“The other day,” begins Talden, “There was an extraordinary discovery with this particular patient here.” His arms are folded on his chest, and his face is beaming once more. “Whilst conducting our routine tests and scans on the patient, one of our doctors chanced upon an ever so small reaction to the word ‘curious’ when she happened to mention it in the patient’s presence.” Morgan could hear the excitement layered under his words. “Reaction how?” questions Mr. Sharp.

“Nothing major, unfortunately. At least, not outwardly. But our scanners picked up a speck of brain activity in response to that word. We’ve kept retrying with other keywords or phrases, but it seems that he will only acknowledge ‘curious’,” says the director, shaking his head. Morgan is puzzled, “That’s rather curious in and of itself.” “Indeed,” replies Talden. “So, we got in touch with his wife there,” Talden gestures towards the lady in the ward, who had finished reading the book and now just held her husband’s hand, staring lovingly at him with no sign of reciprocation. “After telling her about it, she recalled that he’d kept mumbling the word ‘curious’ over and over again when she found him, but she was so stricken with distress that it had completely slipped her mind at the time,” continues Talden.

“I know it’s not much to work on, detectives, but I thought that every little clue may very well help you in your endeavours,” suggests Talden. “And I’m grateful for it,” thanks Mr. Sharp, as Morgan finishes jotting down some notes. “If there are any more developments, let me know,” Mr. Sharp wraps up as he turns to leave. “We aren’t going to question the wife?”  asks Morgan, as he strides up beside Mr. Sharp, Talden Armstrong following suit after giving a few instructions to the incoming nurse. “She won’t give us anything we don’t already know,” came Mr. Sharp’s answer.

In the elevator once more, Talden soaks in another brief moment of sunlight before turning around and asking, “How is Ms. Chislev, by the way?” Somewhat confused, and wondering a little on what their relationship could possibly be, Morgan replies, “Wü? She’s alright, I guess. Nothing amiss, I’d say.” “Exhausted,” says Mr. Sharp. “Still?” says Talden, raising an eyebrow. “Perhaps it’ll take a few more years of getting used to. Or maybe she won’t get used to it at all,” he ponders. He quickly returns to his cheerful attitude, “But knowing her, I’m sure she’ll do just fine either way.” They exit the elevator as it arrives on the ground floor, with Talden taking just one last embrace of the day’s rays.

Walking back into the massive hall of the first floor, the three find their way back to the reception, Talden greeting the odd patient, visitor, or staff member along the way. “I thank you very much for your time on this lovely day, gentlemen,” he smiles, as they prepare to part ways. “Do come back again soon. You will always be welcome with open arms,” accompanying his gesture with a warm smile. “Much appreciated, Armstrong,” is Mr. Sharp’s heartfelt response.

Talden turns to Morgan, “Take care of Mr. Sharp, will you, Mr. Crow? He and I go a very long way back.” Morgan simply replies, “Sure. He’s always got my back, the least I could do is return the favour.” Talden smiles kindly. “A charming man with a heart of gold and a body of steel he may be, but he’s just as human as the rest of us. Especially given that his own fiancée is wrapped up in all of this.” Morgan raises his eyebrows in surprise. Before he can respond, Mr. Sharp interjects, “I’d be grateful if you didn’t divulge personal information, Armstrong.” He shoots a sharp glance at the director. Talden puts on an apologetic face, “I know, I know. I just think Mr. Crow here at least deserves to know what he’s getting himself into.” He pats Morgan on the shoulder but keeps his eyes on Mr. Sharp, “And to make sure you keep your cool.” He waves as he sees them off at the exit.