Page 9 of Beautiful Prey

I didn’t know how to answer that so he continued, “No. I don’t know that you could, especially now that you know he doesn’t want to be forgiven.” His eyes widened at a sudden realization. “You didn’t tell him, did you?”

“No, he has no idea who I am.”

He let out a slow breath. “That’s good. At least you know how he feels. You know I’m totally here for you on this, Eve. As a fellow psych 101 wannabe. And I know I’m only repeating what I said to you before you went and saw him. Your secret will always be safe with me, but I’ll add this; seeing your family’s killer was a crazy move.”

“I know. I know it could mess me up even more. But this guy has been in my head for a long time already. And it’s my decision. I want to know why. Maybe he’s just crazy. Or maybe there was a reason. But at least I’ll know.”

Jamie reclined in his seat. “So you’re gonna try to get another interview?”

“Trying.”

“Well, you have more balls than most men I know; I’ll give you that at least. If they even let you. Or if he even wants to talk again.”

“I know,” I said bitterly.

“Lena called me, said she’s having a party over the weekend and wants us there. I say we go and take our mind off the crazy stuff.”

I took a sip of my coffee. “I don’t know.”

“Oh, no. You aren’t going hermit on me now. That’s the deal. You can go hard on your project and I won’t pressure you out of it, but you don’t close yourself off.”

I huffed. “Fine.”

My phone went off and I checked it to find a familiar number. My heart leaped into my throat. “I have to take this,” I said, starting to stand.

“Stay here and take it. I need to use the restroom anyway.”

Once he slipped down the hallway, I answered, “Mr. Langley, hi!”

“Ms. Layne, I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time...”

“Not at all.”

“Good, good. I just wanted to call and tell you I saw your email. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to respond. We have been so busy here since the last time you visited.”

“It’s fine, I understand.”

“I’m going to give you my honest opinion. I think it's very risky, having you come again. I was hesitant the first time even with Mrs. Conley's recommendation.”

“I understand, sir, but—”

“Let me finish, please. It makes me nervous, even as good as our security is. Emery is one of our most dangerous patients. It’s a wonder he even got the insanity plea. Most would believe he should be locked in prison under strict confinement, but I have no say in the law when it comes to this.”

The image of him that night chained to the chair, his devilish eyes boring into mine was still burned in my skull.

“But I take my work seriously with every patient no matter who they are,” he continued, “and what I know is Emery, like any patient, needs help. He needs someone to guide him through his traumas, his thoughts, why he has them, and how they can be changed. Mended. Medicine can only do so much, after all. That’s what therapists are for. I didn’t want to give up on him, but after some time, I worried he might be a lost cause. That his demons couldn’t be shaken.

“But your visit made some kind of an impression. Risky or not. I’m not sure what he might be playing at, I hope nothing but…”

“What are you trying to say, Dr. Langley?” I asked, wanting him to get to the point.

“He wants to see you,” he concluded.

I stiffened. “He does?”

“And I don’t mean, just for shits and giggles. Forgive my language. He says he’ll work with us. Well, work with you. He’s never requested to see our therapists and doctors before, but he says he’s willing to try. But only if you are his therapist. I tried to argue with him that you are not an accredited doctor and that you are merely a student, but that hardly mattered to him. I gave it some thought, and I've decided to put his needs over the rules. You, of course, won’t be able to properly diagnose him or suggest medication, but we will record what we can and make our own conclusions from there. It’s an odd situation, but as long as he’s talking, I think it’s a start. What do you think, Eve, would you be interested in taking this chance with Emery?”

I clutched the phone so tight in my hand I could feel my palm sweating. This was really happening.

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