The Talisman Trilogy, #3
Other Worlds Than These
by Stephen King and Peter Straub
Contents
Chapter 13
Overview
Jack abruptly reappears in Dale’s cruiser at the Taylor City motor pool, is tased, and hospitalized. Detective Handler confronts him, seizing leverage with a toy “blaster” and Jack’s suit while refusing release. Dr. Ed detects minor radiation exposure.
When Jack tries to flip, only the lethal path back to the Gullet remains open, and his illness resurges.
Summary
At the Taylor City motor pool, Elvis Gladstone and Officer Maynard Stingley are startled when Dale Gilbertson’s impounded cruiser suddenly contains a battered Jack Sawyer. Confused and dazed from the Gullet’s pull, Jack steps out wearing a torn radiation suit. Stingley sees a holstered “gun,” tases Jack, and seizes the apparent weapon.
Paramedics stabilize Jack’s arrhythmia and take him to the hospital, where Officer Cormier sits watch. Detective Rolf Handler arrives, reveals Jack’s real identity and past, and presses him about his disappearance from the interrogation room and reappearance in Dale’s cruiser. Handler shows Jack a foreign-language paperback that crossed over with him and withholds returning it to leverage answers. The seized “blaster” proves to be a toy on this side; Jack leverages that fact but Handler refuses to deputize or release him, planning to hold Jack as a material witness or person of interest.
Dr. Edward “Dr. Ed” Buczkowski treats Jack’s heart and later returns with a radiation/isotope monitor, detecting nontrivial exposure on Jack’s hands and forehead, likely blocked elsewhere by his suit. Jack hints at the truth—another world and a growing tear—but isn’t believed. Handler keeps pressure on, and Jack is denied contact with Sarah Gilbertson.
Alone, Jack tries to flip back to safe places in the Territories (Riven, Ellis-Breaks, Dezi) but finds every route blocked except the deadly return to the Gullet, which still pulls at him. Realizing he will sicken if he remains America-side—Kaposi signs starting—he finally sleeps. In the night, a nosebleed stains his pillow, confirming his decline.
Who Appears
- Jack SawyerAppears in Dale’s cruiser; tased, hospitalized, questioned by Handler; minor radiation detected; cannot flip safely; illness resurges.
- Rolf HandlerTaylor City detective; interrogates Jack, withholds property, plans to hold him as witness/POI; reveals toy nature of the blaster.
- Maynard StingleyTCPD officer who tases Jack after spotting a holstered “gun”; his action triggers Jack’s arrhythmia.
- Dr. Edward Buczkowski (Dr. Ed)Physician who treats Jack’s heart, adjusts meds, and detects radiation on Jack’s hands and forehead.
- Elvis GladstoneMotor pool supervisor who witnesses Jack’s sudden appearance in Dale’s cruiser and Stingley’s response.
- Officer CormierTaylor City officer stationed at Jack’s hospital room; recognizes Jack and alerts Handler.
- Donna MalinenkoPolice station cleaner who identifies the seized blaster as a vintage toy and demonstrates its lights/sounds.
- Nurse (unnamed)Assists Dr. Ed with the radiation scan and documentation during Jack’s hospital assessment.