As Anne continued to talk quietly to Peter he began to relax and see the wisdom of her words.
“
Thank you, Doctor. I feel for the first time in years that there may be time to put things right. Time to live a normal life...time for me to live in peace.”
Peter smiled for the first time and sighed in relief.
Everything was going to be alright.
After the session, Anne explained to Peter that she would be along to his home as soon as she had finished her paperwork. This would give him time to explain to his mother he was to have a visitor. He wouldn’t necessarily have to say exactly who she was, but his mother would need to be prepared.
“
Thank you again, Doctor. I’ll expect you soon. Are you sure everything is going to be alright?” Peter said cautiously.
“
I’m sure, Peter. These problems have gone on for long enough. You’ve made the first step in coming to me, now we have to convince your mother that she needs help,” Anne answered, with a confident smile.
“
Thank you so much, I’ll let you finish and I’ll see you later. I just hope I can make my mother understand.”
“
All will be well. I will see you as soon as possible,” Anne told him while she ushered Peter out of the back entrance.
Anne sat back at her desk.
Sam entered her office with a worried frown.
“
Now, before you start, it was your idea, Sam, that I see him in the first place.”
“
Yes, I know, but I didn’t expect you to make a personal visit,” answered Sam.
“
I don’t usually, but these are special circumstances. These are fraught people. By the time I’ve broken the ice with his mother, I’m sure I can get her into hospital where she belongs, then Peter will naturally come to terms with his demons too.
“
Look don’t worry, I’ve already agreed to let you tag along. But you’ll have to stay in the car.”
“
Okay, but, Anne, please be careful. You don’t know what you’ll find.”
“
It’s fine. Now, I must make some notes, and I have a couple of calls to make before I see Missus Kingston. Some fresh coffee please, Sam.”
Anne smiled in the way Sam knew best – there would be no arguing with her. He answered her smile then left the room.
After her session with Mrs Kingston, Anne finished writing up her observations for the day and made further notes on the following day’s patients. She then picked up her ‘phone and dialled Frank Miller’s number.
*******
Frank Miller was leaning back into his comfortable, black leather chair, thinking about his day’s work. His hands were clasped behind his head, which was covered in thick brown hair. His brown eyes stared up at his office ceiling and his wide mouth was stretched wider by the smile coming onto his face.
Yes it was a good day’s work. Money had been granted for all his intended research. He had seen progress in at least two of his patients. His techniques were beginning to make headway not only into patients’ lives but also into the medical history. He was being taken very seriously – just how he liked it. People taking notice of him, listening to him; respect at last.
His reverie was broken by the sound of the telephone.
*******
“Hello, Frank.”
“
Anne, how good to hear your voice! What a great night it was. The interest is phenomenal. We need to meet, things are moving fast now. When are you free?” Frank responded, his excitement soaring.
“
Frank, can that wait a moment? I need your advice. I have a patient – well two really – who need my help and I’m not quite sure how to handle it,” Anne stated.
“
Okay, tell me the details,” Frank answered, the excitement gone from his voice.
Anne went on to relate the details of her new patients.
When she had finished, Frank said, “The only advice I can give you is to be careful, you know how to treat this condition. Do you think it’s a good idea to go to their house?”
“
I feel that the mother will not respond unless I break the ice on her home ground. My instincts tell me this is right.”
“
Well, if you feel okay about it. I’m uneasy about this. Is anyone going with you? Frank asked.
“
Yes, Sam, he insisted.”
“
Alright, Anne, but be careful. You knew what you were going to do before you spoke to me, didn’t you?”
“
Yes, I admit it,” replied Anne, adding, “I just needed to speak about it to another doctor first. Thanks, Frank. We’ll talk about our cause later in the week. It’s all very exciting. Call Sam, he has my diary. ‘Bye, Frank, thanks again.”
Anne put down the ‘phone before Frank could say any more.
She stared at the ‘phone for a few moments whilst gathering her thoughts.
How was she going to tackle these new patients?
But before she had time to think too much, the ‘phone rang.
She picked it up with a frown thinking she was going to be late again.
“
Hello, Anne?”
“
Barbara! Why on earth are you ‘phoning?” Anne asked, glancing at the clock passing the time away.
“
You haven’t spoken to me properly for ages. Even at the party, there wasn’t much time to talk,” Barbara said.
Anne noted the stern tone.
“
I’m sorry, Barbara. You know how busy I’ve been. I know that’s no excuse to neglect my friends. Listen, I’ll make a special effort tonight. I’ve a call to make before I get home, if that doesn’t take too long I’ll swing by your place.”
“
How many times have I heard that one? Look, if you don’t make it tonight, I want you to promise me that on Saturday morning you’ll meet me at Alice’s Coffee House, let’s say eleven fifteen?”
“
Yes, alright, I know that I’m free then. Yes, that’s a date; I’m looking forward to it. I’m sorry if I’ve neglected you lately, Barbara,” Anne said with genuine fondness.
“
I’ll forgive you this time, just don’t forget Saturday. I’m worried about you. You work too hard. It’s time you had some time off. With this new venture looming, you’ll be even busier.”
There was a pause.
Anne waited.
“
Okay, Anne, I know you have to work, I’ll see you Saturday. ‘Bye for now.”
“’
Bye, Barbara.”
Anne put down the ‘phone thinking about what Barbara had said.
Yes she would make sure she saw her on Saturday. Her life should mean more than just work.
Anne stood, pushing back her chair in one fluid movement.
For now she had to concentrate on the coming meeting.
After picking up her briefcase and turning out the lights, she opened her office door to see Sam waiting for her.
{9}
As Anne drove towards the Armstrong address, she thought out the best way to tackle the situation.
Her professional training knew what was wrong and the treatment necessary, however, convincing a patient of the same thing was never simple.
The address was easy to find and Sam parked behind Anne outside what was a large ugly building that didn’t have a style you could pinpoint.
Sam stayed in his car whilst Anne walked up some steps to the brown front door. She used the brass knocker three times.
Anne could see a shadow of a figure coming from behind the shaded pane of glass set into the door. It was Peter who opened it and ushered her inside.
Sam watched, unease filling him.
Should he go in after her?
He fingered the door handle, and then let go, slumping back into the seat.
No, she’d never forgive him.
So he waited.
After only an hour but what had seemed a lifetime, the door opened again, and with relief he saw Anne exit.
She walked to Sam’s car and sat in the passenger seat.
“Well?” Sam said.
She heard the impatience in his voice.
“Well nothing, really. I can’t tell you much but I can say it went fine. I knew the problem before I went in and I dealt with it. Missus Armstrong is being admitted to Tadmore in the morning. I’m going to ring admissions in a moment. Why were you so worried? I
do
know what I’m doing, you know!”
She felt not a little annoyed.
“I’m sorry, Anne. I do forget how capable you are. But you must see it from my point of view. You’re brilliant but sometimes...”
She arched her brows.
“Um, maybe you’re a tad too trusting?”
He shook his head at the way she bristled, and quickly added, “So everything’s okay?”
“Yes, now stop worrying. I’m going to my car to make that ‘phone call. After which I’m going home for a soak in the bath, and then bed,” Anne replied with a smile.
She couldn’t stay angry at him. And he was only being a friend, after all.
Anne kissed Sam on the cheek, opened the car door and walked to her own, waving at him before dropping into the driver’s seat.
While making the promised call, she waved again at Sam as he drove past, then at last keyed the ignition and sped home.
It was only when Anne was drifting off to sleep that she remembered her appointment with Barbara.
Oh well, she’ll forgive me. I’m seeing her on Saturday, anyway. I’ll make it up to her then.
{10}
The murderer entered the house and closed the door quietly.
There was a staircase directly ahead; however the killer chose the first door on the left.
Silently moving toward it, the house retained its deathly cloak, whilst the killer turned the handle with care.
Heavy boots moved with surprising lightness towards the next victim, now lying inert on the bed.
Looking down upon the sleeping face, half of it bathed in a lighted shaft from the moon, the assassin felt the familiar weight of the weapon.
Putting a gloved hand over the victim’s mouth, the killer slid the knife into its usual resting-place.
The victim’s eyes fleetingly flickered to meet those of its killer, but death’s shadow hovered then claimed its prize.
Satisfied, the butcher moved quietly away from the room, retracing its steps.
The house remained silent as the killer made its exit.
Only the moon witnessed the lone figure running quickly to a waiting vehicle further down the street.
{11}
Saturday, Anne woke at six and went for her usual forty minute run.
She felt free and alive as she raced her usual route; down her street, across the park, the children’s play area, the lake, then swooping around the other side of the park, then back home.
Home.
She loved her house. With its large open living area, small but versatile kitchen, two bedrooms, study and adequate bathroom, she supposed it was too big for one but she was determined to keep it.
She had decorated it simply, with cool clean colours and comfortable furniture; all the floors were lined with warm, old wood.
But it was the secluded garden with the undersized space leading to it that had decided her purchase. This small room, that was three-quarters glass, opened directly onto the garden.
This was where she would spend most of her free time; reading, listening to music or just sitting soaking up the peace and tranquillity. Summertime would see her open the double doors to drink the scents from the various plants and listen to the wildlife. She would hold parties for friends, and know she was lucky to have found such paradise.
Some had thought her mad to cut herself off from the city and its busy exciting offerings. But with her practice and two afternoons a week at Tadmore, Anne had more than enough emotional turmoil with her work. It was the thought of her special room that enriched her peace of mind – giving her the inner strength she knew she needed, especially in her line of work. Besides it wasn’t too far away from the city and so worth the extra time it took.
After a shower and quick breakfast, she dressed in comfortable jeans and shirt then settled down in the study to complete some paperwork.
The room had the same simple theme as the rest of the place.
She sat at a large wooden desk; bookshelves lined the walls, stuffed full of medical tomes and journals, together with a variety of fiction and things that interested her. She never liked to bring work home but at least doing so gave her a break from the office.