Norman stares out the window, watching the less dangerous 'inmates' exercise in the two gardens; one for men, the other for women. He is amused by the primitive psychiatric practices, but the man he is waiting to see is anything but primitive...revolutionary would be a more apt description.
Rubbing his arm, he felt the stitches and grimaced. 'How could Jack do something like that?' Norman is incredulous and perturbed by the whole incident. 'That Detective is more trouble than he is worth.'
Grace comes into the room in a crisp white linen nurse's
uniform; her hair combed out and pulled back into a long blonde braid. She stands stone faced as she stares at the back of the man she hates with a passion. 'How could he put her sister into a straight jacket, it's unbelievable and a travesty; she is like this because of him.'
Norman knows Grace is in the room, but he ignores her. 'Her feelings, on the current matter, are inconsequential and I can't be bothered with her trivial concerns.'
The door opens again and the occupant of the room enters. A man of middle age, but has gone grey early, in patches, making him look distinguished. Dr. Jeykell is surprised to see two strangers in his office. "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage sir." The Dr. takes off his spectacles, rubbing his eyes; he's been up all night and rather tired from more failed experiments. Cleaning his spectacles, on the edge of his white lab coat, he eyes Grace. 'I don't recognize this beauty.'
Norman turns and grins wide. "I'm afraid we've dropped in unannounced Doctor, and I beg your pardon and indulgence for the intrusion." Advancing towards the esteemed Doctor, Norman extends his hand in greeting and introduces himself. "I am Dr. Namron and she is my assistant; we had an emergency case and while traveling, our patient had a serious episode, causing me to stop at St. Luke's for assistance."
Having replaced his spectacles, he shakes Norman's hand and nods at Grace. "Well, I'm glad our facilities were of service; you must have arrived very late indeed."
Norman smiles and takes a seat in a wing back chair covered in tufted leather, opposite the large, ornately carved wood desk. The Doctor sits as well, leaning back in his desk chair. Grace moves into the center of the room and stands next to Norman's chair. She knows to stay silent, unless addressed directly.
"Yes, but we were expertly assisted and the accommodation are quite satisfactory." Norman is very congenial and disarming with Dr. Jeykell. Grace is invited to sit and she chooses a chair by the tall windows. Talk continues between the two men until they are interrupted by the announcement of lunch service.
Norman and Dr. Jeykell walk side-by-side, down the bright hallway with Grace a few steps behind. Most of the walls have windows, making it appear friendly, especially on sunny days. The patients would strongly disagree and some yelling can be heard, further down the hall.
They turn off, before coming to the women's ward and enter a large cafeteria; lunch can be sniffed on the air and the trio form a line to choose their meal. Grace prefers the salad options, but the men go for meat and potatoes. Choosing a small table, by a pair of french doors, Grace sits down and pours out the glasses of water. Waiting for the men, she gazes outside and wonders what Norman is up to. She doesn't not have to wait long to find out.
As the three consume their meager meals,the hospital has a limited budget, Norman explains his interest in Dr. Jeykell's experiments with the human mind vs. the soul. "I would like to assist you...I truly believe, if we work together, a definite result can be achieved."
Grace looks at Norman and hopes his is not planning on doing any crazy experiments on her sister; that she will not tolerate.
