Page 22 of The Flame

“Why not just discharge them and return them to their families?” Belinda said at the same time. “That’s the safe option, much safer than a minute more spent inthisplace.”

“I understand how you feel.” Janice put a hand up. “You will sit in on their psych evaluations, since many may not feel comfortable sharing the full truth with their male doctors. You will also spend time with them alone.

“I need you to listen to them, to reassure them, and to determine if their home life would indeed provide a safe harbor. In some instances, it will be the man in the family who was responsible for having his wife or daughter committed. I won’t send them back to that.”

I instantly liked Janice a whole lot more. “What is the alternative?”

She peered at me a long moment, considering her words. “We are, very tentatively, considering the option of divorce in exceptional cases.”

My brows shot sky high.

An indecipherable sound choked out of Belinda. I couldn’t discern if it was approval or horror.

“It’s natural that our first instincts might be to release these poor women as soon as possible,” Janice went on. “The ugly reality is that even if these women do not belong here, and have never deserved this, we cannot discharge them until we have a safe transition route mapped out for each of them. We must be cautious, and thorough, but we must also act as expediently as possible.”

“To get them home as soon as possible,” Belinda inferred.

Janice nodded. “Of course, but I also need Ward X cleared. We have incoming, and I’d prefer to keep them separate from the other patients.”

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.Subjected to the new arrivals.That sounded like being subjected to some terror or unpleasant company...like the councilmen and/or their heirs.

I wanted to help these women, of course I did, but my brain was suddenly fogged. I couldn’t wait to get out of this office and explore the facility, to find the weak spots and start planning the break-out.

This was all happening. It really was. And once Daniel was free, I’d finally be able to think clearly again, breathe without nerves and guilt pinching every breath.

Janice handed us each four blue binders. “These are the patients currently in Ward X. Please read their case files and add your notes as appropriate. I expect an update each morning and, of course, I’m available if you need to discuss anything.”

Next, a bald man in olive green scrubs took us on a quick tour of the facility.

“Lewis Carlton,” he said as we introduced ourselves. “I’m not a doctor. You can call me Mr. Carlton.”

His heavy black brows made up for what hair he lacked on his head and, combined with the round spectacles he wore, his age was indeterminate. Probably older than I would have liked. Someone younger would have been easier to relate to, but his personality could be a bigger stumbling block.

I had to try, though.

I needed all the friends I could get.

“You’re welcome to call me Georga,” I said, smiling as I extended my hand. “No need to stand on formalities, I’m sure.”

He didn’t shake my hand. “This is a workplace, not a tea party.”

I refrained from rolling my eyes. “In that case, you can call me Mrs. West.”

He stabbed a thumb at the swing doors labeled Ward Z. “That’s for the real crazies. Also known as Ward Red.”

I felt Belinda stiffen beside me. The air around her literally chilled.

I gave Lewis the benefit of the doubt and dismissed the slur. Not that I’d ever be that crass as to refer to Daniel’s mother as crazy, not out loud, but the first time I’d met Miriam Edgar, I had thought she wasgone with the fairies.That was before I’d learned about her stint in rehab, though.

Also, I was desperate to get the full tour. “Can we take a look inside Ward Z?”

“You don’t want to do that,” he said.

“Actually, I do.”

“That’s a level 3 ward, top security.” He started walking. “You don’t have access.”

I remained in the passage between Janice’s closed door and Ward Z.

---