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Diagnosis: Psychopath
Assessment:
-Anti-social behaviour
-Nil emotional response, lack of empathy and/or remorse
-High risk of violence and dangerous behaviour (multiple unprovoked assaults)
-Resistant to all treatment options. Refuses to engage
Findings: Minimal chance of rehabilitation
Treatment: If patient remains the same twelve months into sentence, advised lobotomy
I lifted a brow,perusing the assessment notes from the previous shrink. I didn’t know the circumstances of their abrupt departure, although I could hazard a guess. Oakview had a high staff turnover rate, the previous two psychiatrists lasting six weeks altogether (not that I was supposed to be privy to that information).
Either way, I didn’t care. The dangers and risks were nothing compared to what I’d experienced. I was here for one job only. More specifically, one person only.
I will not fail.
There was a quick rap at the door before a tall male swaggered through the archway. He assessed me with hunger, his porcelain veneers gleaming a winning grin.
“I’m Mr Burner, Manager of Oakview. We spoke on the phone.”
We shook hands, his fingers lingering longer than necessary. I plastered on a fake smile while discreetly rubbing my palm clean over my thigh. “A pleasure to be a part of the team, Mr Burner.”
We made small talk—the generic bullshit normal people pretended to care about—as he presented the grand tour.
Burner’s pristine image was comical, in complete contrast to his surroundings: coiffed blonde hair, accompanied by an expensive suit two sizes too small.
“I must say, you look young for your age,” he said. “Your resume was extraordinary. You shone above all other applicants.” The compliment fell short, due to there being no other applicants.
I’d nearly killed Spencer when she’d submitted my fake credentials. She’d added an extra ten years to my twenty, alongside other ridiculous qualifications. Thankfully, no one had dug up an old trumpet…the mission would have been compromised immediately.
“Protection and safety are of the utmost importance,” he rambled on. “There are cameras running 24/7 in all communal areas. Due to confidentiality, we can’t place surveillance within individual rooms. If you feel unsafe at any time, please alert Fern.”
I feigned interest, nodding at appropriate pauses, when a distinct bell rang through the speakers, announcing lunch.
“Let me take you to the cafeteria. You can get a glimpse of your patients. After that, we can get more acquainted in my office.” He pressed a hand to my lower spine, directing me forward.
Bile rose in the back of my throat and I flexed my fingers to prevent them from dislocating his own. My family would be unhappy if I committed homicide on the first day. Containing my rage, I twisted out of reach, trailing after him into the bustling space.
I scanned the area, taking stock of my surroundings. Possible exits, potential threats. Always a necessity when entering a new environment—especially a room filled with crazy people.
My eyes seemed to gravitate to the farthest corner of the room, something lingering in the depths seeking me out. Thenmy gaze locked with two of the darkest orbs I’d ever seen, swallowing me whole in their bottomless depths. I was gripped by a predator hiding in the brush. The prime hunter of the facility, I had no doubt. I had found what I was looking for, but it was far more sinister than I’d ever imagined.
Psycho.
I was stunned, completely taken over by the irrational thought to move closer and seek comfort in the tattooed arms of my own destruction. As I was about to take a step towards him, Burner cut into my wayward thoughts.
“Shall I show you the dorms? They’re off to the right here.” I clutched onto the distraction and broke away from the stranger’s intoxicating hold.
I have to see him again.
That was my last thought before I could snap sanity into my brain once more.
I blindly tracked Burner’s steps to escape, the vivid image of Psycho playing back in my mind, mocking me with intrigue.
