Having a late supper, in a public house around the corner from the baths, the two young men chatted about bath houses and their origins in Turkey.
"I must say, that was indeed an exhilarating experience; I never imagined a hot pool or at such a size." Warren finished his cottage pie, washing it down with the last of his warm ale. "Do they have those...where you come from?" He wasn't sure if he should ask Jack personal questions, but he was terribly curious.
"There are natural hot springs, in some areas; it's all outside and anyone can use it." Jack looked at his companion, who had a shocked expression. Smiling, but refraining from his urge to chuckle, he finished his ale. "Our society has progressed, as will yours, to points which are vastly different in views and moral judgements." He got up and ordered another round.
The bar maid took their dishes, smiling at Warren. "Any 'ting else, you be want'in?" She said with a knowing look. An attractive brunette with a pert smile.
"No, that was indeed a fine meal; thank you kindly." Warren smiled at the buxom girl.
She bristled when Jack returned to the small table, tucked back in an alcove. She didn't like the eye patch, it made him appear sinister somehow.
He ignored her reaction, it was all too common an occurrence. Watching her swish away, back to the kitchen, Jack let out a sigh. "Will you take her up on the offer?" He was aware that his new friend may have need of companionship and this might be the only opportunity for awhile.
"I beg your pardon?" Warren was a little embarrassed.
In a lower voice, Jack leaned across the table, "You should consider availing yourself of her 'personal' services...you look like you could use some further mind-body therapy."
Warren's face went slightly pink. He had gotten a bit excited during the massage; he'd never had anyone touch him all over like that. Coughing, he chugs part of his fresh ale. "I'm fine and your concern is appreciated...I'd prefer we changed the course of conversation." Warren wouldn't make eye contact with Jack.
"No worries old man...another opportunity may arise. We have a lot of back breaking work to do, so drink up." Jack was grinning; he just couldn't resist teasing his shy friend.
Jack and Warren decide to get a massage since they both have had a rough few weeks and the last encounter, with Norman, was physically damaging.
By the time they left the masseur tables, more patrons had arrived and the pool was now full of swimmers; sitting for a while, the pair watched the frolicking, carefree men,discussing the next steps of their current adventure.
"There is a hotel not far, which should make a good base of operations, at least until we can pick up a trace of their entry point into this time line." Jack was so used to this routine, he forgot Warren had no idea what was going on.
"I don't wish to appear dense, but I find this all rather perplexing." Warren smiled and wondered just how much Jack was going to explain, if any.
"Right. This isn't private enough; let's get dressed and have a meal." Jack looked at his companion. 'I should have left him in 1880.'
Dr. Jeykell looked at Norman in surprise. "It seems you have me at a disadvantage once again sir." Regaining his expression of a kindly and sympathetic man, he sips his coffee.
"Why do you believe I am experimenting with minds or the soul for that matter?" We have proven treatments to help those in our care and the ones, which, are not responding to treatments, are looked after." His eyes narrowed as he watched his two companions.
Norman realized this was not going to be as 'simple' as he had presumed and attempted to back track.
"I beg your pardon Doctor. From what I have read and information gathered, in my research, your methods with the patients here border on the revolutionary.
I am extremely fascinated by your endeavors and simply wish to participate, should you be so inclined and if you were to find an assistant useful." Norman smiled and carefully leaned back in his chair, trying to create an openness to his demeanor.
Grace took advantage of the silent moment and addressed Dr. Jeykell. "We're here to help the woman we brought with us. She needs compassion and understanding." Her eyes moved to Norman for a moment and then back to the captivated Doctor. "I too, believe you have the skills and expertise to release her form the torment now possessing her." She meant what she said and her voice had a pleading quality.
Dr. Jeykell was taken by this woman and decided to consider both their statements. He couldn't risk bringing them into his secret experiments, unless he had further knowledge about them. Time would tell, if they could be trusted.
