“Detective Peterson?” asked a man snapping Karl back to the reality. The man was shorter than Karl and sported receding hair as well as a beard. He wore rounded glasses and a jumper over his shirt and tie. By his appearance he appeared to be in his mid-forties.
“Yes, and you are?” he asked.
“I’m Doctor Gardner,” the man introduced himself whilst tucking several folders beneath his arm almost dropping them in the process. Once he had them secured he outstretched his hand and shook Karl’s.
“I have been asked to conduct an evaluation of Detective Rivers’ state of mind. I believe you were the officer who found him in this condition?”
“The situation is complicated Doc. You would not believe me even if I attempted to explain.”
“I have access to Detective Rivers’ previous psychological evaluations. I am aware of his apparent ability that has been documented but scientifically it is unproven. From a psychological stand point I would suggest that there is something else deep down which is wrong with the Detective other than his mind being assaulted by a third party.”
“Your point being Doctor?”
“I’m surprised from the medical reports he has not been diagnosed with a split personality disorder. Reports from his youth point to this.”
“Split personality?”
“Look here,” said Doctor Gardner as he raised one of the files he held under his arm. Quickly flicking through it he found the page he was looking for and presented it to Karl.
“In one of his early evaluations before his visions began, it had been reported he could see his own identical twin. Apparently he spoke to him directly and nobody else could see him.”
Karl took the report and looked closely. Transcripts listed the conversations observed between Rivers and his invisible twin. Attached photos showed Rivers at a young age conversing with him.
“How the hell did he pass the psyche evaluations to enter the police force if he had this stuff on his medical file?”
“From what I can see these were dismissed as his abilities proved useful in several murder cases. Instead of relying on scientific facts, I believe somebody high up pulled strings to bypass the psyche evaluation tests.”
`“So what are you trying to say Doc. Rivers a phoney, a fake? I don’t believe that for a moment. I’ve worked on several high profile cases now where he has secured convictions using his visions. How could he have achieved that if he was making it up?”
“Who said he was making it up Detective? I’m sure he did see or at least thought he saw the murders, just not by psychic means…”
As the Doctor finished his sentence Captain Reed walked into view as he headed down the corridor towards Rivers room. Seeing the Doctor talking to Karl, and Karl looking concerned, Captain Reed approached cautiously.
“Karl is everything OK?” asked Captain Reed. In his left hand he held on to a package which resembled the shape of a video cassette.
“Sir, this is Doctor Gardner. He is a Psychologist assigned to Rivers’ case.”
“I was just explaining to Detective Peterson I have been reviewing Detective Rivers’ medical records. There are a number of items in there indicating alarming psychological problems. Not beating around the bush, I’m surprised he was ever let into the police force.”
“Detective Rivers was recruited under special circumstances. His abilities had proven very useful and as such were an asset we did not want to lose. I know he had a troubled past put managed to put it all behind him as he focused on his police work. He has an exemplary record of conduct and a high level of convictions.”
“Still, I’m surprised he was recruited with this level of psychological issues. He clearly has a form of split personality disorder and no doubt deeper mental issues. I’m surprised he has not broken down sooner, or that nobody has been injured as a result. Either way the prospect of him having psychic abilities is laughable. His visions are either from a creative imagination or he witnessed it first hand at the crime scene itself.”
“What are you accusing him of Doctor?” asked Karl aggressively. He was clearly agitated by where the discussion was leading them.
“Until I can evaluate him I can not say.”
“Are you suggesting he could be responsible for the murders himself Doctor?” asked the Captain. His face was blank, free from emotion.
“That is a possibility, and would fit with the accuracy of his visions if he was not psychic.”
Lifting his left hand, Captain Reed presented the men with a package he held onto.
“This is the video cassette recovered from an old security system a few months ago at a previous crime scene. Conveniently it went missing before it could be analysed but was found today by Detective McMorris.”
“Went missing? Where did he find it?”
“A box has been turned in by a member of the public containing several articles from our evidence locker. Apparently found dumped under a bridge. I was not going to jump to conclusions but unfortunately things seem to be pointing in Rivers’ direction now.”
“What is on the cassette Captain?”
“The cassette appears to show a person of Rivers’ build entering the property at the time of when the murder was committed”
“Could be coincidental, is his face visible?”
“No, he is masked but among the items are recovered DNA and fibre samples from the scene which are now being analysed. If those come back positive then we will have to charge him.”
Turning his head, Karl looked at his friend who still remained unconscious on top of the hospital bed.
“This could be another game by The Hacker, you do understand that. Another ploy to discredit the investigation.”
“Always remains a possibility, but there is mounting evidence pointing in Rivers’ direction which we did not have in your case. I’m afraid we need to question him doctor.”
“He is not fit enough to be questioned in his current state…”
“Look, there is still a possibility The Hacker is loose on the streets looking for his next victim. I need to know if he actually exists or if he is the man right in front of you.”
“If he is psychologically disturbed then he would not be fit enough to stand trial. He would simply be taken away into state care.”
“I need to know Doctor, either to clear his name and find the real murderer or to get the help Rivers needs.”
“It would be counter productive questioning him now, besides he is not even conscious. Give him a few days to recuperate and then I will evaluate him then. If he is disturbed or suffering a split personality I would wager it would be evident in my examination. However, I can not allow you to be present when I evaluate him.”
“We need to question him Doctor. Lives depend on it.”
“You can observe from outside but I can not have you interacting with him whilst I conduct my examination, especially as he is in a potentially fragile psychological condition.”
Chapter 14
Detective Ian Rivers sat quietly in a large brightly lit room. The high walls were painted a brilliant white; the floor finished with polished white tiles. Hanging in the centre of the ceiling shone a brilliantly bright light.
The reclining chair he sat on was remarkably comfortable. Ian lay back and stretched out. It felt like such a pleasant place to be.
Apart from him and the chair, the only other piece of furniture in the room was a grandfather clock which was ticking loudly to one side of the room. The clock case was finished in oak which was highly polished. So much so Ian could see himself and the chair reflecting off its surface.
Looking around the room Ian could see no doorway. The room appeared to be sealed off consisting of nothing more than floor, ceiling and walls. This was not a concern to Ian who felt more comfortable and relaxed than he had ever been.
As he closed his eyes whilst enjoying the silence and peace, a voice began to call out for him. It was barely audible at first but slowly grew louder.
&
nbsp; “Ian, can you hear me? Ian?” The voice was distant yet it called him back. He tried to ignore it but it began dragging him away from his comfy chair; towards to reality.
As he lifted off the chair two hands firmly slammed down on his shoulders. The hands were grimy. Dirt and blood was encrusted beneath the broken finger nails as they pressed him back down onto the chair.
“Not so fast Ian,” said a voice behind him as he was forcibly held in his place.
“Let’s just remember that you look as guilty as hell. There is only one way you will avoid being charged with my crimes and that is to listen to me.”
“Why should I believe you would help me? You’re probably going to set me up.”
The Hacker’s fingers pressed down hard on Rivers’ shoulder, almost digging into his flesh. The pressure sent pain shooting down Rivers’ arms.
“Why would I want you taking credit for my work? If you want to have some of the limelight then go kill someone yourself!”
With a sudden shove, The Hacker pushed Rivers out of his chair with force. Leaving the chair, Rivers flew through the air before colliding with the adjacent wall.
Abruptly, Rivers awoke to find himself sitting in an entirely different room. The carpet was a light brown; the walls were painted in just as bland of colour.
The chair he sat on now was plastic and uncomfortable. Before him was an empty table. Apart from a chair on the other side of the table the room was devoid of any other furniture. To the left of Rivers’ position was what appeared to resemble a large mirror stretching across the wall. Rivers recognised it as a one way mirror. No doubt on the other side somebody with a clipboard was observing his action and behaviour whilst taking notes. To the front of the room was a solid door with a small window. The window itself was obscured from the other side no doubt by a little screen or curtain.
Rivers tried to move his arms but found them to be restrained. Looking down he found himself to be wearing a white straight jacket. No matter how much he wriggled he was not going to get his arms free.
“Hello?” asked Rivers weakly.
“Is there anybody there? What am I doing here?”
A crackle interrupted the stillness of the room which emanated from the ceiling above.
“Please remain calm Mr Rivers. Doctor Gardner will be with your shortly.” After that the room returned to silence.
Looking at the one way mirror, Rivers observed his reflection. Along with the white straight jacket he also sported white trousers and white socks. Looking his reflection in the eye he could feel The Hacker’s presence behind it.
“Look at you Ian. You look like a mad man,” said his reflection. Rivers watched as it stood up and walked out of the mirror.
“Your hair a mess, straight jacketed, dressed in white from head to toe. What a sight I must say.”
Rivers refused to reply. He simply gazed at the floor attempting not to rise to The Hacker’s bait.
“Don’t ignore me Ian. I can help you…” said The Hacker as he moved to within inches of Rivers.
Again Rivers refused to reply. He could feel The Hacker growing angry but the last thing he wanted was to be found talking to himself.
In a flash The Hacker reached down and placed his hand in Rivers head. His hand met no resistance as it simply disappeared into the back of Rivers’ mind. With the hand in place Rivers’ body cried out in agony. He tried to move away from him but his body would not respond. He was paralysed.
“If you don’t do as I say they will find you guilty Ian. You will take the fall for my work, do you want that? I don’t want that! Do as I say and I will get you out of here…”
“Why does my freedom matter so much to you? Perhaps if I get sent down for it you will have no further need with me. You could leave me be…”
“Do as I say Ian. There is a lot more I can do to you that you could not possibly dream of.” With a swift movement The Hacker pushed down hard on Rivers’ head smacking it into the table in front of him. With a crunch his nose broke as blood freely streamed from his nose.
As The Hacker held Rivers’ head down against the table the door at the other end of the room began to open. Hastily The Hacker lifted Rivers’ head from the table and returned him to an upright sitting position. Rivers’ white straight jacket now had crimson red blood streaked down the front of it.
Doctor Gardner stood in the doorway. Concern showed in his face as he looked Rivers up and down.
“Is their anything the matter Detective Rivers? Do you require assistance?”
Regaining control of his body, Rivers felt bruised and beaten. He struggled to find the energy to talk to the Doctor let alone fight off the mental assault by The Hacker.
“No thank you…” he managed to force out against The Hackers will.
“Would you like a tissue? Asked the Doctor but there was no reply.
“Well, allow me to introduce myself Ian. I hope you don’t mind if I call you Ian?”
“Ian? He can call you what he likes for all I care. Don’t bother replying, lets see if he lets slip what he knows first,” said The Hacker as he stood next to Rivers. Although his voice was loud and clear to Rivers, the Doctor was oblivious to his presence.
“My name is Doctor Gardner and I’m a Psychiatrist. I have been asked to assess your current mental condition. Do you understand what I am here to do?”
Rivers did not reply. He sat motionless in response to the Doctor’s Question.
“I need to ask about the hallucinations you have been suffering. In particular the man you refer to as The Hacker.”
Ian remained silent. Doctor Gardner waited patiently for a response whilst noting down Rivers’ reactions.
“Please Ian. I am unable to help unless you help me somewhat…”
Still there was no reply.
Jotting down further observations the Doctor paused before continuing.
“According to your recorded medical history, you have previously discussed an imaginary friend. Could The Hacker be imaginary?”
Ian shook his head in response. As he did so The Hacker applied pressure around his throat.
“Don’t push it Ian. Only say what I tell you too…”
“Is he with you now?” asked the Doctor.
Rivers remained silent as he waited for The Hacker’s orders but he said nothing. Still taking notes Doctor Gardner continued to question Rivers regardless of his silence.
“Can you ask him why he is here?”
“I am debating if you will be my next victim asshole.”
Rivers shook his head before responding.
“He says he is debating if you will be his next victim.”
“And the rest…”
“Asshole,” muttered Rivers under his breath.
“Do you feel any resentment or hostilities towards me Ian?”
“No.”
“Does The Hacker?”
“I think he does towards everybody.”
“Careful Ian…”
“Can you ask The Hacker if he is responsible for the murders?”
“No comment.”
“He says no comment.”
“Are you Detective Ian Rivers responsible for the murders?”
“Yes you are.”
“No I am not…”
“You caught me out there. I wondered if you would fall for it.”
“Have you aided him in the murders?”
“Have you aided him with any murders?”
“He asks if you have aided him with any murders.”
Looking up from his clipboard, the Doctor looked Rivers in the eye before continuing.
“I believe you have had quite a troubled past with regards to your mental condition. Tell me why did you stop seeking therapy?”
“Give him the truth.”
“My parents did not believe it had helped. After I provided the police with leads to a murder they and everybody else thought I had a gift as opposed to a mental condition.”
“How long have yo
u been in contact with The Hacker?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
“You don’t know? I have always been with you Ian and I always will be.”
The Hacker applied pressure to Rivers’ head. As he did so Rivers lowered his head as he whimpered from the pain. Doctor Gardner placed his clipboard down as he responded to the strange behaviour.
“I put it to you Ian that The Hacker is a symptom of what we refer to as split personality disorder. That he lives within your mind, he shares the same body. If that is the case then you are legally responsible for the murders.”
“He is not me,” screamed Rivers as he collapsed to the floor in pain.
“He is trying to destroy me. He has murdered my family, lost me my job and now he is trying to set me up for his crimes or drive me insane trying.” Abruptly the pain stopped and The Hacker fell quiet. Rivers lifted himself up and looked around the room but The Hacker was nowhere to be seen.
“He’s gone?” asked Ian quietly.
“Who has gone Ian?”
“The Hacker, he has gone. I can’t see or hear him.”
As Rivers pulled himself back up onto the chair the Doctor jumped as there was a loud knock at the door. Recomposing himself he stood up and walked over to answer the door.
“Yes?” said the Doctor as he opened the door and stepped out of the room.
Outside the examination room, Doctor Gardner found Karl Peterson waiting for him.
“Sorry to interrupt Doctor but we have had some news from the station.”
“News?” asked the Doctor distantly. The examination was clearly taking a toll on him.
“The Hacker has turned himself in. He is now in custody”
Turning his head to look back at Rivers in the examination room he found him sitting quietly in the chair. His face now looked completely different. He looked relaxed and normal as if nothing had ever happened.
“If The Hacker is real and in custody…” said Doctor Gardner before pausing. Concern was clearly expressed across his face.
“What the hell has the monster done to Ian?” he continued under his breath.
Chapter 15
Rivers lay back in the chair. With his head back he looked up at the light in the centre of the ceiling. It glowed brightly as his eyes began to hurt from the over exposure. Closing his eyes Rivers leant forward and cast his gaze on Karl who sat in front of him.
Mind of a Killer Page 8