The Therapist

by Kelly Holm

  “Because he has to administer this medication through the skull, directly into the brain.”

  “What?”

  “I know, it sounds terrible, right? But it allows him to place the medication exactly where it needs to go. They use this teeny tiny needle about the thickness of a human hair. They’ve had incredible success. It also reduces any chance of side effects. It’s a really new procedure, so I’m not surprised you’ve never heard about it.”

  “So, he just administers this medication, and that’s it?”

  “Afterwards he inserts a tracking chip under the skin behind their ear so he can track vitals and such. It’s more for his research than anything. The patient can’t feel it and doesn’t even know it’s there. When he brings them out of the hypnotic trance, they think they’ve been talking to him the whole time. When they leave, he gives them a bottle of pills and tells them that they need to take them all. By the time the pills are gone, the patients should be cured. I don’t know why he doesn’t just tell the patient that he has to inject the medication directly into their brains… it’s a huge secret – I could get fired or worse for telling you this stuff.”

  “Wow, I don’t know what to say.”

  “Not what you expected to hear?”

  “Not even close. Is it legal to lie to the patients like that?”

  “It’s definitely not ethical, but sometimes these patients have a tough time taking medication regularly. This way ensures that the medication gets to the place it needs to be.”

  “So, you’re saying he’s found a cure for OCD and anxiety?”

  “For some, yes.”

  “Well, that’s incredible… and there aren’t any side effects with it?”

  “Nope, it’s quite miraculous.”

  “You don’t suppose I might be able to get my hands on a small sample of this magical medication, do you?”

  “What do you want it for?”

  “I really just wanted to see if there was something in it that might have killed my wife.”

  “I doubt you’ll find anything in it that might kill someone, but I’d be happy to get you a small sample.”

  “That would be great; I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “You already have, you bought me lunch,” Sofia said with a wide grin.

  “Ya, but it doesn’t seem like enough.”

  “It’s enough,” Sofia said as she smiled and then took another bite of her sandwich.

  Leo and Sofia made small talk while finishing their lunches. Sofia told Leo about her classes and what she hoped to do after graduation. Leo told Sofia about tattooing and how he wants to open his own shop one day.

  After finishing their lunch, Leo drove Sofia back to the office. She went inside and got a bottle of the medication and brought it out to Leo, who was waiting in his car.

  “Promise me you won’t tell anyone where you got this.”

  “You have my word,” Leo said as he looked into her eyes.

  “Let me know if you find anything weird in it. I’m not saying you will, and I sure hope you don’t, but if you do, I’d really like to know,” Sofia said hoping it would give her a reason to see Leo again.

  Once Leo had the medication in hand, he took it to a testing lab that one of his football buddies, Treyvon Jackson, worked at. Leo and Treyvon played for the Sacramento Sequoia

  together and became great friends. Leo was a running back, and Treyvon was the quarterback.

  “Thanks for running this test for me Treyvon. How soon do you think I can get the results?”

  “It’s going to take about twenty-four hours. I’ll try and rush it, but it will still be sometime tomorrow morning. What’s this all about?”

  “I’m not sure, but I think it might be linked to Krystal’s death.”

  “I thought Krystal died from a major stroke.”

  “That was the official ruling, but now I have reason to believe there might have been something else going on.”

  “Where did you get this?” Treyvon asked as he examined the bottle.

  It didn’t look anything like what he was used to seeing. All the writing on the bottle was in a foreign language, there wasn’t a serial or lot number on it and the name was very difficult to pronounce.

  “I promised I wouldn’t say.”

  “Did you notice the writing on the bottle isn’t in English? I’m not even sure what language that is; it almost looks like Arabic, but I’m not sure,” he said, as he showed Leo the bottle.

  “Wow, so he gets this shipped from somewhere overseas. Well, that doesn’t surprise me; his whole operation is a bit shady. Is it going to be a problem getting it tested?”

  “Naw; we’re just supposed to fill out a bunch of forms for each test, but what the hell I’ll run it through. I’ll just make up a serial and lot number for it.”

  “I really appreciate you doing this. You won’t get in trouble or anything, will you?”

  “Probably, but what the fuck, I don’t really need the job anyway; I just need to be out of that house for eight or nine hours a day,” he said with a big smirk.

  “So how are Jasmine and the kids?”

  “Jasmine’s great, the kids are a handful.”

  “I told you having seven kids would be tuff.”

  “Oh, its tuff, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Hey, what are you doing for dinner tonight; I know Jasmine, and the kids would love to see you.”

  “That would be great, I’d really like that.”

  Chapter 14

  When Mila got back to her office, she realized she had almost an hour before her next appointment was due. She thought about what Leo said earlier at lunch; was it really possible that Dr. Blackmore could have had something to do with Mama’s death? It seems ludicrous, to say the least, she thought.

  She checked her phone to see if there were any new messages. There were several from Leo, and one from her friend Jessica, asking her to call her back when she gets a chance. Mila was thrilled when she heard that message. Jessica had been in London for the past month helping her sister, Lily, with wedding plans, and Mila really missed her. She quickly dialed and waited for Jessica to answer.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Jess, it’s Mila. How was London?”

  “It was absolutely amazing. I can’t believe how fast the time went. Oh Mila, I wish you could have been there; it was so much fun, and you should have seen Lily’s wedding dress. It was absolutely amazing.”

  “I need details. Which dress did she finally end up choosing?”

  “She went back and forth, but she finally ended up choosing the Vera Wang lace trumpet dress.”

  “Remind me again what that one looked like…”

  “It was absolutely stunning. The bodice was fitted and sleeveless with hand-beading and lace appliqués all around it, and there was a thick silk belt with a tulle rose on it around her waist. The front of the skirt was split and picked up along the sides, which added this amazing volume. It was absolutely breathtaking. I can’t wait to show you the photos.”

  “It sounds amazing. How did Lily wear her hair, up or down? I’m sure your mom was hoping it would be up.”

  “She wore it down, softly curled and cascading down her back with the front sections pulled back. My mom was so pissed,

  you’re right, she wanted her to wear it up to show off the back of

  the dress, but you know Lily, she marches to her own beat. Oh, and she wore this beautiful tiara full of rhinestones and a very long veil; it just topped off her look.”

  “I can’t wait to see these pictures. How was the ceremony?”

  “The ceremony was so beautiful and sweet. Callum, her new husband, recited a poem he wrote for her, and brought the entire church to tears.”

  “I’m so bummed that I had to miss it.”

  “You did have a pretty good excuse, what with your mother dying and all,” Jessica said jokingly and they both laughed.

  “Did you get to see any of the royal family while you were ther
e?”

  “No, even though we were in London the whole time, I didn’t see anyone. I’m so bummed, I really wanted to see Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be this time.”

  “So, how have your first few days back been?”

  “Brutal…”

  “Why do you say that, just because you’ve been off roaming around England like a teenager for the past month?”

  “I have to admit, it was so awesome, but no, I’ve just seen some difficult patients the last couple days. I had this one guy today; he was such a scumbag.”

  “Did you find his truth?”

  “Oh ya, but I wish I hadn’t. It’s going to haunt me.”

  “What was his truth?”

  “He finds young girls, usually in junior high or high school and kidnaps them. Then he sells them to sex traffickers for profit. Oh, but here’s the kicker, he goes back to the sex traffickers and

  has his way with each of these girls… on a continuous basis. He said he’s been doing this for years and loves it.”

  “What a piece of shit. Did you recommend him for Dr. Blackmore’s study?”

  “Hell, ya, I don’t think I could have found a better candidate.”

  “I’ve been sending some real winners over myself. I had one guy who uses date rape drugs to get laid, a woman who drugged her baby and buried her alive, and a woman who slit her husband’s throat for talking to her.”

  “Isn’t it strange that on the outside these people all appear to be completely normal?”

  “I guess you never really know a person until you learn their truth.”

  “Amen to that. So how are you doing otherwise?”

  “Ok, I guess. It’s weird; I keep thinking my mom’s going to call and ask me to come for dinner or something. I still can’t believe she’s gone.”

  Mila decided not to mention to Jessica what she found in her mother’s diary; she wasn’t sure if she wanted to share that news just yet.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t fly back for the funeral.”

  “No worries, I completely understand.”

  “So, what else have I missed?”

  “I had lunch with my mom’s boyfriend Leo today.”

  “I didn’t know you guys were close.”

  “We aren’t, he just showed up at my office yesterday and asked if we could have lunch; weird, right?”

  “Kind of, but maybe he was worried about you and wanted to make sure you were ok after your mom’s death. Sounds like a nice guy.”

  “Maybe, but it was what he said at lunch that upset me so much.”

  “What do you mean, what did he say?”

  “He insinuated that Dr. Blackmore may have had something to do with Mama’s death.”

  “Seriously, why would he say that?”

  “I know, right? I was pissed, he doesn’t even know the guy, and he’s saying that kind of shit.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I told him he was crazy, and I didn’t have time for it; then I left.”

  “You don’t believe him, do you?”

  “What, that Dr. Blackmore had something to do with Mama’s death?”

  “Ya.”

  “Of course not, that’s absurd… although Leo did mention that Mama knew Dr. Blackmore from the Freyhill hospital, and didn’t think much of him.”

  “That in no way means he had something to do with her death, but I’m going to guess that it bothers you, am I right?”

  “Well, kind of, Mama always had a way of knowing if people were good or bad. I get a creepy vibe from Dr. Blackmore.”

  “Who doesn’t get a creepy vibe from him? That dude is strange with a capital ‘S’.”

  “I’ve just been thinking…”

  “About…”

  “Do you think it’s ethical?”

  “Are you talking about Dr. Blackmore’s study?”

  “Ya, do you really believe it's ok to give the patients that water mixture to find out their truth without them knowing what’s inside the water?”

  “Do you think they would tell us their truth if we didn’t? Of course not, they’re sick; they don’t have control over their minds. Sure, some of the patients might tell us eventually, but how

  many people will they hurt before that? A lot of patients shy away from hypnosis, so this is the next best way we can get into their minds and find out if they do evil things, and justify them because of their mental condition.”

  “Good point, but still, do you think it’s ok to lie or trick them?”

  “Absolutely; these patients do horrible things because of their mental illness. They are a menace to society and should be controlled. We’re really just making the world a better place.”

  “That’s one way of looking at it.”

  “That should be the only way you’re looking at it.”

  “Maybe…”

  “Ok, here’s an excellent example for you. I have a patient that I sent to Dr. Blackmore, at first, I thought she was completely normal. She appeared to have her condition under control most of the time. Unfortunately, when she didn’t, she hurt her two-year-old daughter. She liked fire, she enjoyed watching it and loved the pain she felt when she placed the flame on her arms or legs.

  “So, one day, her two-year-old daughter was crying, and she decided to give her something to cry about. She took a lighter and burned her daughter arms, legs, and body. She told me she enjoyed watching as her daughter’s skin would bubble before turning black and crusty as she burned her. The burns were so severe that the child died. She covered up the death, and acts like she did nothing wrong.”

  “That is horrible.”

  “Still think it’s unethical? Maybe we should ask her daughter, oh nope… we can’t… she’s dead.”

  “Well, at least you won’t be seeing that patient again.”

  “Amen to that,” Jessica replied, as they both laughed

  “Sometimes I think that’s the best part. I know it’s harsh to

  say that, being a medical professional and all, but hell, I’m still

  human, and I still get repulsed by their acts,” Mila said.

  “Did you ever think when we were in school that we would be involved with something like this and making this kind of money?”

  “No; at first, I was worried that I might run out of patients, but I am shocked as to how many people out there have these types of issues. I lose one and gain three.”

  “Right…”

  “When I first learned what Dr. Blackmore did with the patients, I was appalled, but at the same time, I was very intrigued. The whole taking from the bad, giving to the good idea is genius. I can’t believe we get paid for it.”

  “I’m sure glad we do. My student loans were killing me,” Jessica replied.

  “Have you had many patients that you sent for the study that didn’t work out?”

  “I had a couple when I first started, but Dr. Blackmore was great about explaining what to look for. How about you, have you had any?”

  “Just a few; I did have one woman that I sent a few weeks ago come back just the other day, complaining that something was terribly wrong.”

  “Oh, there was something terribly wrong all right, what did you tell her?”

  “I told her that everything she was experiencing was normal and had been explained to her before she agreed to try the medication. At first, she didn’t believe me, but by the time I was finished talking with her, she was completely on board. I doubt I’ll be seeing her again; she was in week three of the process.”

  “Oh ya, she’s only got about a week left, if she’s lucky.”

  “You know, we’re probably going to hell for this,” Mila said jokingly.

  “Why, because we take healthy organs from these piece of shit patients and give them to needy and deserving patients? Remember, the patients we recommend are people who are incredibly sick in the head and are unable to control their actions. They are conniving, sadistic, and vicious, not to mention dan
gerous and a menace to society. I believe we’re really just making the world a better and safer place.” Leave it to Jessica to candy-coat the whole operation.

  “What about these people’s families, I’m surprised that no one has challenged the deaths.”

  “You would think they would, but I guess the drug makes it look like a natural death. Hell, they are probably relieved the persons dead.”

  “How long has Dr. Blackmore been doing this?”

  “I don’t know for sure, but Mitch Odaman, who recommended me, said that he’s been working with Dr. Blackmore for about three years now. Do you remember Mitch from Humanities class?”

  “Oh ya; didn’t he date Amy Parker part of senior year?” Mila asked as she thought back to that time.

  “Until he met Corey Bachman, and decided to switch teams.”

  “What? What are you talking about, when did that happen?”

  “About a month after Mitch broke things off with Amy, I saw him and Corey making out behind Kappa house after one of

  their notorious parties.”

  “I did not see that one coming. Why do all the hot guys switch teams? I had such a crush on him, I kept hoping he would notice me after he and Amy broke up, but he never did. I guess now I understand why,” she said, as she laughed.

  “No doubt.”

  “How many people do you think Dr. Blackmore has sending over candidates?”

  “I’ve personally recommended four, including you, and they all are currently sending candidates over. I have a feeling that there are a lot more of us than we might think.”

  “Wow, I had no idea. So, there must be a whole staff of surgeons working under Dr. Blackmore.”

  “Oh shit, look at the time, I have to let you go, I have a patient due in a few minutes. Do you want to try and get together this weekend?”

  “Yes, I can’t wait to see you and the pictures from the wedding.”

  After talking with Jessica, Mila started thinking; maybe what we’re doing isn’t that bad. We are helping people, perhaps not in a conventional way, but we’re still helping. She secretly hoped that Dr. Blackmore would choose Rylie Whittaker; he was a horrible person in Mila’s eyes and the perfect candidate to give his life for the good.

  She thought again about her mother’s death; how sudden it was and how quickly the hospital had her cremated. Was it possible the hospital was trying to cover something up? I wonder if she actually found something and confronted Dr. Blackmore, but would he actually kill her to keep his secret? She wondered.