Disclaimer: I do not own Diagnosis Murder or any of the characters. They are owned by CBS and Viacom. I am not making any money just having fun. All Disclaimers Apply.

Author's note: This story is loosely based on an idea that a friend of mine had. Once again reality was thrown out the window, and I mean way out the window. However, I am restraining my imagination and not letting this be a Steve amnesia story.

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Lt. Sloan and Mr. Hyde

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Mark was in the doctors’ lounge looking at catalogues when Jesse and Amanda came in for a short break.

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“Hi Mark what’s with all the catalogues?”

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“Jess Steve’s birthday is coming up and I don’t know what to get him.”

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“Why not get him another prescription to the Smithsonian?”

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“Not this time Jess. This year I want to get Steve something I know that he’d like.”

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“So that’s why you have the table littered with catalogues?”

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“Yes Amanda only I have all these catalogues and I can’t come up with anything to get Steve.”

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“Mark this may be something that you haven’t considered.. Men hardly do but maybe you should try a gift consultant?”

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“A what?”

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“A gift consultant.”

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“They are people who help you select the right gift. You go to them describe the person that you are trying to find a gift for and they help you come up with the right gift.”

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“So that’s how you are always coming up with just the right gift!”

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“Yes Jesse that’s how. Now that my secret is out please don’t tell Steve. I’d like to think one of you is still impressed at how I do it every time I buy a gift for you three.”

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“Don’t worry your secret’s safe” both Jesse and Mark assured Amanda.

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Mark was given a list of gift consultants from Amanda. He felt a little foolish but decided to try anyway. Amanda had given him a name of one place that she had heard of. It was fairly new, Amanda herself had not gone there.

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Mark went to “Heather’s Gift Consultant Agency” “Hello I’m looking for help in choosing the right gift for my son’s birthday.”

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“Come in right this way” the woman smiled as she led Mark to an open office. “I’m pleased to see you! I’m Heather. We really don’t get too many men looking for help in buying a gift. Most men just go in a store and buy the first thing they see. I’m impressed. Mr.?”

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“Dr. Mark Sloan. Just call me Mark.”

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“Ok Mark can you describe your son? What are some of the things he likes to do?”

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“My son is tall well-built he likes to work out and keep in shape. He says it helps in his career he’s a Lieutenant in the LAPD Robbery/Homicide division. When he’s not working he likes to ride a dirt bike or go surfing and he’s also part-owner of a BBQ restaurant.”

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“Wow! Your son is a very busy man.. Did you say your son is a police officer and likes to work out?”

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“Yes?”

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“Mark I know the perfect gift for your son. There’s a new health club that has opened up recently they cater to only people working in law enforcement like your son.”

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“Why’s that?”

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“The owners know how hard the police, FBI, and other people who devote their lives to protect us average citizens work. This is their way of returning the favor so to speak.”

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Mark agreed on that. Steve worked very hard. He was very proud of his son. “Do you know anything else about this place?”

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“I’ve recommended it a few times since it’s opened. Wives looking for the perfect present for their husbands. I’ve had some of the women coming back thanking me for recommending the place. Their husbands have been singing their wives’ praises. They just love it.”

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“Sounds good what is the name of the place?”

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“Arthur’s Health Club. Here’s the address.” She handed Mark a business card.

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“Thank you so much!”

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“Don’t mention it Mark. That’s why we’re here.”

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Mark left and Heather picked up her phone and dialed. “I have a new one coming to see you. This time it’s a father looking for a membership for his son. A cop who works in the LAPD.”

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“Good work Heather! Expect a bonus in the next day or so.”

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Heather was delighted. Since she had teamed up with Arthur her new business was flourishing she was even able to hire a couple of women to help. Women who had absolutely no idea what was really going on.

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Mark went to the address given. “Hello he said to the man at the front desk I’m looking to buy membership in your health club for my son Steve who works for the LAPD.”

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“Oh yes, we’ll be delighted to have your son as one of our exclusive members.”

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“Thank you I’m sure this will be one birthday my son is not going to forget.”

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“I’m sure he won’t!” Arthur said.

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Mark bought a one-month membership for Steve. If Steve was happy with it then Mark planned to extend it.

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Steve’s birthday finally arrived. They held his birthday party at BBQ Bob’s. After Steve had opened his presents from all his friends Mark gave him the certificate for a month’s membership at “Arthur’s Health Club”.

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If you like it Steve I’ll extend your membership. It’s an exclusive health club only for law enforcement people.

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“Why so exclusive?”

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“The owners know how hard you and other public servants work Steve. This is their way of saying thanks.”

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“Thanks Dad I’m sure this will be a good place to unwind after a hard day at work or spend some time on my days off or weekends.”

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It wasn’t until a couple of weeks had past that Mark noticed a change in Steve.

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Steve had lost the slight argument that Mark and he had had over where to eat for lunch by kindly reminding his son that he got to choose where they ate lunch last time. Mark couldn’t believe it but it looked like his son was heading for a full-blown tantrum.

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Then there was the time where Mark noticed Steve at the kitchen sink grabbing a cup in the cupboard for a drink of water. After Steve drank and put the cup down in the sink he started walking away when to Mark’s horror Steve started to sway. Mark ran to grab his son but Steve pushed him out of the way. Telling him he was ok just lost his equilibrium for a second. Mark wasn’t buying it but Steve had been short-tempered and he did not want his son to blow up again. He would have Jesse keep an eye on his son.

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The next day Steve was scheduled to open up BBQ Bob’s. Jesse decided to come in to check how Steve was even though he had an early shift at the hospital. Jesse watched Steve. He seemed his normal self.

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Steve noticed Jesse looking at him. “Something wrong Jess?”

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“Uh-no why you’d ask?”

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“Because Jesse you’ve been staring at me. Not as a friend.. As a doctor.”

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“Mark’s worried.”

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“About what Jess?”

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“Who else Steve? His son.”

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“My dad has nothing to worry about Jess. As you can see there’s nothing wrong.”

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Jesse had to agree he couldn’t see anything wrong.

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“Well I’ve got to go to the hospital. You’re going to be all right?”

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“Of course I will Jess. “..and Jess tell my dad I’m fine. I don’t need anyone hovering over me.”

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“I’ll be here for lunch if you want to go somewhere.”

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“I think I’ll go to the health club.”

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“You go there quite often Steve don’t you?”

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“Jess, what are you hinting at? I really like the place.”

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“Nothing Steve I’ll see you in a few hours.”

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Jesse came by around noon and Steve went to Arthur’s Health Club.

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“Hello Lt. Sloan. It’s nice see you again.”

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“Thank you. I enjoy this place.”

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“Well we’re glad you do. This way Lieutenant it’s time for another session.”

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Steve didn’t ask any questions in fact he just had a blank look on his face.

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“Lt. Sloan we’re delighted with your progress. Already you have been inhaling our special drug every time you come into the weight lifting room. Now you are ready for phase 2. Soon you will kill whoever we say to kill, and to begin you will start with the person that paid for your membership.”

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“My father.”

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“Yes Steve your father. When you hear a sound like this” ‘clang’ ?went the bell. When you hear that noise you will obey without question.”

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“I will obey.”

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“Good Lieutenant. You are learning very quickly.”

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“My father is an evil man he must be stopped.”

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“Lt. Sloan I’m impressed with how far you have come. At first the drug was interfering with your metabolism. Making you short-tempered and dizzy at times but I know you handled yourself brilliantly. Now no one will know there is anything wrong.”

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“There is nothing wrong with me.”

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“That’s right Lieutenant.”

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“Now are you expected anywhere?”

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“BBQ Bob’s. My partner is expecting me after lunch to come back in. I had lunch earlier.”

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“Ok Lieutenant go back to BBQ Bob’s. Remember only that you had a good work out in the weight lifting room.”

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Steve went back to BBQ Bob’s. “Hi Steve! Did you enjoy the health club?”

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“Yeah Jess. I enjoy lifting weights there it’s very relaxing.”

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“I’m glad Steve.”

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Jesse left Steve at BBQ Bob’s not knowing Steve was now a ticking time bomb.

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The ER door flew open. The EMTs rushed their latest patient to the trauma room. A woman in her late 50’s. She had been shot once in the left shoulder. Jesse was her doctor. Jesse finished the operation and went to search for Mark.

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“Mark!” Jesse called finally seeing him walking down the hallway.

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“What is it Jess?” Mark asked as he came closer to his friend.

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“I think we have a problem. A serious one.”

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“Jesse get on with it please!”

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“That woman who came in with the gunshot wound in her shoulder. I asked her how it happened. You know we have to ask how all gunshot wounds happen.”

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“Jess, I know that.”

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“She told me her husband did it.”

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“Her husband!”

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“Yes, her husband’s a retired FBI agent. He retired about a month ago and as a retirement present she bought her husband a membership in an exclusive health club.”

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“Let me guess. Arthur’s Health Club.”

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“Yes Mark.”

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“Jesse what’s your point?”

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“Mark her husband had been acting similar to Steve. Short-tempered, dizzy spells, but tonight he became violent instead of having a temper tantrum.”

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“What set him off?”

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“He was fine until he received a phone call.”

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“Did she know who called?”

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“No her husband answered the phone.”

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“What does he have to say?”

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“He ran off as soon as it happened the police are looking for him.”

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“I’ll call Steve. Steve’s been acting strange. Maybe this will convince him to come in for a full examination.”

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“Good luck!”

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“Yeah thanks I’ll need it Jess.”

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Mark had been looking for his son. He was not at work. Captain Newman had not liked how his best detective had been acting and gave him a few days break before he would be forced to suspend Steve. When Mark found out he had to agree with Captain Newman Steve needed some time off.

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Mark stopped at the club but since he wasn’t a member they refused to help him. The club was private. It seemed they were more than willing to take his money before. Now they wouldn’t give Mark the time of day. Disappointed Mark started for home hoping Steve would be there.

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Mark saw Steve’s truck parked in the driveway. He ran up to the front door and tried to open it but the door was locked. After fumbling with the key and the lock he managed to open the door.

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“Steve, Steve where are you? We need to talk.”

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Silence greeted Mark’s pleas. Mark searched the kitchen figuring his son could be in there grabbing a snack. Nothing.

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Then Mark went down to Steve’s unit calling his name. Steve continued to ignore his dad’s voice.

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Mark saw Steve relaxing on his couch surfing the TV channels as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

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Mark turned off the TV and sat on the table next to Steve. “Steve we need to talk. Something is very wrong with you son.”

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“Dad There’s Nothing Wrong With Me Now Get Off My Case!” Steve stood up pushed his dad roughly so Mark fell off the table hitting his head slightly on the corner on one of the legs and stormed out.

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Mark heard Steve’s truck start up and ran to stop his son from leaving but he was too late.

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Mark called Jesse. “Jess I need you here right away Steve’s taken off. There is definitely something wrong with him.”

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“I’ll be there as soon as I can Mark.”

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“Jess make it sooner.”

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“I’ll try.”

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Jesse arrived at the beach house in record time. “Mark, what’s wrong? Jesse said as he let himself into the house. Mark was at the computer but stood up to greet his friend.

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Jesse noticed Mark had a slight cut on his head. “What happened Mark?” Jesse inquired as he pointed to the cut.

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Steve pushed me off the table and I fell.”

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“Steve attacked you!” Jesse would have believed anything else before he would have believed Steve would hurt his own father.

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“I believe Steve is under the influence of a powerful drug Jesse. He doesn’t know what’s he doing.”

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“Mark how do you know it isn’t physical?”

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“Jess just on a hunch I cross-referenced Arthur’s Health Club with areas where the CIA, FBI or the police had their offices. I found that there is a Health Club in Quantico, one in Washington DC, and one in Rhode Island. The one here is the first one to open in the West Coast.”

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“I still don’t get it Mark.”

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“Jesse I then cross-referenced them with any officers, or agents that had been charged with a killing, or if one of their relatives had mysteriously died.”

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“What did you find?”

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“I found out in Quantico a FBI agent’s brother had died a few months after he had given his brother an FBI agent a membership in an exclusive club as a present for his anniversary for being in the FBI for 10 years. In Washington DC a CIA agent is the main suspect to his mother’s killing. His mother bought him a membership in a special club as a Christmas Present..and in Rhode Island..

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“Stop Mark I get it now. But why only those cases? Shouldn’t there be more?”

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“Jess I’m sure there is. Those are only the ones I could find right away. But do you see the pattern?”

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“Yes, in every case the person who bought the membership was attacked and killed. Or at least they tried.. Why wasn’t that woman I operated on killed?”

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“I think it might have been pure luck Jess. Maybe he was too far away from her or she moved at just the right time we have no way of knowing.”

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“What are we going to do Mark?”

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“I’ll call Captain Newman and let him know what we’ve discovered. Maybe he’ll put some men discreetly around this place. Steve should be coming back here.”

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“Why do you say that Mark?”

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“I tried to do some investigating at the health club earlier. I don’t think I made any friends there. I think Steve went there after he hit me and is now being conditioned to kill me.

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After leaving Mark stunned by Steve’s behavior, Steve had gone directly to Arthur’s Health Club. “Hello Steve. Two visits in one day marvelous! Come into the special room in the back reserved for our extraordinary members.”

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“I hit my father” Steve said matter of factly.

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“Lt. Sloan that is excellent. I am so proud of the way you have adjusted to our mind control. We were going to call you but you came all on your own.”

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“I had to get away from my father. He is evil.”

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“Yes he is Lt. Sloan. Now listen to this.” Arthur clanged the bell that he had used on Steve earlier. “You will do whatever I say is that clear?”

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“Yes.”

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“Find your father and then kill him.”

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“Mark what are you doing?” Jesse had been watching Mark after calling Captain Newman, an idea had struck him.

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“Jess don’t you go to movies?”

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“Yeah why?”

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“You don’t think they use real blood do you?”

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“Of course not!”

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“Ok Jess that’s what I’m doing. I’m preparing my own fake blood just like the movies. Maybe seeing me with blood on me will snap Steve out of his apparent trance. Captain Newman is obtaining a search warrant for Arthur’s Health Club based on the information I gave him. Hopefully the raid will give us a clue as to what we’re dealing with.”

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“Mark the captain isn’t using any officer who has joined the club is he?”

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“No Jess don’t worry.”

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While Steve started for the beach house intent to kill his father, Captain Newman and a few of his officers who had not joined Arthur’s Health Club raided the club. Captain Newman waved a search warrant in the workers’ faces. He had decided that just having a few officers at the beach house wasn’t good enough.

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Captain Newman and his officers hit pay dirt. They discovered through going through files that the drug does not show up in any blood tests or in autopsies and is not addictive. The fact that it was not addictive was a relief to Captain Newman. The next part had the captain Very worried. According to the papers the drug makes the person who uses it violent towards those closest to him. Mostly those who had paid for the membership.

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The drug was breathed through with a special exhaust system that was filtered in with the weight lift equipment. Captain Newman had the exhaust system taken apart.

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Steve came back to the beach house and parked his truck in the driveway. He went up to the house. Steve was so intent on his mission that he failed to see the police officers stationed around the house. Steve opened the front door and came in.

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The first thing Steve saw was his father laying on the floor just a few feet from the front door covered in blood. Steve took a look at his father and then the gun in his left hand.

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“I killed him! I killed him!”

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“Steve it’s all right” Mark said as he stood up. Steve was so distressed that he didn’t notice that his father covered in fake blood had risen from the floor.

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Steve continued with his ranting “I killed him! I killed him!”

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Jesse came into the room. He had been kept back by the guards that Captain Newman had stationed in the house, but his best friend’s agitated state was too much for Jesse he pulled away and went to help his best friend.

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“What’s wrong?” Jesse said as he joined Steve and Mark.

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“My Dad Jesse I killed my Dad!”

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“Son I’m right here I’m ok.” Mark tried to once again get Steve to realize that he had not hurt his father. But Steve could not hear his father’s reassuring words or notice that his father was right with him.

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“Mark what’s going on? Can’t Steve tell you’re all right?”

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“I don’t think so Jess. The drug they gave him was very powerful. Jess you’d better sedate him.”

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Jesse runs and gets his medical bag. He takes out a hypodermic needle and puts a sedative in it and then with gentle care starts to give Steve a sedative that will allow him to sleep.

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While Steve is sleeping with Mark and Jesse at his bedside Captain Newman comes in to tell them what they had discovered at Arthur’s Health Club.

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“Initially the drug causes the user to be short-tempered, and have dizzy spells.”

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“Don’t forget temper tantrums.”

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“Yes Mark. That’s why Steve was behaving out of character. But after a while those symptoms wear off and the people around the user don’t know that there’s something wrong.”

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“Captain Newman don’t use the word ‘user’ when describing my son. You know as well as I do that Steve had no idea, no idea at all what was happening to him.”

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“Ok Mark you’re right. ‘User’ wasn’t the appropriate word.”

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Jesse joins in the conversation. If Steve wasn’t supposed to be short-tempered anymore than why did he lose it with Captain Newman and you Mark?”

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“That was Steve’s sub-consciousness kicking in trying to warn us there was something wrong, Very wrong.”

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“Then why did Steve seem ok at BBQ Bob’s after he came back from the health club?”

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“Steve was still under the influence of the hypnotic state they had put him in. His sub-consciousness was still subdued.”

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Captain Newman left the room to allow Mark and Jesse to continue their bedside vigil. A few minutes later Amanda who had been testing the drug Steve was given came into the room.

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“Amanda what did you find?” Mark once again spoke in a quiet voice.

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“Steve should be ok when he wakes up. There’s really nothing we can do but allow his body and his mind to rest.”

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Mark, Jesse, and Amanda continue to watch Steve sleep. Each hoping that when Steve woke up he would be back to normal. Jesse had told Amanda of Steve’s confusion at the beach house about believing that he had killed his father. She had wanted to know if there was anything that could be done. There wasn’t anything they could give Steve the drug had to leave Steve’s system naturally.

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After hours of waiting in which Jesse and Amanda tried but failed to get Mark to leave his son’s bedside for just a little while to grab a quick bite or take a little nap, Steve slowly opened his eyes.

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At first Steve seemed disoriented and then he realized where he was, and he knew everything that he had done, but more important what he had tried to do.

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“Dad I’m so sorry!” Steve pleaded to his father for forgiveness.

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Mark was instantly by his son’s side. “Steve it’s ok you have nothing to apologize for.”

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“But…but I hit you! I wanted to.. kill you! How can you say I have nothing to apologize for?”

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“Son I know it wasn’t you. It was the drug you were given. You breathed it in every time you went to lift weights.”

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“So every time I thought I was getting exercise I was breathing this drug in?”

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“Yes Steve.” Amanda said. “I found out it has a hypnotic affect on the ones exposed to it. They are very easy open to suggestion. Do things they normally would never do. I also found out that the effects don’t last long so you should be ok now. Guys I’m sorry this is my fault.”

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“Your fault? Questioned Steve, Mark, and Jesse.

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“Yes if I hadn’t suggested a gift consultant that I hadn’t even went to none of this would have happened.”

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“Amanda you had no way of knowing this was going to happen. None of us did.”

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“Well just the same I’m done using gift consultants.”

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“You used gift consultants?” Steve asked surprised. He hadn’t heard Amanda’s confession earlier.

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“How do you think I always bought the right gifts Steve? I have a son to take care of, a full time job..”

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“Ok Amanda I get it.” Steve was happy for a little diversion.

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“But what I don’t get is what was the connection between Heather’s Gift Consultant Agency and Arthur’s Health Club?” Jesse inquired totally confused.

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“Arthur was paying Heather to find those women who had husbands or other relatives in law enforcement.” Captain Newman said as he came into the room.

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“Why were they doing this in the first place?” Steve wanted to know.

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“Arthur wanted to join the FBI years ago but he failed the mental part of the examination.”

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“No surprise there.” Mark added his two cents. “Steve son next time I get you a present it’s going to be a gift certificate to a magazine.”

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“I’ll look forward to it Dad. Are you sure you’re not upset with me Dad?”

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Mark gives his son a hug to show that he’s not upset with him.

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The End

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