Page 84 of Body and Soul

Julian was already seated at the table, his wrists and ankles shackled. He wore a jumpsuit the color of spoiled milk.

“Doctor Laskin,” he greeted me, voice rasping from disuse. “Right on time, as always.”

I slid into the chair across from him and flipped open the manila folder I carried, arranging the papers inside with deliberate precision. To any observer, it would appear a routine psychiatric visit.

“How are you feeling today, Julian?” I inquired, meeting his gaze steadily. My tone remained detached, professional, betraying none of my true intentions.

“Same shit, different day,” he shrugged, fidgeting restlessly. His fingers, stained yellow from years of nicotine, tapped an erratic rhythm on the tabletop. He leaned forward, hunched over the table. “Do you have them or what?”

I slid a hand into my suit jacket, withdrawing a small plastic bag. Inside was a pair of lacy red panties. I placed the bag on the table and slid it across to Julian.

His eyes lit up with a sickening hunger as his nicotine-stained fingers scrabbled for the bag. “Are they...?” he breathed, pupils dilating.

I gave a curt nod. “Well worn, as you requested. Though procuring them was not without difficulty.” In truth, they were brand new, straight from a package ordered discreetly online, but Julian need not know that. His perversions were not my concern, only his cooperation.

He brought the bag to his nose, inhaling deeply, a look of obscene bliss contorting his features. I fought down a surge of revulsion. The man before me was the lowest sort of creature, incarcerated for unspeakable acts against children. The only reason I tolerated his presence was necessity.

“My end of the bargain is fulfilled,” I said flatly. “I trust you remember yours.”

Julian tore his gaze away from his prize, annoyance flickering across his face before being replaced by a sly grin. “Yeah, yeah. No problem, Doc.”

“It has to be today,” I said, folding my hands on the table.

Julian's eyes narrowed. “That's not what we agreed, Doc. You can't change the deal.”

I leaned forward, holding his gaze with an icy stare. “Circumstances have changed. It must be done today, or our arrangement is finished. I'm sure the warden would be interested to learn how you've been acquiring certain... items.”

His jaw clenched, fingers tightening around the plastic bag. “You fucking bastard. Fine, I'll do it today, but it’s going to cost you.”

I sighed. “What do you want, Julian?”

He licked his lips and leaned forward. “There’s an elementary school a mile east of here—”

“No,” I said firmly.

“Aw, come on. I just want somepictures. Not even naughty ones. Just some fresh, new innocent faces. I’m sure this year’s class at Saint Marie’s is so sweet.”

I felt my jaw clench, a wave of cold fury washing over me at his vile request. The shiv hidden in my trousers seemed to grow heavier, an insistent weight against my thigh. It would be so easy to end his miserable, depraved existence right here. To watch the light fade from his eyes as I opened his throat.

But no. That would be far too quick, too merciful an end for a creature like Julian Amsel. Death was too good for him. He needed to suffer first, to feel a fraction of the terror and pain he had inflicted on his victims.

I took a slow, measured breath, reining in my rage. When I spoke, my voice was deceptively calm. “That will not be possible. But perhaps we can come to an alternative arrangement.”

Julian scowled petulantly, like a child denied a treat. “What kind of arrangement?”

“One that will make your remaining years in this place significantly more... comfortable. Better food, softer sheets, certain magazines delivered discreetly.” I paused, letting the offer dangle. “And of course, a more regular supply of your preferred items.”

His eyes gleamed. Lust and greed, the only language men like him understood. “Keep talking, Doc. I'm listening.”

As I laid out the details of my counter-proposal, I kept my expression carefully neutral. Internally, I was already plotting the next phase. Julian was merely a pawn, a loose end. I didn’t leave loose ends dangling.

Once the details were ironed out, I passed in the plastic shank discreetly and rose from my chair, straightening my cufflinks. “I'm glad we could come to an understanding, Julian. I'll make the necessary arrangements.”

He grinned, displaying nicotine-stained teeth. “Pleasure doing business with you, as always, Doc.”

I didn't respond, simply nodding curtly before rapping twice on the reinforced door. The orderly opened it a moment later, her expression as dull as before.

I stepped out into the hallway, waiting as she secured the door behind me with a buzz and a clank. As we walked back down the corridor, my mind was already racing ahead.

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