Cole sat motionless, watching the fight, unable to cope with reality.
“Do it, Cole!” Meredith shouted. “Think of Amy! She could die any second. Let the voices come through.”
“I can't,” Cole said. “I just can't.” Yet, even as he said those words, he was less sure of it. The whispering was becoming an audible voice in the back of his mind, egging him on, willing him to commit this atrocity. Willing him to love committing it. Willing him to develop a desire to commit more. He grabbed his temples as the voice became a pounding monsoon. “Aaahhh, Mom, what is this? What's happening to me?”
The struggle was getting more desperate and Meredith was starting to lose control of Dr. Stern. “Don't resist. Let them in,” she shouted.
Cole relinquished the remainder of his mental guard and the pounding immediately ceased, leaving behind an eerie calm. I have to do this. I don't have a choice. The voice overtook the forefront of his mind, now in complete sync with his consciousness. It's the right thing to do. I want to do this. I'll enjoy doing this.
A guttural scream issued from deep inside as he allowed the voice to take control, blurring his consciousness. He was only dimly aware of the events that were happening around him, as if he were watching from far away and someone else were directing his movements. He had never used a syringe before, but with the voice's guidance his hand moved with the assurance of an expert.
Through the haze, a twinge of remorse faltered his resolve, but the voice in his head attacked with full force, and all the guilt and sadness were washed away by an immense thrill. He was not even aware it was over until Meredith lifted herself off the body and gently pulled Cole away.
“Are you all right?” Meredith said.
He was still one with the voice but some of the haze was lifting. “Um, yeah, I think I am, actually. I don't feel... anything.” He was surprised how calm his breathing was, how steady his hands were.
“You will feel the trauma once you disengage the voice from your mind, but I'll help you through it. I'm sorry to have to subject you to this but sometimes you need to let it take over.”
“Why didn't you help me let it take over before I needed it?”
“It's not easy the first time. I knew it would happen in the heat of the moment, same way it happened for me. But once you learn how to control this altered consciousness you can turn it on and off at will.”
Cole looked up at his mother, then down at the body. “I don't want to make it go away. My whole life I've been afraid. I like this.”
“I can understand that but... we'll talk about this another time. Stay here and don't touch anything outside the office. I'm going to get a garbage bag and some luggage. We'll clean up and pack her bags, quickly. We have to get you back to the hospital before the nurses make their rounds.”
“Yes, Mom.”
Meredith left the office. Cole knelt down by the body to look at the face that was forever frozen in a peaceful slumber. He looked at the watch on the limp wrist. It was 11:37. He sat back on his haunches to wait for his mother, feeling more powerful and alive than ever before.
END OF BOOK ONE
About the Author
Matthew Goldstein has been writing for most of his life and is currently employed as a Game Designer where he writes for video games. He received his degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He lives in upstate New York. This is his first novel.
Dark Mind (The Dark Mind Trilogy Book 1) Page 26