Maude continued to work with her partner in Homicide. Every so often she felt a ghost walk across her grave, and wondered who was rattling the bones.
In the Madison-MacArthur Hospital for the Criminally Insane, inmate number 73, Robert E. Dawson, also known as the Heartless Killer, was moved from his high-profile cell to a more comfortable room with a few accoutrements. A television, radio, desk, and easy chair were allocated to the inmate for the benefit of his rehabilitation and recreation. A small lap-top had found its way into the room by way of a security guard on a tight budget.
Number 73 had dozens of charts by this time, for he had celebrated one year and six months in a catatonic state of confinement with his personal physician, Doctor Ian Hopkins attending exclusively to his needs. The charts all reflected the same information: condition unimproved, does not respond to stimulus, no hope for reclamation of personality.
Three visitors had come for Dawson in the most recent past, a detective and her lieutenant, and a family friend, a young man with a blondish crew cut and round glasses that sat high upon his nose. Doctor Hopkins relayed chart information to the detective and her lieutenant who left shortly afterward.
The young family friend had visited once before and took a series of notes, entering information into the lap top. The same action was repeated on the second visit. Both times he left shortly afterward, stating he would return soon.
Number 73 was in fact more than coherent; his mental acuity was at the top of the chart. His physical health had improved immensely and his ability to function independently was growing daily, leaving behind the physically wrecked body that had entered the hospital.
Lack of money being the impetus to do wrong had worked admirably in Number 73’s favor, for the zero’s in his bank balance were staggering. He had no shortage of those willing to do wrong over and over for a taste of his riches.
A burning desire for freedom lived in Number 73, but confinement had taught him patience, and patience, to plan ahead. A little more time was needed before all would be ready; before he could totally rid himself of the whining kid who haunted him. Then he could be free. After that, all Hell would break loose.
For now, Number 73 had his doctor to care for him, to heal him, to nurture him, to lie for him. When he was ready, he would no longer need the doctor.
The End
Watch for future Maude Rogers crime novels and please review them if you have the time. We value whatever feedback you may give. Linda
Murder on Edwards Bay (The Maude Rogers Crime Novels Book 2) Page 26