“Twenty-four billion light years,” Brett said. “Give or take five minutes.”
Thea’s eyes widened and her chest hitched. “What do you mean?”
I strode over, anger running hot in my veins. “It’s been two years, M-M-Miss Hughes,” I said quickly. “T-T-Two years and the doctors are working on your case.”
Thea’s gaze darted between the two strange men in her space.
I wheeled on Brett and hissed, “What are you d-d-doing?”
“I had to see it with my own eyes. Dude, it’s nuts. Check this out.” He turned to Thea and pointed at his nametag and said slowly, as if she were dumb, “I’m Brett.”
“Hi,” she said, not offering her hand. “I’m Thea Hughes.”
“Brett Favre,” he said. “Ever heard of me? I used to play for the Packers. Two Super Bowl titles. I’m retired now—”
I grabbed his arm and yanked him out of the chair. “Wh-What the f-f-fuck?”
“What?” Brett laughed as he staggered back. “What’s your deal man? She’s not gonna remember. They told me all about her… what’s it called? Her reset. I thought it was a joke—”
I gave him another rough shove. “She’s not a j-j-joke. And you can’t talk to her like that.”
I wasn’t much taller or bigger than him, but I put on the suit of armor that made the bullies leave me alone in high school. Standing tall, feet planted, still as stone. I was ready for a fight, but Brett’s expression instantly turned remorseful.
“Shit, hey, I’m sorry, man. I didn’t realize it was such a big deal.”
My fists unclenched and I studied his face, looking for sincerity or bullshit. “It’s a big deal that you don’t f-f-fuck with her.”
“I’m sorry, really,” he said, and then jerked his chin over my shoulder. “Damn, I think she’s in trouble.”
I looked back. Thea sat ramrod straight, the absence seizure clamping her like a vise. Frozen except for her hands that twitched on the table, the pen clattering.
Inhale. Exhale. I wheeled back around to Brett and concentrated every ounce of mental will I had to enunciate the words, “Get the fuck away from her.”
“Woah, be cool, man. Honest mistake.” He held up his hands and walked backward toward the door. “Won’t happen again.”
I had no clue if I could believe him or not. I wasn’t good at “reading people.” I stared him down until he was out of the rec room, then hurried to kneel beside Thea.
“Hey,” I said gently.
She looked at me fearfully, her breath coming in short gasps. “How long has it been?” she whispered.
“Two years,” I said. “The doctors are working on your case. They’re going to figure it out.”
And if they’re not, I’m going to make them.
She nodded and sucked in a few deep breaths. “I’ve been away. But I’m back now.”
“I’m glad you came back,” I said.
A slow smile broke over her face, like a sunrise. “You’re the first person I’ve seen.” She offered her hand, her voice strengthening. “I’m Thea Hughes.”
“Hi, Thea. I’m Jimmy.”
Her friendly expression was back. “Jimmy,” she said. “That name fits you. You have kind eyes.”
I smiled. “So I’ve been told.”
I found Alonzo outside on a bench, smoking a cigarette.
He held up his hands. “I know, I know. I heard everything. Brett apologized. He couldn’t believe Miss Hughes’ situation and took it too far. It won’t happen again.”
“You’re not going to f-f-fire him?”
Alonzo’s eyes widened slightly, and humiliation crawled over my skin like red ants, making my face burn. The goddamn stutter stealing away any authority or clout I might have had.
“I thought Delia was just being rude the other day,” Alonzo said, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it. “You could have told me.”
I stiffened. “I don’t tell anyone. Why would I?”
Alonzo watched me almost sadly a moment, then waved a hand. “Never mind. Brett’s on notice. Any more antics and he’s out of here.” He gave me a dark look. “I heard you got pretty rough with him.”
My chin lifted. “Thea had a seizure.”
“Christ.” Alonzo blew smoke out. “Look, I’m getting old and I’m tired. We need Dodson. I’ll put him on the night shift for a few weeks where he can’t talk to anyone, how’s that?”
I crossed my arms.
Alonzo sat up and jabbed the two fingers holding the cigarette in my direction. “Don’t give me that look, Whelan. I’m this close to putting you on the night shift too, you got me? Brett was out of line but so were you. You can’t be getting in pissing matches over Miss Hughes. It’s unprofessional, for starters. Moreover, she’s not yours.”