by Bill Evans
“Not at all doctor. Rest assured, the butterfly does not remember being a repugnant caterpillar.”
“Gregor, why the apathy?”
For the first time, it appeared that Gregor actually gave serious pause before answering. He looked intently at the doctor.
“Apathy is the handmaiden of partners and friends long forgotten.”
Dr. Pricener looked down at his notepad and began writing furiously.
Gregor slowly closed his eyes and sat quietly in deep contemplative meditation.
He began to snore.
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part ten)
The docile Gregor breathed slowly and rhythmically. Dr. Pricener took the opportunity to furiously scribble nuanced notations on his yellow lined legal pad. While the doctor was mentally engaged in the middle of yet another remembered observation, a yawning and stretching Gregor fresh off a fortifying and rejuvenating nap, suddenly jarred the doctor. Dr. Pricener stopped writing and sat back to observe his prized pupil.
Gregor opened his eyes wide, and then narrowed his stare as he focused in on the seated doctor.
“Many pardons, Dr. Pricener. I inexcusably dozed off during our discussion. It was a grievous transgression. If any reparations can be delivered on my part, I assure you that…”
“No…no…no. Not at all Gregor,” Doctor Pricener interrupted. “May I reassure you that we are friends, and that no offense has occurred in the least. Rather, I am delighted that you were able to take a few minutes to recharge. Everyone should have a nap now and again. Did you know that some of the greatest minds including Einstein himself took frequent and regular naps?”
“Many thanks for your understanding and kind words,” Gregor replied appreciatively.
“Not at all, Gregor. Not at all. Now then, shall we continue with the interview?”
The warmly smiling Dr. Pricener was eager to resume. He felt that after this ‘bonding moment’ with Gregor, he would be able to elicit even more deep-rooted pathological clues from the mind of this incredibly highly functional and brilliant sociopath. He assumed that a more ‘trusting’ Gregor would be more complicit.
Dr. Pricener assumed wrongly. It was never wise to make assumptions. It was especially true when it came to making predictions about the thoughts and actions of Gregor.
“The continuing of this interview would be fruitless,” Gregor announced blandly. “In fact, it wouldn’t be fair. I am at a decided advantage.”
The doctor looked at Gregor quizzically. Before the doctor could respond, Gregor spoke.
“Sorry to pre-interrupt doctor, but your protestation was easily anticipated. Do you see what I am saying? Your obvious fatigue has slowed your sensatory functions. Perhaps it would be prudent that you follow suit by engaging in a short to moderate nap of your own. A “recharging” as you had so aptly declared earlier, is certainly in order.”
A begrudged Dr. Pricener realized that Gregor was correct. Although mentally exhilarated, the doctor was physically exhausted. Out of morbid curiosity, the doctor had to ask the next question.
“Why do you think you would have a decided advantage over me under these circumstances?”
“Because of your weakened state,” Gregor stated matter-of-factly.
“I would devour you-metaphorically speaking, of course,” Gregor continued, looking coyly now at the cringing doctor.
“But Gregor,” the doctor replied in a dry high-pitched protestation. “I thought we were friends. Why would you do that to your friend?”
“Because it is the nature of the wolf to prey upon those whom he senses to be weaker.”
Gregor paused for a moment while looking at the stunned doctor.
“The attack would not be personal,” Gregor stated, almost as an afterthought.
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part eleven)
“Very well, Gregor. I am inclined to agree with you, albeit reluctantly. I have so enjoyed the conversation that we have had this afternoon. I suppose I have let exuberance and adrenaline override good old-fashioned common sense. So with that in mind, let’s conclude this session with some final thoughts.”
“As you wish Dr. Pricener. This is your forum, not mine.”
“I wish you could view this as more of a friendly chat rather than a “forum”. I just wish…”
“Pardon the interruption doctor, but this protestation is superfluous. Please proceed, if you feel so inclined.”
Dr. Pricener repositioned himself in his seat and then cleared his throat nervously. He looked squarely into Gregor’s eyes.
“We will conclude this session Gregor. I have just one final question.”
There was a pause. Both men stared ahead without blinking. Dr. Pricener viewed this as some kind of ‘game’ of sorts.
Gregor did not.
_____
Dr. Pricener broke the silent stalemate.
“Gregor, have you been entirely honest with me throughout this interview process?”
“The shell that houses ‘Gregor’ has been honest,” came the quick and candid response.
Dr. Pricener was stunned. Could it be that Gregor could actually…
No. It was not possible. To command other and different personalities to substitute for one’s own; was categorically impossible. There had never been a hint of documentation to ever support such a hypothesis. This revelation was stunning. What should be asked of Gregor next? The doctor wanted to keep the question open ended. He wanted to keep it simple. Therefore, he uttered a simple two-word follow up.
“Clarify, please?”
Dr. Pricener’s disbelieving ears were probably not ready for what he about to hear.
“Gregor believes you have violated his 5th Amendment Rights by injecting the 3 Q-B truth serum into his system without permission. Therefore, he has retreated, and instructed me to commence with this interview. Gregor will not allow you into his mind. It has been my assignment to provide the answers as directed.”
The doctor sat there flabbergasted.
“I hope all of this has not been a waste of time,” Gregor said in a different voice.
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part twelve)
“This is preposterous. I will not have it. The very notion of granting Gregor full autonomy as a resident of the seventh floor is the very definition of insanity itself. I tell you, I will have none of it. Hmphh… the very notion of allowing an “inmate to run the asylum” is dangerous and irresponsible. This is especially true of allowing the manipulative Gregor such freedom. Why I have half a mind to…”
“Now, Horatio-calm down. And please, enough with the idle threats. Your unreasonableness regarding this whole matter is becoming quite boorish. Just sit down and listen,” Dr. Pricener instructed in a cold and scolding voice.
Dr. Horatio Coy was fresh off a 30-day suspension. You would have thought that this cooling off period would have tempered his propensity for outbursts. One would have assumed that he would have returned with a more reasonable disposition.
“Don’t you see that you are being controlled?” Dr. Coy said pleadingly. “Gregor is a master of manipulation and deceit.”
“Now Horatio, just calm down and listen to me,” Dr. Pricener responded with ever-growing impatience. “You know full well that you cannot supersede or override my decisions on this case. That should be abundantly clear to you at this juncture. So then, Horatio…”
“”You will refer to me by my proper title at this juncture,” a defiant Dr. Coy responded.
Dr. Pricener smiled, but was unamused.
“Very well, Dr. Coy. I am sorry our relationship has devolved to this level. Regardless, let me remind you that this is your first day back on the job. I urge you to be a good team player. Co-operate with the process. At the very least, do not stand in the way. We are on the cusp of something spectacular.
”
Dr. Pricener stopped for a moment and looked skyward. He was smiling. This time, it was a genuine smile. He then turned back to Dr. Coy.
“The mere speculation of the boundless opportunities presented to us is mind boggling. We are on the very brink of a major breakthrough in the field of Neuroscience. This is a discovery, the likes of which has never been seen in the annals of…”
Dr. Pricener paused. His radiant smile suddenly turned into a threatening scowl.
“…and I’m warning you Dr. Coy. For your own good-and the good of this experiment, do not stand in the way.”
Dr. Coy was squirming in his seat. He then abruptly arose. He pointed his right index finger directly at the still seated Dr. Pricener.
“We will see about this Dr. Pricener. You are not the only one around here with connections. I will put a stop to this, if it’s the last thing I do as administrator of this facility.”
It may be the last thing you do, Dr. Pricener muttered to himself as Dr. Coy slammed the door behind him after storming from the office.
The echoing clicks of Dr. Coy’s shoes reverberated loudly as he strode purposefully down the marble hallway. With a loud metallic ‘clang’, the doctor pushed forcefully through the fire exit crash doors at the end of the corridor.
There was a sudden hush. Activity seemed to cease at once, and all fell silent on the 7th floor of the Cogan County Psychiatric Hospital.
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part thirteen)
Gregor was very happy. Everything seemed to be breaking his way. Of course, one makes one’s own luck was always his motto. That is perhaps why he was seldom caught off guard concerning affairs in his life. He was never surprised when things tended to work out favorably in his behalf.
Gregor was “home”. He was permitted to choose his favorite room within which to reside. He would not have a roommate, unlike the rest of the population. After settling in, the privileged Gregor decided to stroll around the hallways. He was eager to reacquaint himself with the staff, and acclimate himself to the new and improved environs of the psych unit. This did not take long. After all, this was his fifth…or was it his sixth… psychiatric commitment here? Regardless he felt relaxed, safe, and comforted by the litany of friends that surrounded him.
Yes, things were going well. His “plan” was falling perfectly into place. He had not a care in the world.
Well-he did have one concern. There was something gnawing at him. Gregor knew it was not wise to ignore this inherent 6th sense that had proven time and again to be reliable and consistent. The concern was-that he was becoming ‘close’ to Dr. Pricener. Unwittingly, Gregor had allowed yet another sentient being to befriend him.
Gregor couldn’t be too harsh on himself however. After all, he was human. He liked having friends. He craved them. He needed friends-just like everyone else. What was wrong with that?
“Well, I’ll tell you what’s wrong with that,” Gregor shouted to himself. He then looked around to see if anyone had observed the outburst. No one seemed to notice. What’s wrong with that, is that everyone who gets close to you dies. That’s what’s wrong with that! Gregor finished the thought. Gregor always made sure he finished anything that he started. That included thoughts.
Gregor was not one to dwell on negativity. He always tried to maintain a positive outlook. He was an optimist. But now, he was worried. He couldn’t allow Dr. Pricener, or anyone else for that matter, to get close to him. Nor could he allow himself to have feelings for them. If Green Man suspected for one minute that Gregor had made a friend, it would certainly lead to their downfall; and most probably a horrific death.
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part fourteen)
Gregor had lost everyone and everything-courtesy of the heinous serial killer known as Green Man. The cunning and ruthless criminal had stymied authorities to date, and avoided capture. Despite assurances from law enforcement officials that they were doing everything in their power to apprehend the sinister Green Man, Gregor was not convinced. Moreover, he knew he would constantly live in fear as long as Green Man was at large. How could this dangerous criminal run rampant amongst the populace without detection? Gregor had provided the authorities with “hot leads” on numerous occasions, only to see inept investigators botch matters repeatedly. How many more lives must Green Man take before they wake up? How many more friends must perish? Where was the justice?
Anyone who got close, whether they be family, friends, or even pets, eventually met their demise. That was bad enough. Even worse, was the way they had died. Systematically each life was snuffed out horrifically, always involving extreme violence-even torture. Each was crueler than the last, and all of them progressively painful for the mild mannered and passive Gregor.
How was he to move on? No one should have to endure the painful losses that Gregor had to bear. Yet, he kept plugging along. Gregor persisted under even the harshest of life’s challenges. Gregor was strong. Stronger than most.
“Resilient,” Gregor would often remind himself regarding his plight. That word always made him smile.
_____
Dr. Horatio Coy felt somewhat vindicated. He had insisted on an emergency meeting of the Board of Regents. Three of the five charter members presented themselves at the meeting room, along with the Chair-Dr. Hohman. The requisite number for the establishment of a quorum was satisfied. Dr. Coy had his audience. He was ready.
Dr. Coy knew he would ruffle a few feathers, but was surprised by the sedate, perhaps even contrite, physicians in attendance. Dr. Coy vented furiously, yet was careful to be systematic in his argument for the expulsion of Gregor from the facility. Furthermore, the panel seemed nonplussed by the growingly confident Dr. Coy as he furthered his argument for the removal of Dr. Pricener as well. The Board was composed of reasonable men. They were professionals. As men of medicine, they embraced logic and reason. Dr. Coy was sure that he had won them over. None of the panel had uttered so much as a word during his half hour long presentation of the ‘facts’. After a grandiose and dramatic conclusion, Dr. Coy actually took a bow. Each of the Board members stared stoically at the highly determined and emotional presenter.
“Thank you, Dr. Coy. Our decision will be handed down by the end of the day.”
Dr. Coy was sure that Dr. Hohman had voiced those words in a reassured way. Right about now, Dr. Horatio Coy was feeling pretty good about himself. He could not wait to see the expressions on the faces of Dr. Pricener and Gregor when they receive the bad news.
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part fifteen)
Dr. Pricener was in high spirits. His chemically induced dopamine saturated brain was “flying high” after the most recent interview with Gregor. By not “allowing” Dr. Pricener to actually access the “real” Gregor, was an attempt by the cunning patient to thwart and even sabotage the grandiose experiment. Little did Gregor realize that a completely new world of possibilities would now be explored. It was astounding that Gregor actually had the ability to volitionally substitute multiple personalities on demand. Gregor unwittingly opened a window into the convoluted maze of multiple psyches that laid dormant in the recesses of his mind. Dr. Pricener had every intention to climb through this open portal and into the very soul of the intellectual and complex sociopath.
Of course, there was a problem. It was a matter of trust-kind of problem. More succinctly, it was a lack of trust-kind of problem. Dr. Pricener needed to gain Gregor’s unconditional confidence. They needed to become “close”. It was the kind of bond that had to be earned. Dr. Pricener planned to become Gregor’s best friend and confidant. This would involve implementing a highly unconventional plan. It would be unorthodox, and fraught with risks. The risk/reward gamble was worth taking the calculated chance. The payoff would be awe-inspiring, and shake the Psychiatric community at its very roots.
_____
It was nearing 5 p.m. After a
long day, most of the hospital staff was glad that the shift was ending. Dr. Coy in particular was anxious, as the clock ticked down to the end of the workday. Would he hear the good news as promised?
Doctor Coy. Doctor Horatio Coy. Paging Doctor Coy. Please report to the Administration office at once.
The booming announcement over the intercom speaker both startled and delighted Dr. Coy. At last, a verdict regarding Gregor had been reached.
_____
Dr. Coy could not help but beam a radiant smile as he marched briskly down the hallway and through the heavy oaken doors leading to the Administration office. That troublemaker Gregor would ‘get his’. So would the cocksure Dr. Pricener. It was justice long overdue. Dr. Coy considered the Cogan County Regional Hospital to be “his” hospital. The psychiatric unit in particular was his domain. The unwelcome infiltrators would summarily be expelled from the premises post haste. Things would then return to normal. Once again, Dr. Coy would reign supreme and finally be rid of his dual adversaries.
Good riddance!
_____
When Dr. Coy entered the inner sanctum of the office, he was a bit overtaken by a mixture of both shock and confusion. Sitting behind the large marble desk was the solemn and solidary figure of the administrative secretary. Dr. Coy looked around frantically.
No…noo…this cannot be, he thought.
“Miss Dixon…Miss Dixon…excuse me.”
The frail and bespectacled secretary of some 30 years’ service looked up at him while continuing to shuffle a mound of the usual department legalized paperwork.
“Where…where are the Board of Regents? Is Dr. Hohman here? Where is everybody?”
Miss Dixon leered at the frazzled doctor with contempt. She searched under yet another mound of papers to her immediate right, while never taking her eyes off Dr. Coy. After a moment, she fished out a large manila envelope from the pile. She held the envelope out stiffly in the general direction of the doctor.