TJ was well aware that Denise's smile was not a real one. He couldn't blame her for not really smiling though. She had basically had her soul (to be blunt) raped. That what possession is on many levels. Some entity has taken control of something that you believed was yours and yours alone, and changed how you look at life. TJ treated Denise's wounds very carefully not just because of the severity of the wounds, but TJ knew that intense pain was a fear of hers. Not only was she still in shock from what was going on, but TJ didn't want to tell her that this was about the limit of his first aid skills. If the wounds had been any more severe Denise would've been on her way to the E-R and that could've created a whole different situation. In the back of his mind though, TJ would've given anything for his family to have been here to see TJ's "pursuit of snake-oil science" as they called it. TJ knew that Denise would need to be handled with "kid-gloves" for a bit, but not babied. They all knew the possibility of something unknown or unexpected happening to each of them even TJ knew it was a possibility. It was part of the risk of what they signed up for. However, seeing someone that you viewed not only as a co-worker but as a friend going through it would make anyone rethink their position on this subject. This was a new factor that TJ didn't really count on in his nice-neat-equation of paranormal exploration. The human factor.

Just then Denise was grabbing TJ by his leather jacket and begging of him not to let it happen again. There was no way on this planet TJ could make and keep that promise. If he could've made it he would've done it for everyone before they left. Not to mention this was his beloved leather jacket. It was of great value to him because it was the last Christmas gift his mom got for him, so it had great intrinsic value to him. TJ put his arms around Denise and said, "Denise, listen to me. You and I both know that's not a promise I can keep. I would if I could, but I can't." He let out a bit of an exhale and said, "Okay I have an idea though." TJ lightly patted her hands and said, "I need you to let go for a moment." He reached into the bag with the sweats in it and pulled out a flask with a cross on it. He said, "This is Holy Water. It has been consecrated by Father Mike Galingo of St. Matthew's. I go there every Sunday I have enough for everyone and I wasn't going to just waste hither-yon-and-fro, but only if necessary. I think this qualifies." With that he sprinkled her wounds with it, and on other areas of her body as he began reciting a blessing he heard in Latin. When he was done TJ crossed himself and said, "Amen." TJ said to Denise, "That should help. I wish I could do more for you, and I will understand if you want to leave. If you do I won't stand in your way. Just at least let me finish treating your wounds, and let's get you dressed." TJ didn't dwell on the fact that Denise had been naked the whole time. He knew she was shaken up enough as it was Denise didn't need to feel anymore self-conscious. 

As TJ was finishing up he heard Joe yell. It was enough to make him stop for a moment. He said under his breath, "Oh my Lord." He looked at Denise for a moment and shook his head. He said, "I'm staying with you. There's really nothing else I can do for him." TJ continued his work and said, "He's like those morons in the slasher movies who thinks he's tougher than he really is and doesn't respect the situation." It was, at best, a cheap rationalization but it was all he could offer himself for now. TJ closed his eyes and said, "Let the dead bury the dead." TJ also knew that if he took off now and something happened to Denise he would never forgive himself. In fact he would probably call off the whole operation then. He made a note to himself to call Father Mike later and confess his sin. He wasn't sure what it was but TJ knew in some ways Joe's blood was on his hands unless someone else got to Joe to save him. TJ realized he couldn't save everyone, but being there for Denise was enough for him for now. 

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