Truth and Perception

Quinn read over the nightly report and thought to himself. Tolvin usually gave him a synopsis on this thing. He was not used to needing to read it himself. As he finished it, he looked up at the young guard that had brought it to him.

"Where is Tolvin?"

"Um....Mr. Quinn....he was still resting with Miss Petrakis. Should I go get him?"

"That might be a good idea since I asked for him, yes?"

"Right...um....I'll be right back, Sir..."

He watched as the man literally ran down the hall and could not help but chuckle. t was so unlike Tolvin to miss his morning duties...and then there was this notice of all guards called last night...but no explanation. He needed to know what had happened,and he would. He leaned back, sipping some black coffee. Never again would he drink like that. Never again...

Tolvin kissed Rochelle's cheek softly and smiled. She had stayed with him all morning. He heard a knock and call for the person to enter, covering Rochelle with the sheet.

"Yes?"

"Um...Mr. Quinn is asking for you. He sent me to..."

Tolvin waved his stuttering off and looked at the clock. He rolled his eyes when he saw how late it was. He had missed the morning reports. He slid his legs out from the bed, wincing at the movement. He pushed to his feet, covering Rochelle with the blanket to keep her warm. He turned back to see the young guard still standing there.

"Is it your intent to watch me shower as well?"

"No Sir....of course not Sir."

"Then get out. Tell him I will be there shortly."

He watched the color drain from the man's face as he quickly backed out the door. Tolvin grabbed a quick shower, fighting through the pain in his ribs and got dressed, then walked down the hall to Mr. Quinn's office.

"You called, Sir? I am sorry about the meeting. It was a bit of a rough night."

"You called, Sir? I am sorry about the meeting. It was a bit of a rough night."

He looked up from the reports and smiled until he saw Tolvin favoring his side. He motioned him forward, holding the reports out to him on that side and watching him wince as he reached to take them. He set the reports on his desk and looked directly at Tolvin.

"Old friend, you seem to have had a bad night. What did the medic say? Actually...never mind that. I know you didn't go see him because I would have a report on it here. What I have to wonder is why...why would the head of my security get hurt and not go get checked out in the infirmary?"

"Yes...well....I didn't want to wake him, Sir. It is nothing a little first aid and some TLC could not take care of."

He looked over the cuts on Tolvin's face and slowly started to put two and two together. He looked at the log report again.

"It seems last night, about one this morning, there was a disturbance that called for all guards to the scene but there is no report for what happened. Care to explain?"

"Well sir....nightmares are a veritable prerequisite in this house, and you know how deep they can take you. I promise you I didn't hurt any guards this time..."

Quinn could see he was lying...but the more important thing was why....who would he lie for? He sighed and shook his head.

"Well now....since you are currently less then top shape, I want you to maintain the security rooms until those ribs you are favoring heal up. You will not be doing patrols and you will not be responding to action calls until the medical staff says you are up to par. I might let you escort me if needed, but you should remember to dress casual because you will be spending a lot of time in that room. That is...unless you feel like telling me the truth..."

Quinn left the rest hanging, wondering who could elicit a promise of silence and even a lie from Tolvin. This had him very curious...

He hated lying to Mr. Quinn but he had promised Miss Sevti. Rochelle had figured it out, so that was not a breech of trust, but Mr. Quinn was another matter. He had seen how proud the woman was most of the time, and she seemed afraid to show the weakness the nightmares brought about. He heard his sentence announced and sighed. This was going to be a very long penance.

"As you wish, Mr. Quinn. I will see medical and then get to work."

"As you wish, Mr. Quinn. I will see medical and then get to work."


"No...Tolvin...you won't. See medical and return to Miss Petrakis."

He smirked at the surprised look on Tolvin's face.

"My friend, do you really think nobody noticed? Have the medic check you over and take the day off to recuperate. Once tomorrow comes, you will man that security chair until you feel like telling me the truth of what happened."

He felt the blush creeping into his face.

"I'm sorry if you were inconvenienced, Sir. I will try to be more discreet in the future."

He heard Quinn laugh and looked up.

"Tolvin, you are the soul of subtlety but you still don't get it. I am happy for you. Go get checked out and take the time to get to know her more. Did you think that nobody noticed the difference when you two came back from Shreveport?"

"Of course, Sir. If there is nothing else...I believe I have an appointment in medical."

He could feel his face flaming red as he left the room, Mr. Quinn's laughter following him out.