeding in ripping it partially off her left shoulder. Fearful adrenaline flowed in her veins and she kicked her attacker and screamed again, HELP ME!”

The mystery man was in the area, having sensed danger for some unknown reason. In the second he heard a terrified yell for help, he ran toward the sound at breakneck speed. In seconds, he had the man by the shoulders and threw the assailant off his victim. John Doe then advanced on the man, showing him how disgusted he was with what he had just interrupted. John slugged the neanderthal with a hard right to the face, then punched him twice in the gut. And, then with hurculean strength which he had no idea was there, the man without a name essentially picked the much larger man up off the ground and heaved him toward the concrete wall of the parking garage. The attacker hit his head, then slumped to the ground unconcious.

As soon as that task was accomplished, the mystery man turned back to see if the victim were allright. She was crumpled in a heap, crying and trying unsuccessfully to hold her sweater over her bra and the exposed skin of her shoulder. As he approached, John picked up the coat and placed it very gently around her chilled trembling body. When the warmth began to penetrate, she looked up and said with quivering lips, “Thank you.. thank you so much! I was so afraid.. that he was…” She didn’t have strength for more.

John was worried he’d upset her so he asked, “Would it be okay if I held you for a minute?”

She hadn’t even recognized him yet, she was so traumatized, and all she could muster was a tearful nod. He was very sensitive to how she might be feeling and he placed his arms carefully around her still trembling body, pulling her ever so slowly into a warm embrace of comfort.

Instantly, she began to calm down; there was a feeling of safety in those strong arms and the fear began to fade slightly. She didn’t have the ability to recognize the sense of familiarity that went beyond the level of conscious awareness. Next came the release of tears and they flowed heavily as she tried once again to thank him. “Oh.. you’re such a hero.. you saved my life.. thank you! Thank you so much!” she cried gratefully.

“Shh.. it’s okay.. shh.. you’re safe now, it’s over.. it’s over now,” was all he said, while instinctively stroking her golden hair and lightly rubbing her back. It felt so good to help someone, and to hold this woman… was a feeling he couldn’t describe. It wasn’t something he could consciously recall and yet it was so familiar. It felt.. right and true and so… wonderful.

Suddenly, it occurred to her, she had heard that voice before and the smell.. it was familiar too. Marlena pulled out of his embrace and stared questioningly into those deep blue eyes.. How could it be? This was the frightened trembling young man she had met this morning. “John… is that you?” she asked, trying to clear her moist eyes to get a better look at her rescuer.

“Uh.. yea. one and the same, Doctor,” John said smiling shyly. He wanted to call her Doc. He didn’t know why, but he didn’t say it that way. Instead, he just looked at her with an uncertain expression.

She was as confused as he was about the turn of events, and she looked back and forth at him and then at the man lying in a bloody heap several feet away. Finally, she said incredulously, in broken phrases, “But this morning.. you were..so.. and just now.. you.. did that? I’m a little surprised by all this and confused. What’s going on with you?” she asked searching his face and eyes for an answer, her face bearing a bewildered expression.

Good question,’ he was thinking, but what he said was something to distract her, “Hey.. you know what, we better get you back inside the hospital to make sure you’re allright.”

Marlena was upset by what almost happened, but this man was even more mysterious and intriguing than when she first met him earlier that day. “John… you’re avoiding my question. Why is it that this morning you were so afraid that you wouldn’t let anybody touch you and you could barely speak to me and now you just played the hero and beat the living daylights out of that guy. You weren’t frightened in the slightest of what he would do to you. What’s going on, John?”

What could he say.. he didn’t understand it either. “I.. uh.. don’t know… I guess that hearing you scream like that.. some protective instinct must have kicked in.. and I..just.. did what came naturally.”

Still wondering about it, but traumatized enough not to pursue it at the moment, she replied with gratitude again, “Well, whatever happened, I’m very glad that you came along when you did. Thank you again.. for saving me.”

“You’re welcome.. Now.. let’s get you inside and then we can call the police to come get this guy. He’s not going anywhere right now, he’s out cold,” John said ushering her toward the elevator.

Marlena took one last glance at her attacker before the elevator doors closed. He was twice John’s size and yet he never had a chance in the brief altercation she’d just witnessed. Though she felt safe with him, it was unsettling to see what this slender man, who seemed so fearful earlier in the day was actually capable of, when in a different setting and situation. ‘Oh.. Marlena.. be very careful, you have no idea who or what you’re dealing with here,’ she cautioned herself as she looked at his handsome face and felt that sense of attraction again. ‘Well, he’s a hero to me, that’s what he is,’ she wanted to tell herself so she would feel better about being drawn to someone about whom she knew nothing.

For his part, John Doe was wondering what he might do or say to avoid further questioning by this inquisitive lady doctor, whom he now knew was a psychiatrist, having seen her name badge. He was also very glad he had been in the right place at the right time because it had served two purposes. First, she was saved and for some unknown reason that seemed as though it should be a very high priority for him and secondly, he learned that he was strong and that he could fight when he needed to. He didn’t have to be so afraid. Discovering that he could get past or ignore the fear and do whatever was required of him at any given moment was a tremendous relief to him. That meant the day was a success all the way around. Now, if he could just get something to eat.

The Way To A Man’s Heart is…

From the first moment I saw her, I knew I was blessed

When I was hungry, she gave me what I craved

When I was tired and lonely, she gave me a place to rest

When I was afraid of almost everything, she made me feel safe

The Way To A Man’s Heart Is…..

‘Through his stomach… Maybe the same goes for his mind,’ Marlena Evans was thinking as she finally started to relax slightly after what had almost happened to her. The hero and the lady went back to her office after she endured a cursory exam in the ER, which confirmed what she had said was the case, that she was perfectly fine. There were just a couple of scapes and a bruise or two. After putting on a spare cardigan sweater she had on hand in a desk drawer, Marlena felt herself returning to a more normal state of being, though there was still the conversation with the police to follow in a short while. Her attacker had already been treated for a mild concussion and a couple of cracked ribs and was then hauled off to the prison infirmary for close observation.

Therefore, she once again put on her psychiatrist hat to pay close attention to her unlikely rescuer. From the way he was eyeing the nearly stale bagels that were laying in a basket on the table near the small couch, it was so obvious to a trained observer, though she could tell that he thought he was doing a good job of covering it. ‘He’s still hungry. My goodness, he hasn’t eaten yet..’ she was saying to herself in her mind, and it broke her heart. He must be positively starving by now. ‘Oh, John why are you so proud that you won’t ask? Maybe he’ll begin to open up to me if he’s got a full belly,’ she thought. Sitting on the edge of her desk, Marlena looked over at him and he was walking around her office now, working hard to make his thorough observation of his surroundings seem casual. However, she could tell that he was closely that? How does she.. know things about me?’ he asked in the privacy of his own mind.

Marlena watched his reaction and he was suddenly very ancy, and he almost started pacing.. clearly trying to decide if he should confide in her or not. Then it hit her; she didn’t know his real name, John was just one they used when they didn’t have that information. “You know.. you never told me your real name, either, what is it?”

He panicked.. she was getting too close too quickly. He still didn’t trust her completely, though he felt somewhere deep inside himself that if he could trust anyone, this warm, kind, accepting woman would be the one. Forgetting that he had to stay until the police officer came in to take their statements, he said anxiously, “Listen.. I.. uh.. just remembered that I.. have somewhere to be.. I … gotta go now,” he finished nervously. After that, the man with no name started to leave her alone in her office, and then stopped in his tracks as he stepped near the threshold of the door, remembering that she was probably still upset about what happened. The gallant thing to do would be to take her home, if she would let him. And, there was still the matter of the now quite painful emptiness in his gut. He was fast approaching a state of sheer exhaustion, and he knew he couldn’t go on much longer without eating. This lonely man without a name desperately wanted to take her up on her offer for a meal, but she wouldn’t stop asking questions he couldn’t answer; he was afraid and he didn’t quite know what to do or say next.

Knowing he had to give her the option because it was the right thing to do, he turned back to her, and said, “But.. of course I want to make sure that you’re allright before I leave. Do you want me to wait here with you until after the police take your statement? Would you like me to..take you home?” he asked with a divided heart and mind. He had no way of taking her home, other than her car and then it would become obvious to her that he had none of his own and no place to stay. He often averted his gaze, rather than meet her eyes. As time wore on, Marlena began to wonder whether the man knew the answers and was delayed with his responses because he had been traumatized or whether the more frightening possibility was true, that he didn’t know the answers and was struggling to hide that fact from her. If that were the case, he was in serious trouble; John Doe was just that, an amnesiac without a name, without a past. He literally couldn’t give her the answers to her questions because he didn’t know them. Marlena was determined to find out which scenario was accurate and help him, either way. He seemed so sweet and shy, and very fearful and vulnerable, and yet he had just been quite brave and heroic in saving her from being raped. Marlena believed it was the least she could do to help him make some sense out of whatever damaging, painful experiences he had endured recently. Besides that, there was an enticing undercurrent of attraction going on..at least from her perspective; she couldn’t be sure of his situation. She concluded that he was so personally invested in keeping a tight hold to whatever secrets there were that he probably didn’t really have time to think much about women, at least, not for the moment.

Gathering herself together, she headed toward the door with him after handing him the bag full of bagels. “Here are the bagels. Now, I’ll take you to the lounge and show you where the fruit and cheese are.”

He smiled and followed slowly, noticing for the first time, just how truly beautiful she was, as he watched her walk past him. She was like an angel sent down from heaven in his darkest hour. When he needed someone to care that he existed, she was there in that examining room. When he needed food, she was magically producing it for him in a way that made it so he didn’t need to feel embarassed about it. And when he needed to feel some hope, her warm caring smile was a bright and shining beacon, touching his heart.

As they made their way to the lounge, they were stopped in the hall by Maggie Horton, who just happened to be at the hospital late that evening, having helped her mother-in-law Alice Horton with the Volunteer Training class. “Marlena.. I just heard about what happened, the hospital is buzzing. Are you allright?” she asked worriedly, stepping closer to give her friend a hug.

“Oh, Maggie… thank you for your concern, but I’m fine.. Thanks to this brave young man standing next to me. He heard me scream and he came to my rescue. I was very lucky he was there.”

“Oh.. well, then I say thank you too. This nice lady is one of my best friends. What should I call you?” she asked pleasantly. He froze again, looking toward Marlena uncertainly, as if he would be revealing something by saying what he intended, and then finally responded, “John… just call me John.”

Sensing from the look that was exchanged between the other two, that something strange was going on, Maggie said with some hesitancy, “Okay… John it is then. It’s nice to meet you.”

Maggie extended her hand and he shook it lightly, and smiled awkwardly, not really meeting her eyes, saying, “It’s nice to meet you too.” Suddenly feeling very much out of place, he said, “Well, I.. better be going now. I’ll.. see you another time..” he finished, taking a step away from the two women.

Marlena wondered if he would react that way to meeting someone new and her conjecture was confirmed. Wanting to keep him there a little longer, hoping to gain his trust, she said, “John.. wait.. don’t you want to take that food I was telling you about?” She could see that the intense apprehension was back and it was so frustrating to her. Every time she thought they were taking a small step forward and he was going to relax slightly, he seemed to shut down and retreat again.

Anxiously he replied, “No.. sorry, I..really gotta.. go. I’m really glad you’re okay.” Marlena knew he was very hungry, noticing that his hands were even a little shaky, probably from low blood sugar.

“John… don’t go.. please, I’m really kind of nervous yet, could you please stay for a little while longer?” Then it hit her, and she reminded him, “Oh.. and besides, you haven’t given your official statement to the police either.”

‘How did she know just what to say to keep him with her?’ She was scared.. he couldn’t leave her, no matter how uncomfortable he felt and she was right about the statement too. John Doe.. decided that he had to find a way to get through it, for her benefit. Turning back toward her he said, “Oh.. yea… I forgot about that.. Sure, I guess I’ll stick around.”

Pleased with the inroads she seemed to be making, Marlena said with a satisfied smile, “Good, now.. the lounge is right over there, please help yourself to whatever you find in the refridgerator, it really will spoil if it doesn’t get eaten.” John smiled with a hint of embarassment, then nodded and turned to go in the direction she pointed, without further comment.

Maggie was observing the interaction quietly with great interest, but was patiently waiting to ask her questions until the man disappeared inside the doctor’s lounge. “Marlena.. just who is that and what is going on with you two? He seemed so nervous to meet me and you seemed to know him. Did you meet him before he saved you tonight?”

“Yes, I did.. he’s a patient of mine.. well, no not really. Oh, let me start at the beginning.” She looked around to ensure they couldn’t be overheard and then told her closest friend what had transpired, “I was requested to make a pysch consult by Neil Curtis. He wanted me to come down and see a John Doe patient who was admitted through the ER this morning. The man was left unconscious near the entrance with a note taped to his shirt. His head and face were covered in bandages and he wouldn’t speak or let anyone come near him. Neil asked me to work with the patient to see if I could help him get to the point that he would let them examine him. Otherwise, Neil had no choice but to discharge the poor man.” As she described the events from earlier in the day, Marlena was periodically glancing toward the lounge where her rescuer went to grab a bite to eat.

With an odd expression on her face, Maggie read what Marlena didn’t fully explain, and said, “Don’t tell me, let me guess.. that’s your John Doe patient?” she asked, pointing to the lounge and thinking about the contrasting images she was being given of the same man.

With a puzzled expression, Marlena nodded and looked in that direction again, saying, “Umm hmm, and please don’t tell anyone about this, but you should have seen him Maggie.. this morning he was so frightened and timid.. he would hardly speak or make eye contact with me. He was so shy and he trembled when I came near him; it was all I could do to get him to let me take off the bandages. I went to go get him some food from the cafeteria and when I came back, he was gone. Then tonight, he came along at just the right time to save me, and he threw the attacker around like the man was a child. That brute was twice John’s size, Maggie, and he never had a chance of winning the fight. If I hadn’t seen it happen, I wouldn’t have believed it could possibly be the same man I met this morning.”

“Well.. that’s very strange.. what do you make of it?” Maggie asked, feeling more confused and a little worried for her friend, whom she knew was probably about to become involved with the mystery man in a professional capacity.

Shaking her head, she said, “Well, all I’ve learned so far is that something happened to make him leary of any tests we might have wanted to run, and… he hasn’t eaten.. Oh, and I don’t think he has any money or a job.. or even a place to live. When he was admitted all he had on was what he’s wearing right now, no coat, no hat, and no gloves. He won’t admit anything to me other than that he was hurt, but I think he’s all alone and that something traumatic has happened to him recently to make him so fearful and distrusting of people.”

Maggie smiled knowingly, realizing that Marlena was hooked already. “You really want to help him, don’t you?”

Marlena smiled too, recognizing her friend’s implication. “Yes… I do. He seems so.. sweet and shy, so vulnerable, lost in a way. My heart goes out to him, Maggie.”

“And.. there’s an intriguing mystery to solve…not to mention the fact that he’s quite handsome.”

“Oh.. Maggie.. that has absolutely nothing to do with it.. I want to help him because he needs it, not because he’s attractive.. which by the way I am not denying in the slightest. He has to be about the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”

“Oh… you’ll get no argument from me on that one, Marlena, he is so.. ” Maggie was saying as the man stepped out of the room with a wide smile on his face. He felt so much better now that the aching hunger was gone.

“Uh.. hi ladies,” he said pleasantly as he approached them, having caught just the tale end of their conversation. The man was smiling somewhat bashfully and blushing slightly at the same time and they realized that he had heard at least part of what they were saying.

Marlena’s response was to try to hide the hint of pink that touched her cheeks, wondering exactly how much he had overheard. After a few awkward moments, Maggie broke the silence, by saying, “Well, I.. guess I’ll just be heading out now. Marlena, I’ll catch up with you soon. I’m very glad you’re allright, and John… thank you again.”

He nodded and said quietly, still a little embarassed by all the attention, “Sure… nice to meet you.”

They both watched the other woman walk down the hallway until she was no longer visible and then Marlena, deciding she didn’t want to know how much he’d heard after all, turned to the object of that chat and asked, “So.. did you get enough to eat… John?” The way she said it indicated that she was still wondering about his real name and he was going to have to think fast if he were going to avoid telling her that he didn’t know and that John sounded as good or better than any other name for the time being. ‘Wait a minute… maybe if I can just come up with a last name.. yea that’s it.. I’ll pick a last name and then maybe she’ll leave me alone, at least about that anyway,’ he thought hopefully.

Realizing that he hadn’t answered her yet and that she was eyeing him strangely, John finally said, “Oh.. I’m sorry.. yes, I did.. thank you very much. I guess I was hungier than I thought. Everything was great, ” he said with a cheerful expression she hadn’t seen yet.

Marlena was pleased to see him smiling. It was such a nice smile and it made her feel good to know she had helped put it there. Sometimes when she looked at him he seemed so sad, so lost and lonely, but when he noticed her looking, he covered immediately. She was almost driven to find out why that was, but all she said to him was, “I’m glad you’re feeling better. Like I said this morning… John, you have a nice smile. It’s good to see you use it.”

He looked her more directly in the eye this time, saying, “Thanks…doctor, so do you. Thank you for helping me find mine today. Amazing what a full stomach will do for a guy’s disposition, huh?” John said, almost with a grin, feeling better both physically and emotionally than at any other time since he escaped from whomever was holding him prisoner.

As they walked back in the direction of her office to wait for the police detective, Marlena simply said, “Yes… it is, John… yes it is.” And, she was thinking, I was right, that is the way to a man’s heart, and his mind as well.’

A Policeman’s Curiosity Is Peaked

When you care for someone, you worry about their safety

Sometimes you try too hard to protect them from danger

Your radar is always on duty, searching for the enemy

You watch out for them, suspecting every stranger…..

After what seemed like an eternity to John Doe, the police detective arrived to take their official statements about what happened a short time earlier. It was none other than Lt. Abe Carver, who decided to handle the case when he heard whom the victim was. John watched him as the man entered the good doctor’s office, and once again he seemed familiar, but of course the man without a real name couldn’t place the other one in his conscious memories. Wondering why the face was familiar, John was trying unsuccessfully not to stare, a fact that was noticed by both Abe and Marlena, who took that in as one more small part of her ongoing assessment, and then spoke to the detective, “Well, hello Abe… How do I rate having Salem’s top detective show up to take my statement?” she asked, teasing her friend.

“Only the best for you, Marlena Evans Brady.. only the best,” he said with a smile that quickly began to fade as her face registered the pain of loss. It was an expression he had seen so many times, and Abe swore at himself under his breath for bringing it up again. She was so unpredictable with her feelings about Roman, even though his best friend was slain well over a year ago now. “I’m sorry, Marlena.. I didn’t mean to…”

She forced a smile to let him off the hook, saying, “It’s allright, Abe…. really; you can say the name. It’s okay.”

“I know… I just wish…” he started to say and then his voice trailed off. It had all been said so many times before.

Marlena sighed wearily, saying, “Me too…” then changed the subject, “Anyway… let’s get this overwith, I’m getting tired and I’m ready to go home.. and I’m sure that… our hero of the hour here has… places to go as well,” she added, realizing the other man was shying away again. He had walked to the other side of the room from where they were standing and had become visibly withdrawn almost immediately after Abe Carver arrived, when just seconds before they had been discussing various trivialities as part of Marlena’s attempt to develop a therapeutic rapport with him.

John hardly registered that she was discussing him, still trying to figure out why he felt safe with Marlena and yet threatened at the same time, as well as why he felt as though he should recognize Abe Carver. “John?” she asked him, stepping close and touching him lightly on the forearm. He startled and and shook his head, as if clearing it of some vision, then responded verbally, “Uh… yea… yea, I do.. I.. need to get going.”

Abe frowned, wondering why the man was so jumpy, and decided he would probe a little. “John…is it? How is it that you happened to be near the hospital when Marlena was.. attacked?”

‘Another good question, ‘ he was thinking. Every question was a good one, because each was one he couldn’t answer and it was so frustrating, so.. unsettling. “I… uh, don’t really know.. I guess I had this… feeling that someone was in danger. And then I heard her scream and I came running and found that I was right. I pulled the guy away from her, hit him a couple of times and that was it.”

Recalling the man’s bravery and the great strength he had displayed, she said to him, “Oh.. John you’re being modest.” Turning to her friend, she said with respect, “Abe… he was amazing. He came right up and took on a man who was at least twice his size, without the slightest regard for his own safety. You were terrific, John…. thank you again.”

He smiled bashfully again and she almost swooned as John nearly whispered his response, “Doctor Evans.. you don’t have to keep thanking me. I was just glad I could be there at the right time to help you.”

Abe pondered her statement for a moment and watched Marlena’s response, thinking she might be overstating it, and then said pleasantly as he extended his right hand for the man to shake, “Well, I have to thank you as well. This lady and I go back a long time. We’re very close friends and I care very much about her, thank you.”

John shook the man’s hand and even that felt familiar to him, somehow…but how could that be? “No.. problem, like I said.. I was just glad I could help. Well, is that all you needed to ask me?”

The policeman nodded and said, “Yes… that’s all I need from you, John, but I’d like you to stick around for a minute or two, if you could, just in case some other questions come up while I’m talking with Marlena.” She eyed John too, imploring him to stay and he did for the moment, albiet reluctantly, taking a seat on the small couch across the room from the others.

Next, Abe did what that lady knew was inevitable; he turned his attention to the near rape victim and scolded her, “Marlena… with everything that’s been happening around here lately, why didn’t you have someone escort you out to the car at this time of night?”

“I was really tired and I didn’t want to wait?” she said, smiling sheepishly.

The detective shook his head at her disregard for her own safety and her steadfast unwillingness to acknowledge her vulnerability as a member of the physically weaker sex. As her deceased husband’s best friend and the man who had appointed himself to watch over her, Abe continued the discussion, “Oh.. you independent women… Marlena… it only would have been about five minutes… Promise me.. next time.. please call security.”

Marlena sighed exasperatedly, and then agreed, “Oh.. allright.. I promise Abe.” Realizing how quiet John was, she prepared to make a comment to draw him into the conversation again, when she stepped past the figure of her friend, glanced around the room, and saw that he was gone. “Darn…” she muttered under her breath. “Every time I think I’m making some progress…”

Abe wondered what she was talking about, “Marlena.. are you allright? Is it about Roman?”

Stepping out into the hallway to see if she might catch a glimpse of her rescuer’s retreating form, she said somewhat absently, “No.. no, that’s not it at all…” and then spoke to herself in a frustrated whisper again, “Shoot… something scared him away again.. darn it all!”

A puzzled expression appeared on Abe’s face as he asked, “Marlena… what are you talking about?”

“Its… John…the man who saved me. He’s…sort of a patient of mine… Oh… never mind, Abe… Let’s just get finished up with the statement because I’m really tired.”

Still wondering about her meaning and feeling mighty curious about why the other man had run off when he had specifically asked John to stay while he spoke with Marlena, Abe agreed when he noticed her yawning. Sitting down and gesturing for her to do the same, he said, “Okay… tell me everything that happened from the time you left the hospital, Marlena.”

She sat down as indicated, and began to tell the story, “Allright.. I left the building and I was still thinking of this new… patient of mine and I wasn’t paying much attention to what was going on around me. That’s when it happened. Someone grabbed me from behind and pulled a knife on me. He threatened me and wanted my purse and then my coat and watch. I didn’t argue at all and I thought it was going to be fine, until he started… looking at me, Abe.”

That was all she had to say, her meaning was evident by the expression on her face as she recalled the harrowing experience. Putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder, Abe said, “It’s okay… you’re allright.. Just tell me and we’ll do everything we can to make sure he spends some time in jail where he can’t hurt anyone.”

Feeling thankful for her friend’s support, Marlena took a deep breath and continued after letting it out, saying, “He started acting as if he were going to.. try something. He advanced on me and tried to kiss me.. Thank God there was a noise… I tried to run when it distracted him. I screamed and then he was on top of me, ripping my sweater. I kicked at him, and then the next thing I knew John was there pulling the.. monster off of me. He saved me from being raped..or worse, Abe.”

“Sounds like quite a brave guy… why do you think he ran out on us like that?”

Marlena paused before answering, contemplating what she had observed in the man, but not wanting to reveal unnecessary details, out of concern that she was violating some… right to confidentiality. Therefore, even though the mystery man wasn’t really a patient, Marlena told Abe only what she considered to be the pertinent information, rather then sharing her conclusions. “Well, mainly… I think he’s.. scared, Abe… and I don’t know why. I guess I should tell you more about him. He was brought into the ER this morning, unconscious. At some point, he began to come around and Neil wanted to examine him, but the man was afraid and wouldn’t let anyone touch him. He trembled if anyone came near him, and he barely spoke a word; he wouldn’t even tell the nurses his name. Neil called me down for a psych consult to see if I could get him to allow them to conduct a thorough examination.. and run some tests. He seemed so frightened Abe.. as if he had been mistreated in some way and never knew whether or not someone coming near him might hurt him, but he seemed to relax while I was there and he let me remove some bandages from his face and head. There was nothing wrong that I could see, but when he looked in the mirror, he stared at his reflection for a moment or two, and then.. it seemed like he was… disappointed for some reason. When I asked him about it, he withdrew almost completely again, and wouldn’t talk to me anymore. He had admitted to being hungry and I went to get him some food, hoping that would help me gain his trust. When I got back, he was gone.”

A puzzled frown appeared on Abe’s face, as he prepared to share his conclusion. “That doesn’t sound at all like the man who rescued you tonight, the man I just met a few minutes ago, though he did seem a little skittish and he took off when I asked him to stay. What do you make of him?” he asked, realizing from the way she spoke and from the expression on her face that she was in the process of assessing the man, professionally.

Shaking her head, still uncertain, she painted the picture somewhat more colorfully, “I don’t know… really. The next thing I knew he was saving me from that attacker. He ran up to the man, yanked him off of me, hit him several times and basically threw a man that was at least twice his size against the wall. He wasn’t afraid, or at least he didn’t show it. When I asked about the change in him and his demeanor, he said something about how hearing me scream must have made some protective instinct kick in and he found himself doing what came naturally.”

Abe looked into her face, searching for signs as to her attitude toward the man, “You don’t believe him?”

The more she talked about her unlikely rescuer, the more she wanted to process her observations and her initial conclusions with someone else, but she also didn’t want to violate his confidentiality without due cause. Abe wouldn’t have any bias, other than the natural suspicion a policeman might have, and the man wasn’t her patient, not officially anyway; nonetheless, she still left out several details from her description. “Well… actually, I don’t know… it just doesn’t fit, Abe… You should have seen him this morning.. I was thinking at the time that *if* he would let me help him, it would take weeks of therapy to get him to trust me enough to look me in the eye, have a significant conversation, and longer to alleviate the fears to the point that he wouldn’t shy away from someone’s touch. But several hours later, he’s beating off some brutish attacker, without a moment’s hesitation… and his speech was completely normal, I find that.. strange, to say the least.”

Abe was nodding and felt concern for her, since it was obvious she was fascinated by the man. “So do I…*very* strange. I’m going to have him checked out. You’re saying he never told you his real name?”

“Yes… I’ve been calling him John because he was admitted as John Doe. I thought he was going to tell me earlier, but I guess we got distracted and I forgot.”

“Do you know much of anything about him… where he lives… where he works? Did he tell you anything at all?

Shaking her head sadly, she said, “No.. he didn’t say much about himself, except for blurting out this morning that he was hungry. He was starving, that much I could see and I think that he didn’t eat all day today either. Just recently when we came inside after I was attacked, he was staring at the bagels I had in the office. I gave them to him and then sent him into the doctor’s lounge for some cheese and fruit while we were waiting for you to arrive. It made me wonder about his situation and my heart went out to him, Abe.”

The expression on her face was so caring and compassionate. Abe knew that look and was compelled to comment, “Marlena…. be extremely careful, you have no idea what this man is really like. He’s obviously capable of deception or at the very least he’s.. unpredictable. A quick transformation like that… it makes me.. nervous.”

“Don’t worry, Abe.. I’ll be cautious. I just have the sense that he really needs help, but he’s too afraid or ashamed to ask. He seems so… vulnerable, anxious, and distrusting. I think he’s all alone in the world and that he’s been very badly hurt, abused in some ways that he may not even be fully aware of in his conscious mind. Maybe this morning’s experience triggered the memories somehow which would explain why he was so frightened at the time and then seemed fine later on.” Thinking she didn’t want to reveal any more of her assessment, she finished with a broad comment, “Anyway, that’s my general professional impression.” Marlena also couldn’t shake the feeling of familiarity she had when she was with him, but she didn’t share that with Abe, any more than her other suspicions. It was something she felt the need to hold close to the vest for the time being. There were these fleeting moments when she could swear she should know the man somehow, and then that sense disappeared as quickly as it arrived. She sensed that the mystery man felt it too, but she couldn’t be sure; it was something in the way he looked at her a few times.

Abe could see that she was intrigued by the enigma of the handsome hero without a name. “Just… don’t get too involved; keep your distance, allright.. at least until I can conduct some sort of investigation on him. Please?”

She nodded, thinking about how the men in her life never quite seemed to realize that she didn’t often follow their well meaning, sometimes overly protective advice. Marlena Evans was bright, capable, independently minded, and self sufficient; she definitely didn’t need a man to watch over her all the time. Sighing tiredly, she said, “Allright, Abe.. I get the message, I’ll be careful, but I am a psychiatrist you know.. it’s my job to help people.”

He caught her meaning and smiled, saying, “Thank you for indulging me, Marlena.. I’ll sleep easier and as soon as I have something on him, I’ll get back to you.”

“You’re welcome.. may I please go home now, sir?” she asked, giving her friend a mock salute.

Smiling again, he stood up and said, “Yes… you can go now, but not until I walk you to your car so that I know you’re safely on your way.” All Marlena could do was shake her head and sigh with exasperation, as she grabbed her purse and car keys. ‘Overprotective men… what’s a woman to do with them?’ she said in the privacy of her mind, thinking of Abe, her beloved but deceased husband, and finally her rescuer, who also seemed inclined to watch over her. However, she couldn’t deny that after what had happened earlier in the evening, having Abe with her made her feel better about going back out to her car.

Chhapter 5

Just Who Is This New Guy Anyway

What’s in a name, what is the true measure of a man

Is it in the words he says, in the touch of his hands

How do we know who he really is inside

Can I trust the goodness that glistens in his eyes…..

The hospital was all abuzz with the story of the mystery man hero who saved the day for one of the most beloved doctors at Salem University Hospital. Tom Horton and Neil Curtis were discussing the matter of security, when Marlena herself happened to overhear them talking. Remembering some of the things John had told her about security measures that might be taken to improve overall safety for hospital employees, she said to the two men, “You know… the man who saved me last night had some really good ideas about security. You might want to talk with him about them.”

“Oh.. he did, did he? Well, do you have his name and number, I’ll give him a call and set up a meeting. We’re eager to make some changes around here,” said Tom, pleased to have a lead. Neil frowned slightly, sensing she was up to something.

Marlena hesitated, thinking how it might be interpreted by some, wondering if the look in Neil’s eyes meant he had put two and two together and guessed at who it was that had saved her.

“Well.. uh… no, I.. don’t, but I can… find out for you, Tom and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible,” she said somewhat nervously, hoping she might be able to track the man down. He had to have gone to one of the shelters if he hadn’t anywhere to sleep and no money. “I’ll have him get in touch with you as soon as possible,” she finished, wondering just what to do to locate her skittish John Doe patient… ‘well, sort of patient,’ she thought. ‘Why are you so interested in him, so concerned about a virtual stranger ?’ she asked herself internally. Her mind played out a possible scenario which made her second guess her own instinctive response to the handsome vulnerable mystery man….

Waiting until Tom Horton excused himself, Neil escorted her into a nearby lounge and said, “Marlena… from what I hear we have a mystery man on our hands. I’m guessing that the same man who came in to the ER yesterday morning was the one who rescued you… is that true?”

Looking around to make sure no one else had entered the room, she said, “Yes… shh, I don’t want it to be public knowledge. I want to help him and I think he needs a job.”

Neil couldn’t believe her trusting nature.. after everything that had happened to her and her family, she still always gave people the benefit of the doubt. This, however, went way beyond normal, “But.. Marlena.. we know next to nothing about him, not even his real name for goodness sake.. and you’re recommending him for something as important as hospital security?”

She smiled awkwardly and said, “Oh.. yes, I suppose you’re right.. but he really did seem to know all about that field.”

“But…why did he know, Marlena? Who is he and why is he here in Salem? Why was he so afraid that he trembled every time someone came near him when he was here in the morning and so brave and protective of you later that evening? It’s extremely unusual and it makes me leary of the man.”

She sighed frustratedly, acknowledging her colleague was right; security was the wrong place for a mystery man, and she didn’t argue further, “Oh…I suppose you’re right, I guess it’s not such a good idea, but I do feel bad for him and I wanted to help him find something.”

Realizing she would bristle at the last comment he planned to make, as her friend and colleague, Neil felt compelled to warn her regardless of her initial response, “Marlena, I know you like to trust people and to help them out whenever you see a need, but I think you should… steer clear of him.”

Marlena reacted just the way he thought she would, voicing her intention to do the opposite, and quite firmly so, “No… Neil. You and I both know that something terrible must have happened to him to make him so frightened. Maybe, it’s been locked up tight in his subconscious mind and when he woke up in a strange place, the aftereffects of the trauma were right there for a little while. Once he left here and started to regain his equilibrium, the fear subsided and whatever it was that caused it was buried again. Neil, I’m a psychiatrist, it’s my job to help people like him…. remember?” she challenged.

Still concerned for her safety, Neil conceeded her point, in some ways, “Okay… so help him. I’m sure there are any number of other things around here or around town he can do that aren’t so.. sensitive and vital in terms of being able to trust him. Then, once we get to know and trust him… who knows.”

He was making so much sense and she was glad for his detachment, “Good point, Neil… I’ll do some checking around. Thank you for your objectivity.”

“You’re welcome and Marlena…. please.. be careful. We have no idea who this man is. If you really want to treat him, please make it official.. take him on your caseload as a patient.”

She was touched by his protective attitude toward her, but had to remind him of what the man had risked for her, “Oh.. Neil.. yes we do know something about him, something important; he’s the one who saved me, He fought with the man who attacked me, even though he was probably very frightened. You know he won’t come to me as an official patient; he’s running scared and he doesn’t trust people easily. I’m going to have to take it very slowly with him, but thank you for your concern. I’ll see you later, Neil.. now say goodbye, Dr. Evans,” she teased….. That was where the scene ended; the words faded, but the cautionary tone lingered.

After Tom Horton headed off to security to check out the job description for the Chief position, they spoke about their John Doe patient from the other day. Neil had his suspicions, but didn’t voice them. All he could do was shake his head and smile at her enthusiasm and eagerness to help a total stranger, knowing full well that the first thing she was going to do was go off in search of the handsome young man. “Goodbye Dr. Evans…I hope you find him. When you do.. tell him I still want to run those tests, allright?”

“Why certainly, Dr. Curtis… I will do that, but don’t count on him agreeing to it. When I mentioned the word test, his whole body started shaking. He was so anxious about it.. I’m telling you.. some horrible things were done to that man, probably things he can’t consciously remember right now. Whatever it was, there are some moments when he’s so frightened that he withdraws completely into himself and won’t even speak.”

The two doctors whirled around at the sound of someone entering the lounge. The new arrival wasted no time on social graces before beginning to speak. “And others when he’s so tough that he can beat the hell out of some guy at least twice his size without a moment’s hesitation,” said a deeper voice that was filled with concern for a friend, one pretty lady whom Abe believed was about to become involved with a mystery man. Marlena… Just where is our John Doe.. this morning? I want to talk to him.” asked her friend Abraham Carver.

Taking the hint, Neil took the opportunity to exit the scene, reminding her, “Marlena.. just think about what I said, please.”

“Yes.. Neil, I will, but try not to worry so much, I can take care of myself.”

Neil only nodded and smiled, admiring her strength and determination. “I know,” he finally said out loud, just before he turned and walked away.

Abe watched the other man go, and then turned back toward Marlena, saying, “So… where is he? Do you know where he went last night.. have you heard from him?”

She was concerned for John because of Abe’s demeanor and was hesitant to answer with the full truth, “No, I don’t, I was.. thinking of.. checking.. oh, never mind, Abe… on second thought, I think I’ll just wait for him to come see me. I believe he was starting to trust me, and if so, he’ll come looking for my help, eventually.” She tried to sound casual and somewhat disinterested, so that her friend would leave it alone, but he wasn’t buying it; she could see that much in his dark brown eyes. Abe wanted to speak with the man, no… it was more like he wanted to interogate her rescuer because his imagination was in overdrive and he was concerned about Marlena taking John Doe on as a patient. As Abe spoke to her, she was thanking the stars above, saying, ‘Well, at least no one else besides Maggie and Abe know who it was that rescued me. Neil’s never seen his face and neither have any of the other nurses or aides who were on duty when he was first brought in to the ER.

Reaching out for her forearm as she took a step away from him, Abe confronted her gently, “Oh, no you don’t Marlena… you’re not getting off that easily. I don’t believe for a second that you’re just going to sit back and wait for him to come around. Your psychiatrist radar is operating at full capacity and you want to help him. You’re hooked by the intriguing enigma of our mystery man hero.. aren’t you?”

She denied it, laboring to keep her tone casual and noncommital, “No…that’s not it at all, I just think he’s been hurt by someone and I would like to treat him, if he’s willing. He saved me from being raped last night, and now it’s my turn to help him, Abe.. that’s all there is to it. I’m not *hooked* the way you’re implying.”

“Umm hmm.. so then why don’t you tell me where you thought to look, before you stopped short, obviously not wanting to say it in front of me?”

“I didn’t do that… I.. changed my mind. It’s my prerogative, isn’t it?”

Lieutenant Carver sighed with a hint of irritation, “I suppose so… Allright, Marlena… I’ll let this go, but if you talk to him, let him know I have a couple more questions for him, like his name… you know his real name? All we have is John Doe and that’s not good enough for an eyewitness statement.” Resigned to the fact that he wasn’t going to change her mind, he decided to go ahead and pursue his investigation from an entirely different angle and said, “Oh.. that reminds me, I need to go in your office and look for something that I think I left behind last night. Would that be allright with you?”

Unsuspecting, she said pleasantly, “Sure.. it’s open, Abe.. go ahead, but what do you think you left there? I didn’t see anything sitting around this morning.”

Quick on his feet, Abe answered, “Uh… I dropped a pin that some of the guys in the department gave me for my last anniversary on the force and it means a lot. I was going to just take a look around, if that’s okay with you.”

“Sure.. please do, Abe. I have to go back down to the ER and take a referral and then I have an errand to run. I’ll see you later. I hope you find the pin.”

He didn’t say anything further, but smiled lightly and nodded to acknowledge her comments. Then, he turned and quickly went to her office, telling the secretary, who knew him well, the same thing he had just said to Marlena. Once inside the room, he glanced around quickly, looking for anything that would work, and then he spied it. The glass he had seen the man drinking from. “Perfect.. just perfect,” he said to himself,” as he took out the evidence bag and began to place the glass inside it.

“Just what do you think you’re doing, Abe!” Marlena asked loudly, having returned to the office once she realized she had forgotten the miniature tape recorder she used for dictation purposes. Watching him jump at the sound of her voice, brought a satisfied smile to her face. He was so startled that he dropped the glass which shattered into hundreds of tiny fragments when it hit the floor, totally worthless for the purpose which he had intended to use it. “Nothing… now…” he said, looking down with a heavy sigh, having recovered from the shock.

She stepped around to face him, saying sharply, “Good… because I don’t like you lying to me like that, Abe Carver. Now would you please leave my office, Lieutenant? Next time you’d like to search it, I’ll expect to see a warrant first.” Marlena gestured toward the door, indicating that she wanted him to leave immediately.

Stifling a laugh, he said respectfully, “Yes ma’am.” Then, with no further comment, he stepped past her and out into the corridor, feeling her penetrating gaze even with his back turned. His opportunity to find out about the stranger in town without anyone knowing what he was up to was gone now, and he was more than frustrated with having been caught in the act by the person he was trying to watch over. ‘Damn… that was my best chance to check him out without making her think I was being overprotective. Now what am I going to do to keep her safe?’ Peering toward the heavens as he walked down the hallway toward the exit, Abe said apologetically, “I’m sorry, Roman… I messed this one up, but I’ll find a way to get the goods on this guy, whoever he is, and I *will* find out why he’s here. And, if he means her any harm, he’ll regret the day he ever set foot in Salem.’