by Bill Evans
Just then Gregor felt a chill race down his spine. Green Man was near. Gregor could feel his presence. That innate 6th sense that Gregor found to be so reliable, was tingling and on full alert. But where exactly was he?
_____
For the next ten minutes or so, Dr. Pricener asked Gregor a battery of seemingly innocuous questions. The doctor did this more for the purpose to try to normalize his fractured relationship with Gregor, rather than to elicit any pertinent data for the research experiment. The doctor asked about favorite vacation destinations. He asked about fond childhood memories. A friendly inquiry was made as to interests and hobbies that Gregor might have had. He was also sure to ask about the fly, and was quick to express his condolences. Gregor sat with rigidity during the session.
“Gregor, that concludes our talk. Tell me-are you feeling ill?”
“I’m fine doctor. What makes you ask?”
“It’s just that you seem a bit distracted. I’d noticed you looking over your shoulder a few times during the interview. Are you feeling a bit anxious about something?
“Don’t be silly doctor. I don’t have a worry in the world.”
Gregor rose to his feet and turned to leave.
“Oh yes Gregor…one more thing.”
Gregor stopped in his tracks but did not turn around.
“You said you don’t have a worry in the world. Do I have anything to worry about from you Gregor?”
Gregor smiled sinisterly.
“It’s not Gregor that I’d worry about doctor.”
Gregor knew that Dr. Pricener would want clarification. Gregor hurried from the office before the doctor could speak. Gregor didn’t have time for any more time-wasting questions.
He had a Halloween party to plan.
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part thirty two)
“We’re all going dressed as hospital patients”, was the echoing response from the gang of psych patients that had congregated in the seventh floor lobby of the ward. Gregor rolled his eyes. It was his own fault for asking.
The day of the much-anticipated Halloween party had finally arrived. Gregor had summoned the residents and staff for final instructions. The party was a mere three hours away. Gregor wanted to ensure that things would proceed smoothly.
“I’ve made arrangements with dietary. We will be served chicken nuggets and pizza squares. Liquid refreshment will entail both lemonade and iced tea.”
This announcement was met with thunderous applause. It was no wonder that Gregor was considered a hero amongst his peers.
“Thank you folks,” Gregor blushed modestly. “Now if I may kindly have your attention, I have just a few more housekeeping issues that need to be discussed.”
Gregor laid out the plan for the evening festivities. There would be music. Gregor had procured several Halloween themed c.d.’s. Those wishing to “dress up” would have access to non-toxic washable grease paint, as well as tattoo stickers.
“Alright then boys and ghouls,” Gregor said, and then paused for what he anticipated to be raucous laughter. There was silence.
“Errr...fine. Are there any questions?”
Again, there was silence.
Then one of the patients shook her head indicating that she did not have any questions. Then another patient did the same thing. Then another and another. Within an instant, the whole congregation of psych patients began shaking their heads…faster and faster. The pace became so furious that a few of them lost their equilibrium and began to stumble.
“Enough”, Gregor loudly ordered.
The activity immediately ceased.
The staff looked on in awe. They wished they could control the patients with the same proficiency that Gregor routinely exhibited. The staff loved and admired Gregor.
Everybody loved and admired Gregor.
_____
“Gregor…Gregor…I’ve been chasing you around all day. Can’t you spare a moment? We’ve got to talk.”
The hospital staff looked on as the frenzied Dr. Pricener finally cornered Gregor against a corridor wall. Many shook their heads in disgust. There was a “feeling” among the employees that things had changed. It was a slow, almost unnoticeable change. At least at first. Nevertheless, more and more, everyone was starting to notice. It was as if there were a role reversal between the two. It seemed that Gregor was the person in charge-and the pathetic doctor-his subordinate.
The desperate Dr. Pricener was slipping. Some say he was slowly going mad. His reliance on Gregor was overbearing. His obsession with Gregor-unnerving. The grand experiment was backfiring. Gregor had been given too much latitude. This liberty was seized upon reminiscent of a conquering czar seeing the opportunity, and using his power to wrestle control of an empire. The seventh floor had become Gregor’s empire.
“Yes, doctor. What is it? You must know I haven’t a minute to spare. I have so much more to do in preparation for the Halloween party this evening. I urge you. Be brief.”
“Yes…yes, of course,” the doctor stammered. “It…it’s just that I need a few points of clarification regarding some of the salient points of our recent conversations. It’s just that…”
A large commotion was heard by the entrance gate leading into the seventh floor ward. Two very large men dressed in similar grey worker’s uniforms were wheeling in numerous wooden crates.
“I need a Mr. Gregor to sign for these here items,” one of the men was heard saying to the charge nurse. She pointed at Gregor as he stood next to the doctor.
“Doctor, we’ll have to table this conversation for another day. Please excuse me.”
Gregor rushed excitedly to the large “packages” that had just arrived. He quickly scribbled his name on the bill of sale receipt. With some assistance from the workers, he pried open one of the crates and looked inside.
Gregor gasped with wide-eyed enthusiasm.
“Hah-and with not a moment to spare. The dry ice has finally arrived.”
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part thirty three)
As official self-appointed Master-of-Ceremonies, Gregor took the microphone. Everybody from the seventh floor was present-even if they had to be wheeled in. This was the social event of the year, and wasn’t to be missed. The fact that it was the only event of the year, didn’t seem to matter. This was going to be one grand party-a “party for the ages”, as Gregor would like to say.
“Welcome to this spooktacular party, all of you boys and ghouls,” Gregor barked excitedly into the microphone.
Silence.
One hundred or so blank faces, staring benignly straight ahead. Sterile, emotionless, expressionless faces. A sea of them. You could hear a pin drop. Deafening, awkward silence permeated the room.
Gregor smiled.
“Hello boys and ghouls,” Gregor said, once again cracking himself up with the ghouls substitution for the word girls. Gregor was very good at amusing himself.
“It is perfectly fine and acceptable for y’all to laugh,” Gregor said, this time with a mock Southern drawl.
Silence…for about ten seconds. The crowd then burst into laughter. Hysterical and uproarious laughter. They now seemed relaxed and ready to have a good time. All they needed was permission.
“Que the music Mr. D.J. Come on everyone. Let’s dance.”
_____
And dance they did. Every person who could stand, swayed and gyrated. Every walker bounced. Every gurney rocked. Every movable limb spasmed in one way or another. The lobby was hopping It was a sight almost too surreal to be believed. Gregor had pulled it off. The “social event of the year”, as promised-had been delivered.
Dr. Pricener beamed with pride at how he had nurtured Gregor into becoming a viable and productive leader.
The anxiety-ridden hospital duty staff did not share that same view. They looked on nervously.
The party continued on for the next 90 minutes without a hitch. There was gaiety in the conversation. The food and drink was refreshing and delicious. The ambiance was happy and uplifting. Even the staff seemed to be relaxed and at ease. Time had passed swiftly. Doesn’t it always, when having a good time?
It was now 30 minutes until 8 p.m. bedtime. Gregor anxiously approached the stage and took the microphone in his hands. It was time for the grand finale. And what a grand finale it would be!
“Ladies and germs, may I have your attention?”Gregor snortled. No one got the pun. Why didn’t anyone ever “get” his humor? Although a bit dismayed, Gregor pushed on none-the-less. Gregor never let little emotional setbacks ever hold him down. Besides, nothing was going to discourage him tonight. Things were going perfectly.
Perhaps too perfectly.
“Without further ado my dear colleagues. It is my distinct privilege and honor to introduce the concluding activity in tonight’s sequence of events. We have prepared a Halloween play titled “The Werewolf Meets Frankenstein,”. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the performance.
Gregor had one more directive. It was an important directive, and one he was sure not to forget. He turned to the backstage area.
He shouted his final order to the stage crew.
“O.K. boys. Release the fog.”
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part thirty four)
The dry ice was working perfectly. The chemicals emitted an authentic “fog” effect, as a cloud of white mist sifted and oozed over the stage area, creating the desired eerie aura. This special effect seemed to catapult the stage actors into a ‘zone’ by helping them get into “character”. The audience seemed enraptured by the ambiance and action. Even the hospital staff seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Gregor looked on with smug satisfaction. The idea of the play was ‘pure genius’ on his part. The concept of dry ice to be used for special effects was nothing short of brilliant. Naturally. Why would anyone expect anything less?
_____
No one seemed to notice at first.
Everyone was captivated and even spellbound by the brilliant acting on stage. Yet, something didn’t seem right.
Perhaps the stage crew had become a bit overzealous. Maybe they were a tad careless. Regardless, the mist from the dry ice was becoming thicker and thicker as it continued to ooze onto the stage. No one was panicking yet, even though the actors were disappearing from view behind the thick white bog. Should the crew get the fans out? Should the dry ice be repositioned? Everyone froze. Gregor would surely know what to do. Even the staff assumed that Gregor would take control of the situation.
But, where was Gregor? Why hasn’t he taken charge of this situation yet?
The crowd began to stir nervously as the room began to fill with smoke. More and more of the murky haze infiltrated the area. Visibility was nearing zero, as the cloudy mass continued to pore in. The unrelenting onslaught of white vapor engulfed the corridors and hallways. It appeared that the gaseous vapor was now funneling in at an alarming rate through the vent system at the hospital. Still no one moved. No one panicked. This problem would soon be rectified.
Surely, Gregor would save the day.
_____
Then someone said it.
Was it Gregor? Possibly. Perhaps even likely. It’s never been proven. The point is someone said it. Two simple words. That’s all it took. Two simple words, echoing distinctly and loudly through the hallways and corridors on the seventh floor of the Cogan County Psychiatric ward.
“Noxious gas!”
The words reverberated in the minds of the patients and staff for a few seconds. No one uttered a sound. Everyone looked around, but could see nothing but the white cloud-like haze that had engulfed them all.
Like a slow rumbling volcano, people started to stir. Suddenly, all Hell broke loose.
First there was the shrieking. Frenzied patients scampered in all directions, often violently colliding into each other.
“Call 911,” one of the staffers was heard shouting.
“Get these patients the hell out of here,” another shouted.
“Screw this-every man for himself,” another was heard to say.
Alarms sounded. The sprinkler system engaged, raining cold water down upon the trapped occupants on the seventh floor. Flashing emergency lights could be seen twirling through the white mist.
Pandemonium reigned supreme, as the hysterically sobbing, shrieking, water-logged patients awaited for emergency responders to arrive.
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part thirty five)
“Calm down. Stop screaming and just calm down,” the paramedic screamed, even louder than the hysterically shrieking patient strapped to the gurney.
The evacuation process of the patients from the seventh floor was later described as “organized chaos”. Many doubted the “organized” part of that assessment. The self-described ‘trained professionals’ from the local VFD ran in scattered fashion in all directions, with no definitive plan in place for an emergency such as they were encountering here.
Luckily, the white lab coat clad authoritative doctor on duty saw the disarray, and quickly took control of the situation. In a deep baritone voice, he directed firefighters and paramedics strategically. He led them to exit points, while supervising large groups of patients into clusters so that they may be more systematically extracted. The doctor’s deep and reassuring voice seemed to calm the patients. His take-charge persona made it easy for the emergency volunteers to respond and react accordingly to his orders.
If this natural born leader had not assumed control, this disaster would likely have been much worse.
Everyone agreed at the time.
“Thank God for Dr. Pricener.”
_____
“Officer Balcik, all patients are accounted for and in good health. Err…that is, with the exception of one. There is a single patient that we haven’t located just yet.”
The veteran police officers’ face turned into a half frown-half scowl.
“I want that entire seventh floor thoroughly swept and cleared. Find that patient!”
Officer Dan Balcik of the Cogan County Sherriff’s Department was not pleased. This whole affair had been an unmitigated disaster. It had been a blemish on the record of the entire Cogan County EMS. Damage control was now paramount. The trust of the residents had to be regained. The process would be slow and painstaking. A proper clean up and restoration of services needed to happen as quickly as possible. Things needed to return to normal. In time, this disaster would be forgiven-and then eventually forgotten. New disasters would eventually push this event to the rear of the minds of the county residents.
None of this would happen however unless one thing happened first.
They needed to find that damned missing patient.
_____
Gregor awoke lying next to the hospital trash dumpsters, located in the far corner of the rear parking lot. His thoughts were swirling as he tried to shake the cobwebs away. He looked around and saw the multitude of fire engines, police cars, and ambulances littering the lot. Emergency workers were scampering around frenetically. They looked like lost and frenzied tiny worker ants, trying to find their way home.
“What the heck is going on here? Who in the…”
Gregor paused and looked down at himself. He stifled a scream as he examined the white lab coat with accompanying stethoscope that he was wearing. He fished around frantically in the pockets and pulled out Dr. Pricener’s wallet containing identification, credit cards, and a large wad of money.
How is this even possible? Why am I not in the hospital with my friends? What is going on…
The realization then hit Gregor. It was an all too familiar realization. He had blacked out… again.
This was not good. Ex
perience told Gregor that bad things always seemed to happen when he blacked out. Green Man always found a way to drug him into unconsciousness, and then perform some dastardly deed for which Gregor would later be blamed. The grinning Green Man would look on from a distance to watch Gregor squirm. The cunning and ruthless criminal obviously got some kind of sick sadistic pleasure out of torturing the naïve and defenseless Gregor.
Gregor needed to get away. He had to clear his mind. He had to try to figure out what had happened. Would he be blamed unfairly yet again for something that was not his fault?
_____
It appeared that Green Man had successfully thwarted Gregor’s carefully calculated plan to capture him. That was readily apparent. So where should he go from here?
Gregor suddenly started to tingle all over. Was that excitement? The thought of his on-going battle with the formidable Green Man was invigorating. It was undeniable. Nonetheless, Gregor reminded himself to stay calm and rational. Green Man seemed invincible, and up to this point unbeatable. Gregor needed to rely on all of his faculties if he were ever to best this nefarious criminal.
The optimistic Gregor smiled broadly.
Yes, Green Man had won every encounter up to this point. And yes, Green Man had successfully extinguished every friend and family member in Gregor’s life. Nevertheless, Gregor had a begrudged respect for his brilliant and sinister foe.
Gregor reasoned that although Green Man had won every battle, he still had not won the war. And if there was one thing about Gregor- well, it was that he loved a challenge.
“The game is afoot Green Man,” Gregor screamed loudly while violently shaking his fist skyward.
With a furrowed brow, Gregor slowly ambled away from the hospital grounds, lost in deeply troubling thought.
GREEN MAN MUST PAY
(part thirty six)
Officer John Kane had arrived to join Officer Balcik at the location of this ‘unusual’ crime scene. After reviewing preliminary investigative notes, he turned to his partner.