CHAPTER 19 (Tuesday, 1/9)
The next morning, Jackson was tempted to let Lisa sleep in, but he knew he would have a busy day and could probably use her help. He watched her sleep for a few minutes, amazed at how happy such a simple thing could make him. In the past he’d pretty much wanted to leave as soon as the sex was over, not needing or wanting anything further from someone who was usually a total stranger. He’d never invited anyone to his home; too many complications. So the idea of wanting someone to stay with him, not just for a little while, but for a night...and much longer...was pretty new to him. So was the idea that his feelings for her wouldn’t evaporate after they’d been intimate. He wondered how awkward it would be for her when she woke, if she would have any regrets. He certainly didn’t. And it
had been her decision, hadn’t it? It certainly wasn’t against her will.
That kind of thinking was counterproductive. There was no point in worrying about something that couldn’t be changed. Better to just move on, and assume (hope) that she wanted this new phase of their relationship to continue. Because if she didn’t... No, no time for that kind of worry, either.
He stroked her side with one hand, while kissing her on the side of her neck. He ran his fingers through her hair and watched her wake up.
“What – where am –“
He saw her confusion turn to warm recognition as she turned in his arms to face him.
“Don’t tell me you forgot already,” he teased.
She shook her head and laughed. “Do you think I could forget that? Damn you, you were right.”
He really had to fight his inclination to say, “Told you so.” Instead he just watched her for a few moments longer. “Sorry to wake you so early, but we’ve got to get ready for work.”
“Oh, right, my first day on the job!”
He was pleased to see that she actually looked excited.
“So, as much as I’d like to just spend the day in bed with you, that will have to wait for another time.”
“Ooh, you promise?”
“Yes, I promise.”
“Do you want to shower first, or should I?”
He smiled and suggested, “We could always conserve water, and save time, by showering together.”
“Now that sounds good.”
Jackson knew it was unlikely they’d save either time or water, but he didn’t care. If they were a few minutes late, it was unlikely anyone would notice.
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Jackson explained a little bit about the job while they walked to his office. Once again Lisa tried to figure out where they were and how they got to their destination, but the place seemed like a damned maze. Probably on purpose. Or else Jackson was leading her by the most circuitous route possible. Not that she cared too much at this point; whether she liked it or not, she couldn’t just go back and forth on her own, not unless he wanted to show her an easier way.
They actually arrived on time, though there was no one to notice. Jackson showed her around the office, which, like Jonathan’s, had an actual view. She didn’t see anything other than meticulous landscaping, so she still had no idea where they were.
“I’m in and out of the office a lot, because I have to talk to various patients or people on staff. For now, unless I bring you with me, I want you to just stay here when I’m out. If there’s any kind of a problem, like someone wanting to know what you’re doing here, tell them to talk to me. In a few days, when we’ve had a chance to see how things are working out, you’ll get an ID badge and your wristband will be replaced with a yellow one, indicating you’re a staff member.”
“Why is yours blue? Kitten said something about all the family wearing blue, but she didn’t really explain it.”
He hesitated, then answered, “Yes, it’s for family members only. It’s a very quick way for Security, or anyone else on staff, to realize we have a higher level of clearance than they do. Just in case they don’t recognize the resemblance to our father.”
“What about Jim, or Jon? I noticed Jim’s band was red.”
“That’s because he’s still a patient,” Jackson explained. “He and Jon will get blue bands eventually, once they’re through with their rehabilitation.”
“So, where will I be working?” This seemed a safe enough question to ask.
“Over here. There’s a little alcove in here. There’s your desk.”
“I notice there’s no computer.”
And no door. “You won’t need one.”
“But surely a place this big... I know how to use a computer.”
“Which is a very good reason why you can’t. It’s a security thing.”
Lisa had the feeling the was going to be the answer to a lot of her questions.
“I’ll bring you some summaries of patient files, with the information you need to know to help explain things to them and make them comfortable, without violating confidentiality.”
Lisa nodded. That made perfect sense to her.
“I’m going to see Jon later today, and I’ll take you with me. I think he might respond more positively to a woman than a man, in terms of authority.”
“I have authority?” she asked with an amused grin.
“Not yet, but if you ask him questions or explain things, he’s less likely to be threatened by you than me.”
“I can’t imagine why he would find you threatening.”
I never used to be this sarcastic. He’s definitely a bad influence. “I can’t help it,” he said, a trifle defensively.
“You can be very charming when you want to be,” she reminded him.
“Well, charming doesn’t always get the job done. It works with some people, not others. This time you get to be charming.”
“Oh, I get it!” She brightened. “It’s like Good Cop/Bad Cop.”
“Yeah, something like that.”
He gave her some brochures that were used in patient orientation, and some that were given to the public or people who had business contacts with the Dunbar Institute, and left her to get used to her new office. She could see him, and he could see her, but they weren’t close enough to be too distracted by each other. It certainly made sense that he’d want to keep an eye on her until he was sure she could do the job correctly.
The brochures made for fascinating reading. They certainly painted a different portrait of the Institute than Lisa had yet seen.
From the Psychiatric Division: “We employ a diverse range of therapeutic techniques, using innovative and clinically-proven transformative therapy, to bring our patients to an harmonious integration into society.” She snorted, and Jackson looked over at her from his desk.
“Sorry, I just find some of this PR stuff amusing.”
“I thought you might.” He grinned, then turned serious. “Try not to laugh too loudly in my father’s or Jonathan’s presence, though. Oh, and please don’t ask them any questions about things you might think are discrepancies.”
“Got it.” Difficult, but probably not impossible. Lisa was well-acquainted with the way some businesses were run, and the fact that sometimes it was best to look the other way. She didn’t like it, but she understood it. She returned her attention to the brochure.
During the course of the morning she learned much more than she’d ever expected to about the public side of the Institute. A philanthropic organization, dedicated to the health, soundness of mind, and well-being of the entire human race, involved in research and development in matters of health, technology, and science, among other things.
Mm-hm, very interesting reading. After a couple of hours, Jackson insisted she take a break and walk around a bit. They went to the cafeteria, which was located on the same floor. Jackson introduced her to a few people they saw along the way, announcing that she was his assistant. She got a few smiles, and a couple of cautious looks of sympathy. They got some coffee and sat at one of the smaller tables. It looked like every other cafeteria Lisa had ever seen.
“We’ll come back here for lunch. I want people to get used to seeing us together, so they realize you belong here, and you’re with me. Not that I expect you to be wandering around alone, at least not for a while, but it doesn’t hurt to make things really clear to people.”
No one came over to chat with them, or even sit near them. She was beginning to think Jackson had something of a reputation. He seemed to realize her concern.
“Most people here think I’m a bit difficult to get along with, a little too demanding. They’re right, but it depends on the circumstances. If they do their jobs correctly, I’ve got nothing to complain about.”
“I see.” Lisa wasn’t too worried about her own job performance; she’d always had a good work ethic.
When they got back to Jackson’s office, he gave her a brief synopsis from Jon’s case file.
“Study that. I want you to be able to talk to him comfortably, without using any notes. You need to be somewhat familiar with his background and his situation.”
Lisa was very curious to learn more about Jackson’s youngest brother.
<><><><><><><><>
Jon got through his second day of therapy more comfortably than the first. He didn’t talk nearly as much, and Dr. Crane didn’t push him to reveal anything. There was one piece of very good news, in fact.
“I’ve consulted with Dr. Crower, our medical specialist, and he feels that this isn’t the time for you to begin a medication regimen. For one thing, it would be best to wait till all illegal substances you may have ingested have cleared your system.”
It had been over a week since the coke he’d had shortly before crashing the car. He was pretty sure any effects it may have had were long gone, but he wasn’t about to point that out. Anything that kept him from getting doped up on prescription meds was fine with him.
“Not everyone responds well to medication, so we’ll see how things progress. We’ve actually made remarkable progress already, because you were willing to be so open about your feelings yesterday.”
“Yeah, about that... I wasn’t too tactful, was I?”
“Tact has no place in psychotherapy, at least not on the patient’s part,” Dr. Crane gently corrected him. “It’s much better to be as honest and direct as possible, instead of trying to avoid difficult areas.”
“Sounds good to me.” Jon felt he’d already said quite enough. He really didn’t know what he was supposed to talk about anyway. He’d formed some interesting theories of his own regarding Dr. Crane, and none were flattering. He still didn’t think much of the notion of any kind of therapy, and didn’t see how it was going to do him any good.
Might be fine for people with real problems, but I don’t have any, not really, except for being stuck here for who knows how long, and treated like a criminal. All for driving a f*cking car over a f*cking cliff, and not managing to kill myself. The world is a crazy place. “If you behave and don’t do or say anything to indicate violent behavior, I’ll order the restraints removed, in the near future.”
Jon was shocked at how grateful he felt. “Yeah, yeah, I’m not gonna cause any trouble.” If the place were about half as scary, he might try to liven things up a bit for a lark, but he realized his sense of adventure wouldn’t be appreciated. How did they ever expect people to get better when they always seemed to expect the worst from them? He coughed and cleared his throat.
“Perhaps some water will help your throat,” Dr. Crane offered.
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“Okay, Lise, it’s time to go meet Jon.”
Lisa looked up from her reading. She wanted to meet this young man for herself, and find out how different, or alike, he and Jackson were.
They didn’t speak until they were outside the door to Jon’s room.
“I’m going to let him know you’re here, so it’s not too much of a shock.” Jackson flipped the switch for the intercom next to the door.
“Jon, it’s Jackson. I want to talk to you about a few things. I also want you to meet my new assistant. She’s going to talk to you as well, all right?”
“Sure, why not? It’s not like I have a choice, right?”
Lisa heard the bitterness in the young man’s voice, and was immediately sympathetic. When Jackson opened the door and she saw the kid was shackled to the bed, the same way she had been, she had to fight down nausea. How could Dr. Crane think this was helpful to anyone but the most violent of patients? She moved close enough that he should be able to see her without straining his neck too much.
“Jon, I want you to meet Lisa. She’s just started today as my arseistant.”
“Hi, Lisa. So, what did you do to end up working for him? Does the temp agency not like you very much?”
Lisa had no idea at first how to respond to that.
“Knock it off, Jon. Be nice to Lisa, or she won’t want to talk to you, and you’ll be stuck with me.”
“I like working with Jackson, Jon. He’s a nice guy, once you get to know him.”
“Maybe, but as far as I’m concerned, he’s one of them.”
“Who?” she asked.
“These...lunatics who run this place. Him and his brother and father...they’re all in it together.”
“Don’t forget, Jon, you’re one of ‘us’ too. Genetically, anyway.”
“Don’t remind me!”
Lisa spoke soothingly. “Jon, I know all of this is a terrible shock to you, and I understand why you’re upset.”
“How the hell can you know why I’m upset?”
She hadn’t been told she could tell him about her experience in Dr. Crane’s care, so she answered carefully.
“I can imagine how I would feel if I were in your position. I wouldn’t like it, and I’d be furious at the people who put me there.”
“Then how can you work for them?”
Lisa bit her lip and turned to Jackson for some clue how to proceed.
“Jon, we’re not here to talk about Lisa, we’re here to talk about you. I heard you had a rough day yesterday. Did today go any better?”
“I guess.”
Lisa was relieved the sullen tone wasn’t directed at her anymore.
“I still think Dr. Crane is a bastard,” Jon complained petulantly.
“Technically, so are you. And so am I.” Jackson allowed a brief smile to cross his face. “But I get your point. Has he started the medication part of your therapy?”
“No. In fact, I may be able to skip that part entirely. Something to do with the, er, recreational drugs in my system.”
“Hadn’t thought of that,” Jackson mused. “I take it you don’t feel you need any medication?”
“No, I don’t. I’m not sick. I’m healthy, and I’m not mentally ill, despite what you people seem to think. So I did something stupid. Didn’t you, at my age?”
“Yeah, I did a few things when I was younger that were pretty stupid.”
Lisa listened with increased interest.
“Like what?” Jon asked curiously.
“I’ll tell you some other time, if you really want to know. Again, we’re here to talk about you, Jon. I know this is a huge adjustment for you, and you hate it. I don’t blame you a bit, but the fact it, you’re gonna have to deal with it. The sooner you start cooperating and stop being hostile, the sooner you can get out of this room.”
“Wait a minute, Dr. Crane said I should be honest about my feelings, and say what’s on my mind, instead of being tactful.”
“Those don’t have to be mutually exclusive things, Jon,” Lisa suggested. “Maybe you can work your feelings out now, talking to us, and then you’ll be a bit calmer when you talk to Dr. Crane. The yelling and the anger are understandable, but you can see why they’re not desirable behaviors.”
God, I’ve been reading too many of those brochures. She could see Jon didn’t want to concede the point.
“Another thing I want to know is whether I’m ever gonna get out of here. I want to go home.”
Jackson shook his head. “Nope, sorry. For all intents and purposes you are home. Though I can guarantee that once Jonathan and our father are convinced you’re ‘rehabilitated’ you’ll be getting much more comfortable quarters.”
“And leave all this?”
Sarcasm must be another thing that runs in the family. Lisa tried again. “Don’t you want a bit more freedom than you have now? Or a lot more?”
“What do you think?”
“I think you’re scared to death, and you don’t want to admit it in front of your big brother here, or anyone else who might be listening.”
That shut him up.
“I would be scared,” Lisa continued. “I would want to do everything I could to get out of this room.” I’m not crazy about being in here right now, either.
Jackson relented. “You know what? I was terrified when I was brought here and they put me in here. After they were sure I’d healed enough from some...injuries. I didn’t want to cooperate, but I wanted to get the hell out of there.”
“So, how long did it take for you to get out?”
“17 days,” Jackson promptly admitted. “But I’m hoping you aren’t as stubborn as I was.”
Damn, he’s good. Someone should hire him to be a motivational speaker. Lisa tried to shake that mental image out of her head.
Jackson turned to her. “Lisa, how long were you in here?”
Jon’s eyes widened in shock.
“I don’t know. A couple of days, I think.”
Jackson knew exactly how long.
“See, Lisa didn’t let pride get in the way of common sense. So she got out quickly.”
He neglected to mention the pressure he had put on Jonathan to ensure she got out.
“So I’m just supposed to be a good boy and do as I’m told, whatever I’m told?”
“Yes. You don’t have to like it, and you won’t, but you might be able to find your own ways to cope, once you have a little more say in things. It will get a lot better than this, eventually. First they have to trust you, though. More importantly, you have to be trustworthy.”
“Or what? What’s to keep me from just leaving as soon as these straps are off me?”
Jackson told him, in some detail, about the various security measures he would find that would discourage such a plan. Lisa paled as she heard all this for the first time.
“You’ve got a lot of things to think about, Jon. We’ll see you again tomorrow.”
“Wait! What if I want to talk to you before then?”
“You need some time to work things out on your own. If you really want to talk to me, or Lisa, tell Dr. Crane.”
They left, closing the door on the spate of swearing.
“That poor kid,” Lisa said, as soon as the door was locked. “Can’t we do anything to get him out of there?”
“No. He’s got to make his own decisions. I’m pretty sure he’ll make the right one, given enough time.”
Jackson led Lisa back to the office, and had her write up a report on the gist of the conversation. She didn’t know if he altered it or added anything, but she decided she did not want to know how the report would be used. She just hoped it would benefit Jon.