With a soft look on your face, you approached the gurney on which Bell was laying.

He was drenched in sweat, his limbs were shaking.

"Bell.", you grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat.

But Woods held you back.

"Be careful.", he whispered in a low voice, so nobody could hear.

Gently, you freed yourself from his grip.

"I know what I'm doing.", you smiled.

"And I've never questioned your abilities. But he's potential danger. Even if it's about your pride and pissing Adler off, don't do things that aren't logical to do."

A huff escaped you.

"I've fucked you again.", you joked. "That wasn't logical either."

He smirked.

"But long overdue. Jokes aside. Don't be disappointed if this is a dead end."

"I won't.", your eyes jumped over his shoulder, just in time to catch a glimpse at Mason's confused face. "Someone is getting suspicious. You should go."

Frank glanced at his friend.

"Shit... guess I've got some explaining to do.", he smirked, gave your hand a gentle squeeze and left.

Your eyes followed him, how he returned to Mason's side and wrapped his arm around his neck to make sure he would burst out what he was speculating.

With a slim smirk on your lips, you turned to Bell.

His eyes were twisted in pain. His mask and clothes were starting to get drenched.

A shaky breath escaped his lips as the cold towel stroked his glowing skin. His fingers twitched.

"Where- where the fuck am I?", he gasped, eyes rolling back and focusing again.

You let out a deep breath.

"How do you feel?", you asked.

His face twisted.

"Quit bullshitting around!", he slapped your hand away. "Who am I?!"

Raising both hands in the air to show him you weren't a threat, you took a step back.

"Bell.", you said.

He shook his head.

"No, no that's not my name.", he tried to get up but the leather cuffs held him down. "My name... what's- what's my name?"

With a sad expression, you shook your head.

"I don't know."

"How do you not?!"

"Because Adler didn't tell."

"Fuck him!"

"Yes...", you took a deep breath in. "I know you're upset and I respect that. Bell, that's the name that I'll call you, if that's alright."

He squeezed his eyes shut and let out a deep breath.

"Why...", he groaned, twisting in pain and exhaustion. "Why are you so nice?"

"Because that's what I'm here for."

He let out a bitter huff.

"Right... I remember. Your job is to make people talk. I thought you'd do torture or something."

"Yes and no. But I don't think I need to torture you."

"I won't say shit."

You sighed.

"I fear that's not an option."

"I'd rather die.", he growled and tried to free himself again.

You watched his posture.

He was tense, but not in a threatening way. He was just trying to survive. He wasn't a threat to anyones safety.

You turned to the glass window to tap it with two fingers.

Sims peaked through the door.

"Giving up already?", he asked as a joke but sounded a lot less enthusiastic than usually.

With your lips pressed into a thin line, you shook your head.

"Take everything out the room that could be used as a weapon and lock the door.", you said.

He frowned.

"What are you planning?"

"Just trust me. And do me a favour. I need to talk to Mason."

He let out a deep breath and shook his head but did it anyways.

"Are you insane?", Mason asked, eyebrows knitted together as he watched how Sims emptied the room.

Displeased, you shrugged.

"I know it's risky.", you admitted. "But he needs to know I'm a person of trust. Right now, Adler's the bad guy. But if Bell keeps trusting me, I'll be the good one."

Mason nodded.

"Alright, I get that part. What do I do?"

A slim smile appeared on your face.

"Keep Adler as far away from me as you can.", you asked him. "Please. If he sees what I'm planning he'll let hell loose."

Surprised, Mason let out a huff.

"Not Woods?", he asked with a smug grin.

You pulled a face.

"Don't say things you'll regret later.", you warned him with a raised finger. "He's still annoying."

"But not as much as he used to be?"

"Alex!"

He shrugged.

"Fine, I'll take care of Adler. But be careful. The brainwash might still be active. And if it's not, he'll be very good at hiding it."

Understanding, you nodded.

"Thanks, Alex.", you gave him a gentle hit to the shoulder. "I never told you I appreciate you being in my life."

He pulled a face.

"Don't get soft.", he said in a sarcastic manner. "And don't tell Woods."

With an annoyed sound and a shake of your head, you pulled a face.

"Quit saying that.", you mumbled. "It's not like we're getting married."

He grinned.

"But you two seem better now."

"Hm. We are. Maybe... maybe we can get along again."

"I case you're planning on getting married, I insist on being the best man."

"Easy, cowboy. Tell the old man that."

"Oh, he won't like the idea."

"Exactly.", you winked. "Now if you excuse me. I've got Bell to entertain."

As you turned around, your eyes met Sims'.

He gently shook his head.

"You shouldn't.", he insisted and grabbed your arm to make you reconsider. "He's not calm."

For a moment, you hesitated. Your gaze fell onto Bell.

He was still struggling, but his posture was softer now. He was slowly starting to calm down.

"Lock the door from the outside.", you said to Sims. "And please help Mason to keep Adler off my ass."

Struggling with the decision, he let loose but didn't want to let you go yet.

"How long do you need?", he asked.

"I'm not sure."

"No one here is sure anymore. Not even the doc."

"This isn't easy."

"I'm not asking easy. I'm asking time."

"A few hours, maybe."

"I can keep Adler busy for a few hours max."

"It'll be enough."

Sims let go of you.

"You should.", he said and turned away.