Now he just had to do his best to determine what sort of neurological damage he may have been suffering from, not that he'd know what do to if there were anything really wrong with him. Besides the danger of the sunlight outside, there was the minor problem with trying to explain to the ER staff about Jacob's other 'condition.'

Markus: "Do you know your name?"
Jacob: "Jacob Carl Towans."
Markus: "Do you know where you are?"
Jacob: "In Emily's bed. I'm going to turn the lights off, they're really bright."
Markus: "Don't move, Jacob. We'll turn them off for you in a minute. What's your address?"
Jacob: "I live next door."

Markus: "Are you in any pain right now?"
Jacob: "Just from the lights."
Markus: "Anything else? Does your head hurt at all?"
Jacob: "A little. I'm very tired."
Markus: "You've been through quite a bit, I'm not surprised. Any dizziness, disorientation?"
Jacob: "Not really."
Markus: "That's good. Do you have any ringing in your ears?"
Jacob: "No."

Markus was surprised by Jacob's continuing cooperation. He gave the impression of someone who was used to being asked long series of questions, someone who had learned long ago that these things were over faster when you cooperated.

Markus: "I need to talk to Emily now; I want you to try to get some rest. I don't want you getting out of that bed. If you need anything, just holler; we'll be right downstairs."

Jacob's eyes were already closed before Markus finished talking. He seemed exhausted, but otherwise nowhere near as bad as expected.

Markus turned the lights out and followed Emily downstairs into the living room.

Emily: "He told me Tristan did it."
Markus: "Tristan? That's… Actually, you know, not much surprises me these days. I swear I'm living in an institution."
Emily: "Apparently he went to check out a group of vampires earlier and ran into our friend Chris, who was more than happy to give him a free sample of some sort of vampire Methamphetamine. I still can't believe he'd do something so completely animalistic."
Markus: "Humans are animals. I've seen people do a lot worse under the influence. Considering how strong Tristan is, I'm surprised he didn't kill him outright."

Emily: "Do you think Jacob will be ok?"
Markus: "I'm not exactly an expert on vampires, but he should fully recover fairly quickly. He probably has a concussion, but thankfully it looks like most of the blows missed his head completely."
Emily: "I'll take whatever good news I can get."
Markus: "Someone will have to keep an eye on him today, just to make sure there aren't any complications. And I can tell by the way you're looking at me that you've already volunteered me for the job."

Emily: "You're the best person to do it, especially since you have all sorts of medical training. I still need to find Tristan."
Markus: "Is that such a good idea?"
Emily: "I already had this discussion with James, so if you want a recap of it just give him a call. I can't waste anymore time, it's been daylight for hours now."
Markus: "Maybe you should take Mary with you. Where is she, anyway?"

Emily: "I guess she's still at work. She should be home soon enough I imagine. When she gets here can you fill her in on what's going on?"
Markus: "You want me to tell her you've stashed a vampire in your bedroom?"
Emily: "She respects you, if she kills you it'll be a quick and painless death. Me? She considers me family and therefore subject to the worst possible tortures. Think of the pain you'll be saving me from."
Markus: "I'm sure it'll be a great comfort to me in my dying moments. Good luck finding Tristan. And please don't be stupid. If he seems at all dangerous, get as far away as possible and give me a call."
Emily: "Thanks, Markus. For everything."
Markus: "You owe me."

Markus watched Emily running out the front door and into the morning sun. It was a bittersweet vision, a seemingly mundane image he would remember for years. He slowly closed the door behind her and headed back up to her bedroom to check on his new charge.

Markus: "Hey, wake up kiddo."

Markus waited nervously as Jacob continued to lie perfectly still in the near-total darkness of the room. For a fleeting moment he couldn't tell if he was even breathing or not and wondered if his injuries had been far more severe than he'd first thought. When the boy's eyes shot open, Markus was sure his own heart was going to give out from shock.

Jacob: "What do you want?"
Markus: "Do you know your name?"
Jacob: "I can write it down if you keep forgetting."
Markus: "I see you're feeling well enough to joke around."
Jacob: "I wasn't trying to be funny, I just want to sleep."

Markus: "And I just want to make sure you're all right."
Jacob: "Why?"
Markus: "Because Emily asked me to, and it's the right thing to do."

Markus shifted uncomfortably as Jacob fell silent, yet continued to study him curiously.

Markus: "Do you want me to let your family know you're all right?"
Jacob: "Aunt Lois won't notice I'm gone."
Markus: "I'm sure that's not true."
Jacob: "She suffers from dementia."
Markus: "Do you take care of her?"

Jacob once again went quiet, his eyes closing this time. Markus was relieved to no longer be under the boy's scrutinizing gaze. He stood up slowly on the off chance that he'd get some sort of response, but the only reply he got was a deep and shuddering sigh.

Markus: "Right. Get some sleep then. I'll have to come back up and check in on you again in an hour."

After easing the door to Emily's bedroom closed, he quickly checked his watch. After a moment's consideration, he headed for the corner store to buy a six-pack to help appease Mary. After another moment's consideration he decided to make it a twelve-pack.