After Ashley left Tracy took the elevator down to the sub-basement where temporary FBI headquarters had been established. How in the world could she get Ashley’s parents to agree to take her out of Ashton against medical advice? Tracy wondered.
The elevator deposited Tracy at the end of a long, dark, narrow corridor, with a small sign on a nondescript door at the end. It had to be the FBI offices. As soon as she arrived, Tracy pushed the door open. Aldon was there, pouring over a tin filing cabinet that had been crammed in the corner.
“Come in,” he said without turning around. “I’ve been waiting for you. All hospital files connected to the cases have been sent down here for us to go over.”
Tracy walked in. The small room was stuffy and grim. In the center was a low metal table with stools placed around it.
“Find anything useful?” she asked as she walked over to the filing cabinets.
“There’s plenty of stuff, and we have to go over it fast,” Aldon grumbled. “The story has gripped the news and is gaining momentum. Hospital administration realizes there’s big trouble here. I have a few FBI guys coming over in a minute to help us go over these records and with the interviews.”
“It’s lousy PR for the hospital,” Tracy acknowledged.
“That’s putting it mildly.” Aldon was edgy. “Higher-ups have informed FBI that we have zero time to make a dent in the case.”
“Fast is always a recipe for disaster,” Tracy objected. “The situation is complicated. These things take time to unfold.”
“Not true!” Aldon’s eyes were flashing. “If we’ve got a serial murderer here, fast has to become our mantra. The hospital is tightening security as we speak. Soon guards will be lining all the hallways and there will be limited access to certain wings. Various patient activities are being cancelled.”
“A lockdown?” asked Tracy. “That will terrify patients.”
“Can’t be helped,” Aldon retorted. “The patients will be more terrified if someone else gets killed under their nose.”
There was a loud knock on the door then and Tracy jumped.
“No worries, just more FBI operatives,” said Aldon. “And maybe Hunter?”
“Hunter?” asked Tracy, stunned. “Why him?”
“Why not him?” Aldon looked at her briskly. “Hunter’s been sent down from Boston. I actually requested him myself,” Aldon replied.
Tracy was dismayed. When she and Hunter had parted after the last case, Hunter had said he’d keep in touch. Tracy had looked forward to it, but he never did. Now, of course, Tracy understood why. But she hadn’t expected to see him again so soon.
“Hunter has a long history of working cases in mental hospitals,” Aldon continued. “He’s done a great job with them in the past.”
“Whatever he does, it’s a great job,” Tracy murmured.
The door opened then and three men walked in, including Hunter. As always, incredibly handsome and beautifully groomed, he was dressed as impeccably as ever. Wearing a newly pressed suit and silk tie, Hunter looked as if he stepped out of a fashion magazine.
Hunter stopped when he saw Tracy and looked at her warmly. “Fancy seeing you again,” he said, lightly.
“Surprises never cease,” Tracy joined the banter. It certainly was lovely seeing him again.
“Now I know we’ll get the killer fast.” Hunter turned to Aldon. “Tracy’s on the case!”
Tracy took a few steps in his direction. “How are you, Hunter?” she asked.
“I’m good,” he smiled. “Much better than when you last saw me.”
“Okay, let’s get to work now,” said Aldon, as he pulled out a bunch of files from the cabinets and threw them on the low metal table. “We’ve got to talk to everyone in these files.”
“Fill me in.” Hunter sat down on a stool beside Aldon.
“There are three possibilities we’re looking at now,” Aldon started. “Number one is that the deaths were all due to suicide. Number two is that a deranged patient killed them. Number three is that someone on the staff is involved. So far we have no idea about motive. Of course if it’s a deranged patient, a rational motive is not something that will factor in.”
“Or, it could possibly be a visitor to the hospital,” Tracy chimed in, remembering her talk with Deidre’s father. “Perhaps someone who came too often? This is partially an experimental hospital. New programs are being tested here all the time. Are we sure that security is tight enough?”
“That’s an interesting observation,” Hunter remarked. “I hadn’t heard it before.”
“The father of one of the victims I spoke to mentioned it to me,” said Tracy. “Apparently, he visited all the time and he worried about security.”
“I’d like to talk to him further about it,” said Hunter.
“Good enough.” Aldon took him up on it. “We have to recheck the visitors’ log, too, get a fix on who exactly the visitors were.”
“Were visitors allowed in right after breakfast?” Hunter asked. “That was when all three patients died, wasn’t it?”
The other two FBI officers in the room looked over. “Good point,” one of them said. “Who comes to visit so early in the morning?”
Aldon nodded. “No one,” he agreed. “And along with the time the killings took place, we’ve got the same signature and MO in all three cases. This has got all the markings of a serial killer. Who in hell decided to call them suicides?”
“Crazy, isn’t it?” Hunter agreed. “Especially with no weapon. Without a weapon left behind we have to rule out suicide. Whoever did it knew what they were doing. They managed to get rid not only of the weapon, but all evidence.”
“Agree completely,” Aldon joined in, throwing Hunter a warm glance. “Great to have you on board, Hunter.”
“Great to be here,” Hunter remarked.
Just as they were about to dig into the files further, the intercom buzzed loudly. Aldon lurched over and took the call.
“Right, right,” he mumbled. “I’ll tell her immediately. She’ll be right up.”
Everyone looked at Aldon expectantly.
“That was Dr. Wright, head administrator. The call was for Tracy,” he said after he hung up. “She’s just gotten approval to attend the next group therapy session, which will be happening this afternoon. It’s gonna be a gold mine of information. The most recent victim was a patient in this group. But Dr. Jarnow, who runs the group, wants to interview Tracy first and fill her in on what to expect. Jarnow’s waiting for Tracy in his office right now.”
“Good for you, Tracy,” Hunter commented, pleased.
“Great,” said Tracy, mobilizing and quickly moving to the door. “I’d love to attend that group therapy meeting. Can’t think of a better way to get a true take on what’s going on.”
Tracy left the office quickly, relieved to be on her way up to speak to Dr. Jarnow. To her surprise, it had been difficult seeing Hunter again. She hadn’t realized how much she’d been looking forward to their staying in touch.
Tracy quickly took the elevator upstairs. On the ride up she smoothed out her dark blue slacks and carefully placed her long, auburn hair back over her shoulders. It would be interesting to meet the head psychiatrist here who’d also been responsible for Maggie.
*
Dr. Jarnow himself came to the door of his office as soon as Tracy knocked. He was a tall, very thin Indian man, with narrow lips and searing eyes that looked right through Tracy.
“Do come in,” he said in a surprisingly high, nasal tone.
“Thank you very much,” said Tracy officially. “I am most grateful to be here.”
Tracy walked into a formal, immaculate office which had a few photos of India on the wall. To her surprise a woman in her late thirties, with dark, wavy hair, dressed simply in a beige wool dress, sat quietly in the corner.
“This is Dr. Avery Gray, my assistant,” Dr. Jarnow introduced the young woman immediately. “She is a dedicated doctor and has a fine way with the patients. Dr. Gray will help you in any way she can.”
Avery smiled at Tracy, who was surprised at how pleasant and down to earth Avery seemed.
“Thank you for joining us.” Avery stood up and extended her hand.
After they shook hands, Dr. Jarnow pointed to a seat opposite him for Tracy. “Dr. Gray will also be present at our group therapy meeting,” he remarked.
“Good,” said Tracy.
“Of course you have to realize,” Dr Jarnow continued, “that your presence, however, could be felt as an intrusion by the patients. It’s important for you to remain as low-key as possible. Do not challenge or grill anyone on what they are saying. Just listen.”
Tracy felt offended by his comments. He spoke as though she were untrained, almost a wayward child. Of course, Tracy also realized that being investigated by law enforcement had to be difficult for him. He was trying to establish his authority over her before doing anything else.
“Exactly what is it you will be looking for from our patients?” Dr. Jarnow continued, increasingly ill at ease with having Tracy there.
“I need to learn as much as possible about both Maggie and Deidre,” Tracy replied. “I assume the patients will be discussing their relationships with them during the session.”
“Maybe they will and maybe not,” Dr Jarnow answered in a biting tone. “Most patients here are concerned with themselves only! That is precisely why they are mental patients. It is rare, I assure you, for even one of them to show true compassion for another.”
As Dr. Jarnow spoke Dr. Gray coughed lightly. His remarks were obviously making her uncomfortable.
“I wouldn’t put it that way, exactly,” Dr. Gray murmured.
Dr. Jarnow stopped Dr. Gray on the spot. “I do not want Dr. Wrenn to form any false expectations. And, as I said, I do not want her probing for information about either Maggie or Deidre.”
“I have no intention of probing,” Tracy spoke up sharply. “I am fully aware of how difficult this is for the community. I’d like to hear what the patients say, find out who they are, get a better feel of what went on here at Ashton Pillars.”
Dr. Jarnow stood up sharply. “Just as I feared,” he practically hissed. “The news has blown everything out of proportion. Nothing out of the order has gone on at Ashton Pillars. In fact, the staff has gone out of its way to keep these patients well and safe. The patients who died were all basically suicidal risks from the moment they entered. Ask any of their families. Of course, families in America are totally different than in India. In India we value family and tradition. We respect our elders, we listen to them. Suicide is not common. However, in your country the highest value is what pleasure a person can grab for themselves.”
Dr. Gray stood up intently. “Please, please,” she said softly, trying to calm Dr. Jarnow down. Then she turned to Tracy. “The entire staff is unnerved. We are all under scrutiny. This is not at all how Dr. Jarnow truly feels. He respects American families.”
Dr. Jarnow looked over at Dr. Gray obliquely. “I find it interesting that you take it upon yourself to speak for me,” he said.
“I know that you respect American families,” she repeated, trying to protect him from himself.
“I am just giving Dr. Wrenn an overall picture of what to expect,” he relented.
Dr. Gray took a few steps closer to him. “I’m sure that Dr. Wrenn understands completely. I’ll fill her in on whatever else is needed. Go take a short break before the therapy session begins.”
“Good idea, indeed,” he agreed immediately. Then, before leaving, he spun around.
“There is something you must know, Dr. Wrenn,” he uttered, “I have never had any sympathy for suicides and never will. Suicides are basically killers, aren’t they? One suicide destroys the lives of many. It creates havoc for everyone the person has come into contact with.” With that he turned back around and walked stiffly out of the room.
Dr. Gray sighed loudly. “Please forgive him,” she started, “he’s not himself since Maggie was found so soon after the death of Deidre. The passing of Sandra Blackman was easier. She died six months ago, and was chronically depressed and immobile.”
“Of course it’s understandable,” said Tracy, nevertheless making careful mental note of everything Dr. Jarnow said.
“Dr. Jarnow’s actually brilliant and very well known,” Dr. Gray continued. “It’s an honor to work with him. I’ve learned a lot. Don’t judge him harshly.”
Tracy liked Dr. Gray very much. “He can be a bit difficult to handle though, can’t he?” Tracy smiled pleasantly.
“Yes, at times,” Dr. Gray sighed. “Actually Enid is the best with him. He calms down a lot when she’s around.”
“Enid, the nurse?” Tracy was interested to hear that.
“We have an excellent staff here,” Dr. Gray continued, “but it’s disturbing for him to have to go through this investigation, and to be placing guards along the hallways. He fought doing that for as long as he could.”
“Two patients dead in a month requires vigilance,” said Tracy. “How do you know it’s not about to happen again?”
“Deidre had a life history of cutting and harming herself,” Dr. Gray answered swiftly. Many of us saw it coming. Her death was only partially unexpected.”
“Why didn’t you keep her under constant observation?” Tracy was amazed.
“There was no way Deidre could have gotten better then,” Dr. Gray replied. “When we kept her under constant observation she grew more and more hopeless. The staff met and decided to ease up. We took a calculated risk.”
Tracy understood. “Better to die than to live locked up like an animal?”
“Exactly,” whispered Dr. Gray. “Don’t you think so, too? Don’t you think a chance for freedom and health is worth everything?”
Tracy thought of some of the inmates at the hospital for the criminally insane where she worked. Many were kept away from the general population, simply being maintained. There was no hope they could return to humanity. What kind of life was that?
“It’s a complicated question,” Tracy answered slowly. “And what about Maggie?”
“Maggie threatened suicide many times.” Dr. Gray took a step closer to Tray. “She’d also attempted suicide before. What more need I say? You know the statistics on that. Somehow the news is blowing everything up. After all, it’s an exciting story.”
“But there was no weapon found,” Tracy couldn’t help but add. “If the deaths were suicide, what happened to the weapon?”
Dr. Gray’s voice lowered significantly. “Patients are crafty, they’re smart. Who knows if they told another patient what they were doing and had the other patient remove the weapon for them. They might have also made that person promise not to tell anyone.”
That thought had never occurred to Tracy. “That patient who hid the weapon would be complicit then,” Tracy informed her.
“I doubt they would understand the full scope of their actions,” Dr. Gray responded. “And by the way, please don’t call me Dr. Gray. Call me Avery.”
Tracy smiled. “Of course.” Avery was extremely sharp, thought Tracy, and extremely loyal to Dr. Jarnow as well.
“Are there any other questions you want answered before the group session begins?” Avery continued.
“What about a patient named Sam?” asked Tracy. “I understand he was close to both of the women who recently died.”
“Yes, he was,” said Avery. “He was friends with Deidre and everyone assumed that he and Maggie were trying to have a romance. Sam is completely harmless and innocent.”
“I heard he’s a voyeur,” Tracy added.
“He’s desperately lonely,” Avery continued. “Sam wouldn’t hurt a fly. He likes peering in windows and seeing what’s happening. Sam has been at Ashton for several years. He’s been a model patient and given the freedom to roam outside a bit.”
“I know the male investigators are talking to him, but I want to as well,” said Tracy.
“Of course,” said Avery.
“Tell me about Maggie’s friends here,” Tracy quickly continued. “Who was she close to?”
“Virginia was her roommate,” Avery started. “They got along well enough from what I understood. Virginia has her own erratic ways, but then everyone here has.”
“Were Deidre and Maggie friends?” Tracy continued.
“I wouldn’t say friends.” Avery mulled it over a bit. “Deidre was closest to Hanna, and Maggie and Ashley were the closest. Ashley’s a bit different from the others.”
“Yes, she is,” murmured Tracy.
Avery looked startled. “You know Ashley?”
“Ashley came and spoke to me twice,” Tracy said.
“Ashley is smart,” Avery added. “And she’s good to the others. If you asked me, she’s the healthiest one here.”
“She’s extremely frightened, though,” said Tracy.
“Well, she has a reason to be, doesn’t she?” Avery remarked.
“Dr. Gray, Dr. Gray,” the loudspeaker suddenly piped up. “Come to room seven B. Group Therapy session about to begin.”
Avery looked at her watch quickly. “Oh dear, time flies, doesn’t it?” she remarked. “Okay, let’s go. I’m glad you’re coming with me, very glad. Group Therapy starts in ten minutes.”