Page 144 of Her Wicked Plan

“I’m not sure they love me anymore. Not after I killed that man.” Her eyes drop to the cards, the shuffling turning slow.

“You don’t know that unless you talk to them.” A sad smile forms on my mouth before I suggest, “I could talk to Dr. Bennett about setting up a visitation if you’d like.”

Ruby’s eyes find mine, a dim light shining in them. “Yeah, okay. I think I’d like that.”

“Okay. I’ll talk with him today and then let you know when the visitation will be.” I set the pen down on my notepad. Packing my stuff up, I stand from the table and say, “Next time, we can play a card game while we talk.”

Ruby’s smile turns brighter. “I’d like that, too.”

I leave the room and go straight to Dr. Bennetts' office. I might as well speak with him about Ruby’s visitation now so we can set it up. The walk to his office feels longer than usual, and the patients' eyes are still on me as I wander the halls. You’d think they’d be used to seeing me by now.

You’d think I’d be used to it by now.

As I approach his office door, it is wide open, but I haven’t entered yet. I stand in the doorway, knuckles tapping the doorframe to get his attention. His eyes leave the computer, and he grins and gestures for me to come in when he sees me.

“Dr. Madden! How was your time away?”

“It could have been better, sir.” His head tilts, the question in his eyes, but I already have the answer before he can ask it. “I found out that my mother has cancer, and she doesn’t have much time left.”

“Oh, I am so sorry, Leo.” He sinks back in his chair, pity flashing in his eyes. “If you need any time off, just let me know, and we will work something out.”

“Thank you, Henry. I appreciate it.” I nod curtly, wanting my mother's conversation to be done with. It’s been almost a week since I returned, and the pain of the news has dwelled but still simmers beneath the surface.

“What can I do for you?” I’m unsure if he is asking what he can do about the situation with my mother or the reason I came to visit him. I choose the latter.

“I wanted to set up a visitation for Ruby. She would like her mother to come see her.”

“Very well. I will call her family and ask if they would like to come. If so, I will ensure you know when they will arrive.” He leans forward, probably finding the contact info for Ruby’s family.

“Great.” I tap my foot on the ground, and in silence, I remember asking Veronica if she would like a visit with her sister.

She never gave me an actual answer; knowing her, she won’t. She didn’t even write the letter to her sister because she was too afraid of what Stephanie would say.

She needs a little nudge, and before I can even think, the words fly out of my mouth, “I’d like to set up a visitation for Veronica as well.”

Dr. Bennetts's fingers immediately pause on the keyboard, and then he looks at me over his glasses. “Veronica hasn’t had a visitor since she has been here. Never expressed the want to have a visitation with anyone.”

“No, I know, but...” I attempt to find the words to tell him now that the suggestion has left my mouth. “It’s Veronica. She is outspoken, but even if this is something she wanted, she would never tell us. As her doctor, I think it will be good for her to connect with someone closer to her again.” I swallow hard. “You and I know she hasn’t been the friendliest to those around her in this place.”

A breathy laugh leaves him. “Yes, and I’m sure Edith mentioned that I’ve about had it with Veronica’s behavioral choices.”

“I’m aware. Edith explained everything to me, and I promise to keep Veronica in line so those measures do not have to be taken,” I boldly state. “She needs closure from the situation that happened before she came here. She’s too strong-willed to admit it to anyone, but she is afraid her sister will never look at her the same. I’m thinking... hoping that if her sister were to visit her, there would be a chance for forgiveness between them.”

“And if her sister visits and it doesn’t end well?”

“Then I will take full responsibility for the sinking ship and deal with Veronica’s backlash alone,” I tell him.

If Stephanie comes, and this all blows up in my face, Veronica will be furious. She will want to take out her anger on someone. I’ll have to make sure that someone is me.

“I’m guessing that, as Veronica has been in solitaire for the past two weeks, she has no clue that you are suggesting this to me,” Dr. Bennett asks.

“She does not know.”

“She’s going to be pissed.”

“I know, and like I said, I’ll handle it,” I reassure him. “She’s making progress whether you see it or not. This will be good for her.”

It has to be.