Between Dusk and Dawn
Page 17
“He knows we’re here,” she said quietly.
Before Chase could respond a short, plump woman wearing a white jacket walked out. She walked up to them briskly with a smile and stuck out a hand, first to Chase and after he let go she shook hands with LaShaun.
“Good morning. I’m Grace Norris, Mr. Young’s treating psychiatrist. Glad to meet you. Can we get you anything? I’m sure you had to get an early start from Vermillion Parish. We have excellent biscuits from the dining room.”
“No thanks. We ate on the way,” Chase said. “This is Miss Rousselle.”
“Manny has talked about you quite a bit since his grandfather told him you were coming.” Dr. Norris studied LaShaun carefully.
“That’s interesting. I’d heard he wasn’t much of a talker.” Chase’s grim expression deepened into a frown.
“He’s not usually.” Dr. Norris started to go on, but looked around. Employees stared at them in frank interest. “Let’s go to my office. Manny is visiting with his grandfather. We’ll take you in once Mr. Young leaves.”
She led them down a long hallway with offices on both sides. After turning another corner they went to a larger office. Mesh wire covered the windows. The pattern created checkerboard squares of sunshine on the window sill. Dr. Norris had managed to brighten the backdrop with plants and colorful ceramic figurines. She closed the door.
“Sure about that offer of refreshments? Contrary to stereotypes, my assistant makes delicious coffee.” She waited for them to sit down before settling in the chair behind her desk.
“A cup of coffee sounds good.” Chase glanced at LaShaun.
“My throat is a little dry. Something cool would be nice,” LaShaun said.
“What kind of beverage would you like? We have fruit juices, iced tea or soft drinks.” Dr. Norris picked up the handset of her white desk phone.
“Apple juice is fine,” LaShaun replied with a smile of gratitude.
Dr. Norris nodded and spoke warmly to a woman named Ellie. She put the handset back on the cradle. “She’ll be here in a minute. So Manny seems to be looking forward to meeting you. He doesn’t get visitors, except for Mr. Orin of course.”
“Of course,” LaShaun echoed.
“Manny seems to think you’ll understand what he’s been through, and help in some way.” Dr. Norris assumed the listening pose of a trained therapist.
“His grandfather may have over sold what I can do.” LaShaun could tell Dr. Norris had a skill for inviting trust, and that she would honor it. “Manny’s grandfather says your treatment has made a big difference.”
Dr. Norris gazed back at her intently. “He’s not violent, so you shouldn’t worry. A security officer will be in the room with you.”
“That’s great,” Chase said before LaShaun could reply. The tight expression around his eyes eased, and he relaxed against the back of the chair. “I wasn’t too crazy about letting her be in there alone with a guard outside. A lot can happen in a few seconds.”
“We’re a strange hybrid, a combination of treatment and correctional facility. Security is always a consideration.” Dr. Norris leaned forward with both elbows propped on her desk. “Manny is...”
A knock interrupted her. The assistant, a woman with bright auburn hair piled high, came in with a small tray. “Here you go, Doctor.”
“Thanks, Ellie.” Dr. Norris waited for assistant to leave. “Manny is eager to have a different visitor. The officer has been instructed to look for any signals that he’s getting agitated. I have nursing staff on stand-by in case more help is needed.”
“More help than correctional officers?” Chase asked.
“PRN medications,” Dr. Norris replied. “Ativan and Haldol injections have been effective before.”
“You said he wasn’t violent,” LaShaun said.
“Dr. Norris means recently. We know he has the potential for serious violence. That’s how he got here.” Chase looked at the psychiatrist.
“He’s been calm and compliant for months,” Dr. Norris said. “He can be a very pleasant and interesting guy to talk to.”
“Yeah, when he’s not hacking people to pieces,” Chase mumbled.
“I’m sure your treatment techniques are very effective,” LaShaun rushed to put in as Dr. Norris squinted at Chase. “We’ll try not to upset him or cause any problems.”
“Judge Trahan insisted this visit should take place, so... we’ll see.” Dr. Norris studied them both as seconds of silence on both sides ticked by. Her friendly manner slipped enough to allow LaShaun to see the iron will beneath.
“You didn’t agree with us coming then.” LaShaun raised an eyebrow.
“No, I didn’t at first. Our main goals are treatment, security and following court orders. Not always in that order depending on the situation, but court orders trump treatment recommendations.” Dr. Norris’s thin lips pulled down at the corners for a few seconds. Another knock made her sit up straight. “Come in.”
A correctional officer entered. “Hey, Doc. I just took Manny’s granddaddy to the lobby. All clear for the next visitors. “
The tall man had arms that bulged against the short sleeves of his uniform shirt. His smooth skin had the look of African ebony wood. He sized up Chase, seemed satisfied and nodded to a fellow enforcer of laws. When he looked at LaShaun his eyes widened just for a second before his professional mask clicked back in place.
“Only Miss Rousselle, Roosevelt. We’ll be with you in a minute,” Dr. Norris said.
“Okay.” The big man withdrew, closing the door with a soft thump.
“Miss Rousselle, Mr. Young is convinced you and Manny will establish some kind of connection.” Dr. Norris’s expression clearly showed she found such a thing implausible, but worrisome.
Chase spoke first. “Manny left some pretty big unanswered questions about the murders he committed. He’s willing to talk to Miss Rousselle. The reasons don’t really matter at this point. Maybe if Manny gets some stuff off his conscience he’ll get better, well at least be less dangerous for the other inmates.”
“And the criminal justice system can lead him to that lethal injection gurney even quicker,” Dr. Norris raised a palm and cut off his response. “I’m not Manny’s defense attorney. If Manny gets agitated, or the officer says it’s time to end the interview please follow his instructions.”
“Agreed,” Chase said with a sharp nod.
“Excellent. I’m actually quite interested in the way local cultural beliefs in the supernatural interrelate with mental health issues. I wrote an article for a journal. I’m originally from upstate New York. I’ve found the subject of hoodoo or voodoo fascinating in the twelve years since I moved to Louisiana.”
LaShaun smiled at her. “You explored the boundary between madness and belief in the supernatural.”
“Very much so. A patient comes to the hospital convinced that snakes are in her stomach. Is she psychotic, or does she believe that an adversary has put a bad mojo on her? Before I came here the answer would have been obvious I thought. My diagnosis would have been swift and certain, paranoid delusions. Not now.” Dr. Norris looked at LaShaun. “Mr. Young is convinced that Manny was possessed. Oh he hasn’t said so in those words, but...”
“We’re just here to talk,” Chase said firmly.
“I see.” Dr. Norris’s gaze didn’t shift from LaShaun.
“I didn’t come to play mind games so that he’ll confess to more crimes.” LaShaun looked back at the psychiatrist.
“Manny isn’t susceptible to mind games anyway.” Dr. Norris stood to signal she’d finished all she had to say.
“I know. Manny is good at reading people, and not as gullible or simple-minded as folks think, including his grandfather.” LaShaun stood also.
“We’re not trying to trap Manny. We have plenty of evidence for the murders he’s already convicted of committing.” Chase continued to talk as Dr. Norris nodded. They left the office to join the powerful officer waiting in the hallway.
Chase put a protective hand under LaShaun’s elbow as they walked. He glanced over his shoulder and LaShaun followed his gaze. Dr. Norris still stood outside her office watching them. When LaShaun waved at her she waved back. Then they rounded a corner. Roosevelt led them to a large room with a table and two chairs. The window looked out onto an enclosed area. Men were outside smoking and milling around. Several laughed and talked to themselves.
“Be just a minute. Uh, Manny mentioned he was only going to visit with the lady.” Roosevelt raised an eyebrow at Chase.
“Right.” Chase scanned the room and turned to LaShaun. “Be careful.”
“Manny wants something from us as well. Harming me won’t suit his purpose.” LaShaun squeezed Chase’s arm.
Roosevelt’s black eyebrows went up as he noticed the gesture. “The lady gonna be just fine.”
“Thanks,” Chase replied and left.
“Another officer is gonna bring Manny from the locked unit. We decided he’ll stay in the room with you. I’ll be right outside. Don’t give him anything, no matter how small. No touching either. He’s been told all this, too. Okay?”
“I understand,” LaShaun said.
“You’re not nervous at all, I can tell. That’s good. Be back in a minute.” Roosevelt left.
LaShaun took in the room. The walls were a pale green. Tan vinyl tiles had been mopped and polished. A slight scent of pine oil lingered from the last time the room was cleaned. No hint of emotion seemed to linger. LaShaun wondered at the typical use of the room. She guessed that it had been cleared out for this purpose. Then she felt a shift in the air pressure around her. Anticipation, pleasure at the break in routine and curiosity reached out to her. Animated voices sounded muted but grew clearer as the seconds passed. The rubber soles of shoes swished and squeaked on the vinyl floor. Suddenly the sound stopped outside the door.
“Okay, we cool?” came Roosevelt’s voice, muffled by the door and walls.
“No worries, sir,” came a reply.
When the door opened Roosevelt came in first. He swung it wide.. Emanuel “Manny” Young stopped for a few seconds before he took a couple of steps into the room. He looked around as though he expected to see more people. His greenish brown eyes lit up as his gaze settled on LaShaun’s face.
LaShaun felt as if tiny electrified needles covered her arms and pricked the back of her neck. An unassuming man wearing a shy smile and with the manners of a polite country boy looked back. Yet a cunning assessment came through in the way he eyed her. Seeing her examine him as well, a veil dropped and once again Manny looked ordinary. She instantly knew how he had gotten close to his victims.
“Good mornin’, ma’am. I appreciate you comin’ so far to see me.”
Chapter 14
LaShaun couldn’t answer him right away. The correctional officer directed Manny to sit in the chair on other end of the table with his back to the window. LaShaun sat down in the chair closer to the door. The room was wide enough to be spacious, but LaShaun suddenly had the sensation of feeling crowded. Yet four and half feet of table was between them. There was no other furniture in the room. The security guard stood about six feet away. He leaned against a wall looking relaxed, but he also had the appearance of a strong man with speed of light reflexes. He observed every move Manny made without seeming to stare, or intrude.
Manny studied LaShaun for a few seconds. His dark brown hair had been cut short, and combed back in soft waves. He couldn’t have been taller than five feet ten inches. With no bulging biceps, Manny did not look threatening at all. A long snake tattoo coiled down his left arm. The snake’s head on the inside of his left wrist had large fangs. LaShaun blink a few times. The thing seemed poised to sink those fangs into Manny’s bluish veins visible beneath his pale white skin. On his right arm a tattoo of barbed wire wrapped around his upper arm. More tattoos were on his neck.
“You don’t look like I imagined. I don’t look like you thought I would either, huh?” Manny shrugged and dipped his head as though apologizing. “But what is a serial killer supposed to look like?” he said softly and gazed out of the window for a second. Then he looked back at her.
“What did your granddaddy tell you about me?” LaShaun asked. The unpleasant, almost painful tingling had stopped. She pushed against the invisible shield he had up.
“Don’t do that,” he whispered with a quick sideways glance at the guard. When the guard didn’t seem to notice anything Manny’s gaze slid back to LaShaun. “I ain’t always in control. “
“Mr. Orin feels like maybe you weren’t responsible for killing your victims,” LaShaun replied. His bark of laughter startled her.
“PawPaw done started believing that story. Lord, he needs to let it be. That scheme didn’t come close to gettin’ me outta this fix I’m in.” Manny waved a hand as though brushing aside the explanation. “I’m done. Let’s talk about somethin’ more interestin’. Tell me about you.”
“You know pretty much all there is to know. I live in Beau Chene, and my family is from there. My grandmother’s house is off Rougon Road.”
“Yeah, I remember where that is. You told Dr. Norris that you’re a voodoo woman?” Manny leaned forward a little. “Bet she kept you down there talking a long time. She’s got a thing about that sort of stuff.”
“Did you tell Dr. Norris that your granddaddy thinks you’re possessed?” LaShaun replied evenly.
“When the murders went down you mean.” Manny shrugged again, and wore a boyish grin. His eyes sparkled making the green flecks in them come alive. “Course I don’t remember the details. Maybe he’s right.”
“Did you ever dabble in voodoo or any kind of satanic rituals?” LaShaun felt him toying with her, so she went along.
“I might have, mostly to get next to girls that went in for stuff like that. You know the type, always looking for somethin’ different. Drugs, heavy metal music and freaky sex, anything goes with that crowd. I got to convince these people I ain’t crazy so I can get sent to Angola. At least I could party there.” Manny’s long thin mouth pulled up to one side.
LaShaun felt a chill. He actually looked handsome on the surface with that grin tugging his mouth up. She got an image of him in a black T-shirt with the embossed emblem of a popular band on the front, and a pair of black jeans. Yes, women would have found him attractive. Then the image winked off. LaShaun blinked back to the room, stunned at getting such a strong picture. Manny continued to wear a slight smirk like a wicked imp. Then he looked harmless again.
“What happened to you?” LaShaun said so softly that both Manny and the guard leaned as if trying to hear clearly.
Manny sighed. “I fell into a bad, bad crowd. I dabbled in some stuff I shouldn’t have, and now look where it’s got me.”
“Stop lying, Manny,” LaShaun snapped. She placed both palms down on the table top. “If you don’t want to suffer some of the worse agony imaginable for eternity, you better get straight. I’m not talking about rotting in prison or a needle in the arm. Those are going to seem like a vacation compared to what comes after you die.”
His skin turned paler as he blinked rapidly. Manny scratched his arms nervously. “I don’t like talkin’ about what happens in the next life.”
“You better start thinking. Did whoever got you into this explain that nasty downside? Did you know ripping women into pieces was part of the deal? Well, answer me.” LaShaun put enough force in her tone to rip at his psychic shield like a razor sharp talon. Manny definitely had not innocently stumbled into experimenting with the supernatural. “Yes, you were influenced, but you had a chance to walk away.”
“It was too hard. You don’t get it,” Manny said. Gone was the forceful manipulator. He voice took on a whiny sound. “I can’t... it’s more complicated than you think.” He brushed a hand through his hair.
&nb
sp; “Sure, you had a rough childhood. Your mama loved drugs more than you, and then she disappeared, and your daddy cared more about partying than being a father.” LaShaun repeated his family history without a hint of sympathy in her tone. “A whole lot of people go through worse, and they don’t charm perfect strangers into trusting them and then slaughter them to get a thrill.”
Manny slapped a large hand down on the table. The sound bounced off the walls, and made the guard spring forward. LaShaun held up her hand as a gesture he should wait. Manny hadn’t moved toward her. The man stood at alert, but didn’t take action.
“What the hell do you know about what I went through?”
Manny breathed in and out a few times, the sound loud in the silence. The green in his hazel eyes seemed to dance like flames. His gaze darted around the room as though he saw something move. A thick wavy lock of hair fell across his forehead and he turned his intense gaze on LaShaun.
“That’s why we’re here, isn’t it? For you to tell me enough so that I can help your grandparents have peace. Tell the truth so Mr. Orin can stop having false hopes, and your poor grandmother can rest easy.” LaShaun watched as his face twisted, transforming like a melting mask of rubber from one expression to another. He’d smile, then frown and bare his teeth. Manny hissed a few times and squirmed in his seat. Then he raked his hair with long fingers until several spikes of dark locks stuck out. LaShaun wouldn’t have been surprised if his head spun around like something in an old horror movie. What she saw in him wasn’t just an insane man going into a fit. The shimmer of something malevolent floated around him like an oily swamp mist.