"You've had such a busy day," he said, somewhat aware of how patronizing that sounded. It wasn't Chilton's intention -- and rare was such an occasion, when he didn't pointedly poke at other people's psyches. But Connors had cemented himself as special to Chilton. Invaluable.

"I'll have your new prescription ready, the next time we meet," he promised. Now that he knew what he needed to improve upon, with regards to the containment center, Chilton needed Connors in control and healthy.

Until the next time he could lure his patient into the basement, of course.