Life went on, and John was still a prisoner. At meal times, the soldiers were easy with him, and when he claimed he undoubtedly had better quarters than any of them, he was rewarded with quite a good description of the army barracks he planned to raid. The only change was that he was continually watched when in his rooms, and he now knew exactly where each of the cameras were, though he tried not to show that he knew. He now knew, too, where the camera in Clare’s bedroom was, but didn’t dream of giving up his visits now. He knew she reported on him, and tried to ensure she’d have enough to report that she was thought valuable. He needed her. She never learned anything he wanted to keep quiet, though.
Nicki checked on him every morning before he was released from his room. The dressings were removed from most of his wounds, though she said that Isaac’s orders were that the one on his leg was to stay untouched. John shrugged and did as he was told, though it was a nuisance when he couldn’t go swimming or use the spa.
Isaac waited, wondering why it was taking so long. He would have expected a raging infection by day three. Instead, John stopped limping, and said that he thought it was cured. After a week, Isaac had Nicki take off the bandage and dressing, and report. Nicki didn’t know that the wound had been deliberately infected with some very nasty bacteria. She only said that it was completely healed, and threw away the dressing that seemed a lot cleaner than expected.
Isaac reported to Mark. Mark smiled and said, “To tell you the truth, I’m relieved. In all my career, it’s the worst thing that duty has called for.”
“We’re not going to try again then?” said Isaac.
Mark shook his head. “I haven’t been sleeping too well.”
Isaac nodded, “Me, neither.” And after a minute, he said, “It’s an indication of another difference, though, you realize. The leg should have been gangrenous by now. He must be very resistant.”
Mark said thoughtfully, “I wonder if he’ll get the flu that’s going around.”
Isaac shrugged. “Flu’s not like gangrene, we could make sure he’s exposed, and see what happens.”