The day was overcast and somewhat humid. Fans were blowing the warm air around the rooms and halls of the auditorium; the few dispersed curtains bellowed slightly.
Grace had wheeled her sister out into the small garden, under a large tree. The shade made it more inviting than any area inside.
Brushing the tangles out of Stella's long hair, Grace gently hummed a tune from their early childhood. It seemed to sooth and comfort them both. With the straight jacket off, a simple wrist attachment had replaced it, Stella's mood improved.
Dr. Jeykell came over and sat with them. Smiling, he spoke in a slow, quiet, non-threatening voice. "And how are we feeling today Stella?" He got no response; last time she screamed at him.
"You look very nice today and I'm happy to see your enjoying our lovely garden." He looked at Grace; she looked better as well. Starring a little too long, her eyes met his.
"Thank you for taking off the jacket; it seemed to agitate her mood." Grace gave a slight slight smile, but it was fleeting.
He adjusted his spectacles, clearing his throat, in a proper, courteous manner, stood up. "I explained to Dr. Namron that her behavior didn't warrant such precautions." He had no idea she had brutally slaughtered a woman not long ago. Only Stella actually knew that, but her mind was crippled as a result.
"With a proper diet, exercise, and water therapy, she has every chance of recovery.
Your expert care and monitoring will further that end." He gave a slight bow and went to check on the patients doing calisthenics just beyond the fence.
"What you need, dear sister, is to get away from lunatic time rippers... I wish Jack had come with us." Letting out a sigh, Grace went back to brushing the long dirty blonde mane of the broken woman sitting in front of her.
Wadding up her gown in tight fists, Stella smiled. In a very low whisper, "Jack is coming..."
20160605
20160531
Warm Ale and Women
Having a late supper, in a public house around the corner from the baths, the two young men chatted about bath houses and their origins in Turkey.
"I must say, that was indeed an exhilarating experience; I never imagined a hot pool or at such a size." Warren finished his cottage pie, washing it down with the last of his warm ale. "Do they have those...where you come from?" He wasn't sure if he should ask Jack personal questions, but he was terribly curious.
"There are natural hot springs, in some areas; it's all outside and anyone can use it." Jack looked at his companion, who had a shocked expression. Smiling, but refraining from his urge to chuckle, he finished his ale. "Our society has progressed, as will yours, to points which are vastly different in views and moral judgements." He got up and ordered another round.
The bar maid took their dishes, smiling at Warren. "Any 'ting else, you be want'in?" She said with a knowing look. An attractive brunette with a pert smile.
"No, that was indeed a fine meal; thank you kindly." Warren smiled at the buxom girl.
She bristled when Jack returned to the small table, tucked back in an alcove. She didn't like the eye patch, it made him appear sinister somehow.
He ignored her reaction, it was all too common an occurrence. Watching her swish away, back to the kitchen, Jack let out a sigh. "Will you take her up on the offer?" He was aware that his new friend may have need of companionship and this might be the only opportunity for awhile.
"I beg your pardon?" Warren was a little embarrassed.
In a lower voice, Jack leaned across the table, "You should consider availing yourself of her 'personal' services...you look like you could use some further mind-body therapy."
Warren's face went slightly pink. He had gotten a bit excited during the massage; he'd never had anyone touch him all over like that. Coughing, he chugs part of his fresh ale. "I'm fine and your concern is appreciated...I'd prefer we changed the course of conversation." Warren wouldn't make eye contact with Jack.
"No worries old man...another opportunity may arise. We have a lot of back breaking work to do, so drink up." Jack was grinning; he just couldn't resist teasing his shy friend.
"I must say, that was indeed an exhilarating experience; I never imagined a hot pool or at such a size." Warren finished his cottage pie, washing it down with the last of his warm ale. "Do they have those...where you come from?" He wasn't sure if he should ask Jack personal questions, but he was terribly curious.
"There are natural hot springs, in some areas; it's all outside and anyone can use it." Jack looked at his companion, who had a shocked expression. Smiling, but refraining from his urge to chuckle, he finished his ale. "Our society has progressed, as will yours, to points which are vastly different in views and moral judgements." He got up and ordered another round.
The bar maid took their dishes, smiling at Warren. "Any 'ting else, you be want'in?" She said with a knowing look. An attractive brunette with a pert smile.
"No, that was indeed a fine meal; thank you kindly." Warren smiled at the buxom girl.
She bristled when Jack returned to the small table, tucked back in an alcove. She didn't like the eye patch, it made him appear sinister somehow.
He ignored her reaction, it was all too common an occurrence. Watching her swish away, back to the kitchen, Jack let out a sigh. "Will you take her up on the offer?" He was aware that his new friend may have need of companionship and this might be the only opportunity for awhile.
"I beg your pardon?" Warren was a little embarrassed.
In a lower voice, Jack leaned across the table, "You should consider availing yourself of her 'personal' services...you look like you could use some further mind-body therapy."
Warren's face went slightly pink. He had gotten a bit excited during the massage; he'd never had anyone touch him all over like that. Coughing, he chugs part of his fresh ale. "I'm fine and your concern is appreciated...I'd prefer we changed the course of conversation." Warren wouldn't make eye contact with Jack.
"No worries old man...another opportunity may arise. We have a lot of back breaking work to do, so drink up." Jack was grinning; he just couldn't resist teasing his shy friend.
20160530
Second Thoughts?
Jack and Warren decide to get a massage since they both have had a rough few weeks and the last encounter, with Norman, was physically damaging.
By the time they left the masseur tables, more patrons had arrived and the pool was now full of swimmers; sitting for a while, the pair watched the frolicking, carefree men,discussing the next steps of their current adventure.
"There is a hotel not far, which should make a good base of operations, at least until we can pick up a trace of their entry point into this time line." Jack was so used to this routine, he forgot Warren had no idea what was going on.
"I don't wish to appear dense, but I find this all rather perplexing." Warren smiled and wondered just how much Jack was going to explain, if any.
"Right. This isn't private enough; let's get dressed and have a meal." Jack looked at his companion. 'I should have left him in 1880.'
By the time they left the masseur tables, more patrons had arrived and the pool was now full of swimmers; sitting for a while, the pair watched the frolicking, carefree men,discussing the next steps of their current adventure.
"There is a hotel not far, which should make a good base of operations, at least until we can pick up a trace of their entry point into this time line." Jack was so used to this routine, he forgot Warren had no idea what was going on.
"I don't wish to appear dense, but I find this all rather perplexing." Warren smiled and wondered just how much Jack was going to explain, if any.
"Right. This isn't private enough; let's get dressed and have a meal." Jack looked at his companion. 'I should have left him in 1880.'
Careful Consideration
Dr. Jeykell looked at Norman in surprise. "It seems you have me at a disadvantage once again sir." Regaining his expression of a kindly and sympathetic man, he sips his coffee.
"Why do you believe I am experimenting with minds or the soul for that matter?" We have proven treatments to help those in our care and the ones, which, are not responding to treatments, are looked after." His eyes narrowed as he watched his two companions.
Norman realized this was not going to be as 'simple' as he had presumed and attempted to back track.
"I beg your pardon Doctor. From what I have read and information gathered, in my research, your methods with the patients here border on the revolutionary.
I am extremely fascinated by your endeavors and simply wish to participate, should you be so inclined and if you were to find an assistant useful." Norman smiled and carefully leaned back in his chair, trying to create an openness to his demeanor.
Grace took advantage of the silent moment and addressed Dr. Jeykell. "We're here to help the woman we brought with us. She needs compassion and understanding." Her eyes moved to Norman for a moment and then back to the captivated Doctor. "I too, believe you have the skills and expertise to release her form the torment now possessing her." She meant what she said and her voice had a pleading quality.
Dr. Jeykell was taken by this woman and decided to consider both their statements. He couldn't risk bringing them into his secret experiments, unless he had further knowledge about them. Time would tell, if they could be trusted.
"Why do you believe I am experimenting with minds or the soul for that matter?" We have proven treatments to help those in our care and the ones, which, are not responding to treatments, are looked after." His eyes narrowed as he watched his two companions.
Norman realized this was not going to be as 'simple' as he had presumed and attempted to back track.
"I beg your pardon Doctor. From what I have read and information gathered, in my research, your methods with the patients here border on the revolutionary.
I am extremely fascinated by your endeavors and simply wish to participate, should you be so inclined and if you were to find an assistant useful." Norman smiled and carefully leaned back in his chair, trying to create an openness to his demeanor.
Grace took advantage of the silent moment and addressed Dr. Jeykell. "We're here to help the woman we brought with us. She needs compassion and understanding." Her eyes moved to Norman for a moment and then back to the captivated Doctor. "I too, believe you have the skills and expertise to release her form the torment now possessing her." She meant what she said and her voice had a pleading quality.
Dr. Jeykell was taken by this woman and decided to consider both their statements. He couldn't risk bringing them into his secret experiments, unless he had further knowledge about them. Time would tell, if they could be trusted.
20160317
Meeting Dr. Jeykell
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.
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.
20160216
Torment of the Soul
Pale, hollow eyes stare at the ceiling....watching, waiting...'he will save me, he will save me.' The straps are tight, gripping skin, flesh, bone...'my soul is trapped, he will save me.' Jerking makes the bed springs creak...creak, creak...'why won't he come, why won't he save me...now...' Fear starts it's lethal grip, like a creeping marauder, seeking out the prized treasure hidden within. The panic is overwhelming, building like a volcano, higher and higher it bubbles and boils....closer and closer to the edge...reaching the throat, it escapes into a blood curdling scream..."JACK!!" Stella closes her eyes and collapses.
20160202
Temporary Reprieve
Warren pulls himself out of the chair, reluctantly as it is very soothing and he is tired. Stripping off his clothes, he decides to ring for the attendant. Wrapping a towel around his lean, muscular body, which aches from the last 48 hrs adventures, he manages a smile when a voice calls out, "You rang sir?" The attendant waits for the request. "Oh, yes, thank you...would it be possible to get our clothes cleaned or at least brushed and pressed?" Warren wasn't used to being waited on and he wasn't sure what he could ask for.
"Certainly sir, we can arrange that service for you." Walking to the closets, he takes the items and folds them over his arm. "When do you require them?"
Warren wasn't sure what the plans were and right now, he didn't want to leave anytime soon. "We only just arrived, so it will be several hours before we are ready to leave."
The attendant does as slight bow, "Understood sir, they will be ready when you require them." As he heads for the exit, Warren follows, "Would you like anything else sir?"
A sudden thirst gripped Warren and he wanted something refreshing, which he asked for. Smiling, the attendant responds, "I believe we have something you will enjoy, shall I bring it to you, by the pool then?"
"Yes, and maybe, my companion would appreciate one too." Warren smiles. "As you wish sir." The attendant moves off, down past the long pool.
Standing near the edge of the steaming hot water, calling to him, Warren looks for Jack. There aren't many guests about just yet and just a few swimming in the expansive azure liquid. He saw a familiar dark haired man, who was now swimming towards him. Watching Jack breaking the surface of the water, dipping hands and arms, pulling him along with ease, makes he wonder how this man got to where he is now.
Jack dives down and rises up in the water, hair slicked back, water dripping from his face. Smiling, his two different colored eyes completely visible now, laughs, "Are you going to stand there all day or do I have to get out and push you in?"
Warren finds himself laughing hard, something he hadn't done in months. "With a threat like that, I better not tarry." Tossing the towel away, he jumps into the pool with a splash. They continue to laugh and splash each other. The attendant brings the fruity drinks and sets them on a small table near two chairs. Walking to the side of the pool, he waits until they see him. With his slight bow and a wave of his hand, he gestures to the waiting drinks. They wave and make their way to the edge.
"In your own time sirs and your clothes are being cleaned and pressed for you, as we speak. Can I be of any other service to you?" The attendant's face is expressionless, but he hopes the splashing will conclude soon or he will have to comment, on behalf of the other guests.
Jack responds, "No thank you, we appreciate your expert attendance." As the attendant walks off, Jack pulls himself out of the pool and retrieves the tall glasses, handing Warren one. Quietly sliding back down into the water, they sip the refreshing mixture of juices in silence. Some peace at last, even if it will be fleeting.
"Certainly sir, we can arrange that service for you." Walking to the closets, he takes the items and folds them over his arm. "When do you require them?"
Warren wasn't sure what the plans were and right now, he didn't want to leave anytime soon. "We only just arrived, so it will be several hours before we are ready to leave."
The attendant does as slight bow, "Understood sir, they will be ready when you require them." As he heads for the exit, Warren follows, "Would you like anything else sir?"
A sudden thirst gripped Warren and he wanted something refreshing, which he asked for. Smiling, the attendant responds, "I believe we have something you will enjoy, shall I bring it to you, by the pool then?"
"Yes, and maybe, my companion would appreciate one too." Warren smiles. "As you wish sir." The attendant moves off, down past the long pool.
Standing near the edge of the steaming hot water, calling to him, Warren looks for Jack. There aren't many guests about just yet and just a few swimming in the expansive azure liquid. He saw a familiar dark haired man, who was now swimming towards him. Watching Jack breaking the surface of the water, dipping hands and arms, pulling him along with ease, makes he wonder how this man got to where he is now.
Jack dives down and rises up in the water, hair slicked back, water dripping from his face. Smiling, his two different colored eyes completely visible now, laughs, "Are you going to stand there all day or do I have to get out and push you in?"
Warren finds himself laughing hard, something he hadn't done in months. "With a threat like that, I better not tarry." Tossing the towel away, he jumps into the pool with a splash. They continue to laugh and splash each other. The attendant brings the fruity drinks and sets them on a small table near two chairs. Walking to the side of the pool, he waits until they see him. With his slight bow and a wave of his hand, he gestures to the waiting drinks. They wave and make their way to the edge.
"In your own time sirs and your clothes are being cleaned and pressed for you, as we speak. Can I be of any other service to you?" The attendant's face is expressionless, but he hopes the splashing will conclude soon or he will have to comment, on behalf of the other guests.
Jack responds, "No thank you, we appreciate your expert attendance." As the attendant walks off, Jack pulls himself out of the pool and retrieves the tall glasses, handing Warren one. Quietly sliding back down into the water, they sip the refreshing mixture of juices in silence. Some peace at last, even if it will be fleeting.
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