Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:06:45 -0500
From: Paul Tolbert <jatonblue@gmail.com>
Subject: The Unit: Dream Catcher - 8

Chapter 7 -- Sleep Patterns

Dave slept quite soundly throughout the night despite the light
thunderstorm during the later hours and promptly woke up early in the
morning for the new business day. He did his usual routine of taking a
quick shower, donning on his pre-chosen outfit for the day and shoving a
toasted bagel with a large glass of orange juice down his throat before
heading out the door. Dave made a quick stop by the dry cleaners to drop
off some suits for much needed cleaning after neglecting them for the past
few weeks and headed to the Kelencine building.

When he arrived at the Dollhouse, passing the required security checks and
heading underground to the secret fortress, he was greeted by his friends
and fellow colleagues Priya Tsetsang and Anthony Ceccoli, Priya's boyfriend
and a fellow Active of The Unit.

"Hey Dave!" Anthony said excitedly after spotting Dave quietly exiting the
elevator. He walked over beaming and gave the agent a light, friendly hug.

"Hey Tony." Dave replied smiling.

Dave and Anthony got along exceptionally well. They met one night while
Dave was working late at the Dollhouse. Anthony and Priya were heading home
when she introduced the two. Priya and Anthony have been at the Dollhouse
for almost 3 years and were currently in a stable relationship.

Anthony was a high-level empath who frequently sat in during interrogations
of suspects or persons of interest. His unique skills were used to detect
any unusual or false information given by the suspects based on their
varying emotional responses.

Dave and Anthony had quite a few things in common and he was easy to talk
to. Sometimes Dave, Lincoln, Priya and Anthony would have dinner at
Lincoln's house after work. Dave liked to consider the dinners somewhat of
a 'Double Date', even though he and Lincoln weren't in a relationship. John
would frequently join the 4, something Dave didn't like quite so much.

Priya, a psychic sketch artist, was another friend that Dave seemed to grow
close to in the few months he'd been in The Unit. Every time that they
talked, Dave was always reminded about the picture that Priya drew one day
showing him and Lincoln in an interesting light based on a vision she
had. He kept the sketch in his wallet and looked at it every night. He was
absolutely mesmerized by it. The picture was pure in its intent and
message. He wasn't sure of what feelings they were sharing in the sketch,
but he had his heart focused on the fact that the image showed their true
feelings for each other. He hoped that one day he could make that image
come true. He wasn't sure of the possibility due to the fact that Lincoln
and John's relationship seemed pretty solid but he couldn't deny the fact
that Priya had the vision and drew the sketch. He hadn't talked to her
about the picture, but he did wonder what she thought about it. He wanted
to know if she knew that Dave had feelings for Lincoln. Dave was a private
person and kept his feelings to himself, but as the days continue to go by,
it's becoming harder and harder for him to keep suppressing his desire for
his partner.

Anthony, Priya and Dave engaged in a light chat before he headed towards
Lincoln's office.

"Talk to ya later Davey boy."

"Don't call me that Tony baby." Dave said chuckling.

"Ah cute Dave. VERY cute." Tony rolled his eyes and headed to the situation
room with Priya to be briefed on a case that they were just assigned.

Dave smiled and walked to Lincoln's office. He was a few yards away when he
was stopped by Topher Brink.

"Hello David." Topher said curtly and detached. Dave narrowed his eyes for
a moment, but then backed off after remembering what Dr. Walsh talked to
him about during his previous session. Even though Topher annoyed the hell
out of him, he was genuinely sorry for the incident that happened between
them and wanted to make it up.

"Topher I--"

"Stop. I don't need to hear ANYTHING you have to say. I mean why should I?
Clearly you are a danger to those around you. You have real anger issues
and I think you need to address them. Avoidance clearly isn't the answer in
my honest opinion. You'll just become more and more dangerous as time goes
by, to put it simply."

Dave swallowed and sighed.

"Topher, listen to me. I--"

"It's not like you haven't lost your temper before right? I mean look at
that Thompson case you and Lincoln worked on after you decided to stay at
The Unit. You nearly beat the guy while trying to collar him! And don't get
me started on Mark Hanson. You were ready to rip his head off after what he
almost did to Lincoln. You're a mad man Dave, a freaking psycho."

Dave began to feel himself getting irate at the smaller man spewing toxic
rhetoric at him. He didn't like being talked down to like a 2nd class
citizen, especially by someone as puny and insignificant as Topher
Brink. He calmly took a deep breath and held in his boiling anger.

'Happy thoughts Dave. Just think happy thoughts.' He mumbled to
himself. "Listen Topher. I'm...ugh, I'm sorry for what happened between us
earlier. I--"

"Excuse? Was that an apology I just heard from you big, bad Agent Batista?
You're sorry? You're apologizing for your inappropriate behavior? You son
of a-"

"Shove it Topher!" Lincoln snapped as he came out of his office and walked
over to the two men standing in the narrow hallway. He pointed his eyes at
Topher, to which the eccentric man replied with a less intense stare of his
own.

"You know what your problem is Topher? You're an ass. A complete stuck up
jerk who likes to intimidate people with his intellect and knowledge. Guess
what genius, you're not all that. So pull your head out of your ass and get
to work. I believe you have a system to optimize? I'm still having e-mail
issues. That's your department isn't it? That's what I thought."

"I am a programmer, not some basic help desk technician!"

"Whatever loser. Bye now."

Lincoln smiled as a defeated and shamed Topher grunted and scurried back to
the fortress where he spent most of his time.

Lincoln quickly turned his attention to Dave, who smirked.

"You sure did put his ass in check huh?"

"Topher is like a puppy. You have to show him who's the pack leader once in
a while or else he'll try to take your position. Now moving right along..."

Lincoln turned around and walked to his office. Dave quietly
followed. Seeing Lincoln verbally man-handle Topher made him smile on the
inside. They began to talk about the Gabriel/Hunningbern case and the
recent developments they've stumbled upon.

Lincoln spoke. "I found out by digging through some of the files we missed
that Dr. Samuel Gupta was actively treating both Justin and Margie for
severe chronic Insomnia. They both showed signs of exhaustion and symptoms
from insomnia during the autopsy. So I suggest we go and interview this guy
and see what he has to say about all this."

"Agreed." Dave replied.

x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.

Dave and Lincoln headed out and drove to the Lansberg Sleep Center where
Dr. Gupta practiced, just a few miles from the Dollhouse. As they were
driving there, Lincoln was on his PDA doing some initial research on the
clinic as well as on Dr. Gupta himself.

"Apparently this guy is one of the best in his field of study. He is widely
renowned for his work with developing some sort of implant called the
"RSD-122" chip. It's implanted into the patient's head near the brain stem
to stimulate natural neurotransmitters that help promote sleep. It says
that the chip is currently in clinical trials with over 150 patients
participating in the trials. Hmm. I wonder..."

"Wonder what?" Dave inquired.

"What if Gabriel and Hunningbern had this chip implanted into their heads?
They might have been part of the clinical trial."

"But wouldn't you have found a chip implanted into their head during the
autopsy?"

"Well they clearly died of a heart attack. I didn't feel the need to do any
further examinations near the brain. I'll text Boyd to have someone check
for the implants now."

"OK good. We're almost there."

They drove a few minutes longer until they reached the clinic. It was a
huge, upscale independent practice located on the campus of Mercy General
Hospital, Los Angeles's 3rd largest hospital. Dave marveled at the beauty
of the site as he found a suitable parking space.

Both men got out of the vehicle and walked up to the main entrance. Dave
led the way, Lincoln closely following as they entered the building and
approached the reception desk where a busy-looking female greeted them.

"Welcome to the Lansberg Sleep Center how can I help you gentlemen?"

"My name is Dave Batista, I'm with the FBI. This is my partner
Mr. Burrios. We're here to speak to Dr. Samuel Gupta." Dave said showing
the receptionist his 'FBI' credentials.

"OK why don't you 2 have a seat right over there and I will check to see if
he is available."

"OK, thanks." Dave replied.

Dave and Lincoln took a seat near the large glass windows in the waiting
area. Lincoln sat next to a wooden lamp table full of magazines. He picked
up one and began reading. Dave sat next to him and sighed deeply, rubbing
his temples.

"Want one?" Lincoln asked handing him a Hunting magazine. Dave shook his
head. Lincoln shrugged and continued reading his Cooking magazine.

"I should cook this for John one day." He said pointing to a recipe for
Italian Lasagna. Dave just gave him a fake smile and looked down at his
feet, trying not to seem to put off by the comment.

"You OK Dave?" Lincoln asked concerned.

"Yeah I'm fine. I'm just--"

Dave was cut off by the receptionist walking over towards them. He quickly
turned his attention to her.

"Dr. Gupta is in a meeting with the hospital board right now. He'll be out
soon. I will let him know that you need to see him as soon as the meeting
is over."

"OK, thank you." Dave replied, thankful for the abrupt interruption. The
receptionist walked away and he quickly pulled out his phone, trying to
seem too busy to talk with his partner. He didn't like to talk to Lincoln
about John or the relationship Lincoln had with him. He wasn't interested
in hearing anything about how Lincoln & John were doing or how they were
going out on a date or ANYTHING regarding their sex life. Every time
Lincoln would try and bring up something to that effect, Dave would try and
find an excuse to discontinue the discussion or change the topic
instantaneously. He just felt uncomfortable listening to Lincoln talk about
how much he loved John when he himself had feelings for the younger man. He
often contemplated about telling Lincoln what happened between him and John
in the past that is the root of their issues with each other, but he knew
that the reason for telling him wouldn't be for Lincoln's own good, but out
of revenge and spite. John ruined his relationship with Heath, so Dave
would end up doing the same to his relationship with Lincoln. He didn't
want to hurt his partner, but he didn't like the idea of he and John being
together either. He didn't trust John and feared that he would break
Lincoln's heart one day. Dave wanted to prevent that from happening.

"Dave...?"

"I'm kinda busy Linc." Dave replied, avoiding any eye contact with the
younger man. Lincoln calmly placed his hand on Dave's massive forearm to
coax Dave to look at him.

"Are you sure there's nothing bothering you?"

"Yes, I'm sure OK? Just drop it." Dave said curtly. Lincoln was taken aback
and Dave instantly regretted what he just said.

Lincoln stayed silent for a few moments before throwing Dave a curveball.

"How do you feel about my relationship with John?"

"What?" Dave asked surprised nearly dropping his phone.

"I get the feeling you have a problem with it. I mean I already know you
have a problem with John so I guess it would make sense that you have an
issue with the fact that I'm dating him. I just want to know why, that's
all."

"Lincoln I don't have an issue with you and John dating, OK?"

"I don't believe you. I think you do have an issue with it and you just
won't tell me."

"What would it matter if I did have an issue with you and John being
together? You don't care what I think."

"Of course I do! You're my partner and friend. Hell, you saved my life,
more than once I might add. Your opinion matters to me Dave."

"But not in this case. If you had to choose me or John, you'd choose him in
a heartbeat." Dave's stomach began to churn.

"Why would I even have to choose Dave? What are you not telling me?"

Dave drew in a deep breath.

"Ask John Linc."

"I'M ASKING YOU! I want YOU to tell me. God you two act like
children. Neither of you will tell me what's the deal is with the both of
you. All you two say is 'Go ask him.' It's so very annoying to have to hear
that constantly!"

Dave sat silent for a few moments. He felt like he was being backed into a
corner. He didn't want to fight with Lincoln but his anger towards John was
about to take over him.

"Dave?"

"Linc please stop."

"Ugh. Fine. Whatever. I don't care anymore. I can't." Lincoln returned his
attention back towards his magazine and ignored Dave. Dave felt hurt.

"How well do you know him Linc?" Dave abruptly and calmly asked. Lincoln
closed his magazine and turned to a nervous Dave.

"I know him well enough." He said coldly.

Dave swallowed hard.

Lincoln continued. "I love John. I know that he loves me. That's all that
matters in my book."

"Do you trust him?"

Lincoln was slightly taken aback.

"Yes, yes I do. I don't have any reason NOT to trust him. Do I?"

As Dave was about to answer he was interrupted by the Receptionist.

"Dr. Gupta is ready to see you now."

Dave put on a fake smile and got up and walked over to the receptionist to
receive directions on where to find the doctor. Dave left a sour taste in
Lincoln's mouth when he questioned John's loyalty. He bottled up his
feelings for another day and followed Dave upstairs. Dave kept looking at
the small piece of paper with the tiny handwritten directions to
Dr. Gupta's office as he looked around at the building. He could feel
Lincoln's piercing eyes burning through him so he avoided looking back at
the shorter man. He felt completely guilty and upset at the conversation he
and Lincoln just had. He knew Lincoln was distressed and wanted to talk to
him further about his issues with John, but Dave wanted to avoid that
conversation at all costs. After a few minutes of walking patiently they
finally reached the office of the doctor. Dave swallowed and lightly
knocked on the door.

"Come in please." The man behind the door answered promptly. Dave opened
the door and they both walked inside.

"Hello there!" Dr. Gupta excitedly greeted the two men as he made his way
behind his desk to greet the gentlemen.

"Hello Dr. Gupta. I'm Special Agent Batista and this is..."

"Dr. Lincoln Burrios. Hello sir." Lincoln interrupted intentionally,
positing himself in front of Dave to greet the Doctor.

Dave was almost taken aback at what Lincoln just said but soon remembered
that Lincoln earned his Doctorate degree at the age of 22.

"Well hello to the both of you, especially you Dr. Burrios. I've heard much
about you. Your article in the L.A. Times last year about Microbial
Bio-Engineering and the effects it has on current medical procedures was a
delightful read. I'm also a huge fan of your father Dr. Walter Bishop's
work; truly a fascinating man. I was saddened to hear about his situation.

"Thank you Dr. I appreciate that."

Dave wondered what Dr. Gupta was referring to in regards to Lincoln's
father. He knew that Lincoln was adopted by Walter Bishop and his wife when
he was only one years old. His mother died when he was a teenager and he
didn't like to talk about his father at all. Dave quickly shook himself out
of thought and turned his attention to Dr. Gupta.

"Well anyways Dr. the reason we are here is because 2 of your patients,
Justin Gabriel and Margie Hunningbern. You were treating them for severe
insomnia correct?"

"Well I can't confirm that information, you should know that."

"Yes but you were treating Gabriel right?

"Yes. I remember the circumstances surrounding Justin's death. He murdered
a custodian worker 2 years ago right? That was an awful event."

"Yes it was." Lincoln chimed in.

"Anyways that was 2 years ago. However you mentioned the name of a current
patient, Margie. What does she have to do with that incident?"

"I never said she had anything to do with it..." Dave answered cautiously.

"Oh I just assumed since you brought up both their names, and one of them
is dead..."

"Actually Dr. Gupta, both of them are dead. Margie died earlier this
morning."

Dr. Gupta was in shock. He braced himself and walked slowly behind his desk
and sat down. He looked disoriented and loss, his eyes darting from side to
side rapidly. Dave carefully noted this.

"Dr.?"

"Hmm? Um yes. I'm OK." Dr. Gupta quickly answered, gathering himself.

"Both of your patients died in a particular, unusual manor." Lincoln said.

"Oh really? How so?" The Dr. asked curiously.

"They were both found dead shortly after murdering someone." Dave
answered. The Dr. further looked stressed. Dave was quickly becoming
suspicious of the slightly panicking man. He looked over to Lincoln to see
if he too had his suspicions, but he looked unbothered. He had his
attention on his PDA. Dave heard it vibrating in his pocket. Lincoln pulled
it out and checked the screen.

"I see...How can I help you two?"

"We'd like to see their medical records of course. Also anything you can
tell us about your clinical trials that they were participating in would be
nice." Lincoln answered.

"You have to understand that data is private. It pertains to Doctor/Patient
confidentiality."

"That confidentiality doesn't apply to dead patients." Dave answered
callously. "Besides, we can get a court order--"

"No, no. That's not necessary. I'll have the files transferred over to
you. I'll have to go through the hospital board before then."

"I thought this was an independent clinic." Said Lincoln.

"Not anymore. The hospital bought us out. That's why I was in a meeting
earlier with them."

"What can you tell us about the RSD-122 chip Dr.?" Lincoln asked.

"That data is confidential. You'll have to get special approval from the
board--"

"OK. Got it." Lincoln replied shortly.

"Well have the documents sent over to the FBI's office, will you?" Dave
asked.

"Sure thing Agent Batista. I'll be sure to do that."

"Excellent. Thank you for your time Dr." Lincoln walked over to shake his
hand. Dr. Gupta forced himself to stand up and return the gesture. Lincoln
smiled and walked out the room. Dave stood there staring at the Dr. for a
few seconds before following suit.

As soon as the men left the office and closed the door behind them, the
doctor exhaled deeply and loosened up his tie.

"Oh dear..." Dr. Gupta whispered under his breath.

x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x

Dave and Lincoln exited the building and walked over to their vehicle.
After they both got inside, Dave turned to Lincoln.

"So did you get any visions or what?" he asked. Lincoln ignored him,
staring outside the window with a stern look on his face. Dave sighed
disappointedly and started the vehicle. They drove off the hospital campus
and headed back to the dollhouse.

...