Madeleine & the Mind

by Felicia Mires

  Madeleine shook her head. "If you think I'm going in there while you buy that atrocious woman jewelry, you're…wrong."

  She'd almost said it again…crazy. Appalling how often that word found its way in her everyday speech. That was going to change.

  He stuck out his lower lip like a pouty child, pulling at her hand.

  She followed him inside. He went straight to the rings and pointed. Madeleine sighed. "Yes, that's very pretty. Someday, I'm going to have a ring like that and a man to go with it."

  The salesman walked to the counter and asked Madeleine if she'd like to try anything on.

  "No, we're just looking."

  But Steven nodded at the salesperson. He was certainly precise in his thoughts and movements. The haphazard weakness he'd exhibited before was gone.

  The jeweler sized Madeleine's finger then pulled out a tray of rings.

  Her eyes bugged, and she went right to the one that sparkled like no other she'd ever seen. A large emerald-cut diamond in the center with a row of baguettes on either side. It caught the light no matter which way she turned her hand.

  "The ring was made for the Senorita's hand. When is your wedding?"

  It was too difficult to explain.

  "I'm not sure. We're just looking. Thank you."

  He quickly wrote the specifics of the ring down on the back of a card and handed it to Steven. Steven nodded his head, and they left.

  "Why did you take that? That poor man thinks we're getting married. Are you getting that ring for Miss Reynolds? Wouldn't that just beat all? I try it on, and she gets the prize."

  Steven watched her with a bemused expression on his face.

  She laughed. He would realize how much she cared if she wasn't careful. "I didn't mean the ring. You're the prize, sweetums. Let's go wait for Miss Beautiful."

  They sat beside the fountain and watched the other shoppers go by for nearly ten minutes. Steven closed his eyes and put his head back. Had the day been too much for him? She'd make him lie down when they got back to the room.

  The drive back was ruined by Miss Reynolds' detailed description of everything she'd bought for herself. But it did make Madeleine think.

  Steven had been so nice to her. She resolved to find something he enjoyed.

  When they reached the Institute, she was tired herself. Dr. Giliteau insisted that Dr. Faraday sit in the wheelchair when they got out. "He looks like he'll collapse any second."

  "All right, but I'm not taking him through the front door. You two can go that way if you like. I'll take him by the pool to the side door."

  Madeleine hung her purse on the back of his chair and pushed him down the sidewalk.

  Miss Reynolds hesitated, but then she followed after them. She must have realized she'd been ignoring her fiancé all day and needed to put on some show of attention.

  She caught up with them as they reached the pool. "Miss Price, if you don't mind, I'll push Steven now."

  "Certainly."

  Miss Reynolds stood in front of Steven, frowning down at him. "Why on earth did you insist on bringing him today? Look at him. This is embarrassing."

  Madeleine felt her anger climbing again. She'd had about enough of that woman. "For whom, you or him?"

  "Why for him, of course. You parade him around as if he's your pet imbecile."

  Madeleine stepped closer to the woman. "Watch what you say, Miss Reynolds. If you jeopardize what I've been working on, you'll be very sorry. Dr. Faraday is not just your fiancée. He's a scientist working on something for the government. If he loses his mind because of your mistreatment, I'll do everything I can to have you prosecuted for treason."

  "That is ludicrous! In case you haven't noticed, he's already lost his mind. He's nothing but a large, bumbling idiot savant!"

  Madeleine's hand came up, and she very nearly slapped Miss Reynolds. "How could you speak of him that way! Why, he's brilliant, you…you self-centered…floosie!"

  Before Miss Reynolds could react, the large man bumbled out of his chair, and Miss Reynolds went tumbling into the pool.

  Madeleine stared after Steven as he opened the side door of the building and disappeared. Then she laughed. It was much funnier when he pushed someone else in the pool.

  Miss Reynolds flailed her arms in the water, wailing for help.

  "If you'll stop hollering…you can stand up and walk. You're in the shallow end."

  Madeleine waited while the dripping woman lumbered out of the pool. She screamed obscenities, and Madeleine thought how unattractive and inelegant she really was.

  When she reached Madeleine, she stabbed her in the chest. "I'll have you dismissed. How dare you poison his mind against me? You're absolutely worthless. He hasn't improved at all under your tutelage…"

  Madeleine had heard enough. She walked off with Miss Reynolds yelling after her.

  When she got to her room, she looked around. There was really nothing here that belonged to her. It would be best to say goodbye to Steven before she was sent away.

  She froze with her hand on the dividing door. Now that she was going home, she didn't want to go. She wanted nothing more than to be with him.

  She knocked and opened the door.

  Steven stood as she entered but watched her advance from the window.

  She stopped halfway across the room, not wanting him to see how upset she was. "I have to leave. Miss Reynolds is going to have me dismissed. She said I poisoned your mind against her. I guess I did. I'm truly sorry. She also says I'm not doing my job because you haven't improved."

  She looked everywhere but at him.

  When she heard the door close, she raised her head. He was gone.

  Chapter 6

  Madeleine felt like crying. She stood there ready to pour out her heart, and Steven had walked out on her. He didn't care at all. She was the crazy one, falling in love with a man under mental duress.

  She walked back in her room and picked up the purse. After one last glance around, she left. She didn't know if she'd earned enough for her passage home, and she didn't care. It was nothing compared to the pain in her heart.

  Madeleine walked down the stairs because the elevator was in use. Steven had probably taken it.

  When she arrived at the bottom floor, she approached the receptionist. "I'm Miss Price. I'd like to see the director, please."

  The young woman picked up a phone and made a call. She turned back to Madeleine and hung up. "He can see you now. Take that corridor to the end. It's number 109."

  Madeleine walked down a hallway she'd never used before. She checked all the numbers on the doors until she found the one she wanted then knocked.

  No one answered, so she opened the door. There was no one inside, and it didn't look like an office. More like a conference room.

  She turned on the light and sat at the table with her back to the door. She waited what seemed like an eternity but according to the clock was only about twenty minutes.

  When the door opened, her stomach sank.

  A graying, dark-complexioned gentleman came around the end of the table to hold out his hand. "Miss Price, I'm Director John Whitmore. I'm sorry you had to wait. I also apologize for being unavailable since you arrived."

  Madeleine heard the door open again. Steven and Mike came in and sat down.

  Director Whitmore smiled at her. "It has come to my attention that Dr. Faraday was rather unpleasant when you arrived. You're his third therapist, and I have to say I'm pleased with his progress. I know it's disheartening to work with someone suffering from mental stress. You never know what will cause a regression or improvement, but I'm satisfied with all the efforts you've made."

  She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She wasn't being dismissed. They were happy with her.

  She looked at Steven. He stared ahead, but she knew somehow he'd done this for her.

  "About that little upset this afternoon...I'd like you to ignore anything that was said. Miss Reynolds has decided to part company with Dr. F
araday. She's returning to Boston immediately."

  Madeleine glanced at Steven again. No indication of how that made him feel. She faced the Director.

  "Do you have any questions, Miss Price?"

  Only one.

  "I understood I was to stay until Dr. Faraday was capable of speech. What if I work off the cost of my return passage before that time?"

  "We can't force you, but it would suit us admirably if you stayed until he's able to resume his research. I understand your position in the United States might be in jeopardy…I'm sure we could make it worth your while, even help you locate something when you leave. Anything else?"

  "Uh, yes. With Miss Reynolds gone, how am I to have free time? I don't like Dr. Faraday to be alone. He's...prone to mischief."

  A slight smile twitched at the corner of the Director's mouth. "I'm sure any number of people on staff would willingly spend time with Dr. Faraday."

  All women, no doubt.

  "I'll let you know. Thank you for your time."

  With a brief glance at Steven and Mike, Madeleine left the room.

  She took the elevator up to her room, locked the diving door and lay down on the bed. She didn't want to see anyone or speak to anyone yet.

  A few minutes later, the knob rattled. Then a knock.

  She ignored it.

  When she woke, dark shadows covered the room. She looked at the clock. After seven. She'd probably be having another cold tray.

  She rose and staggered to the bathroom to wash her face. After napping so long, she might not sleep that night.

  She felt in need of a little encouragement so she got out her new make-up and one of the dresses Steven had bought her. What he might deduce from that, she didn't care.

  When she felt presentable, she left her room. No dinner tray waited in the hallway, but it could be in Steven's room.

  She turned in the other direction and headed downstairs. She felt like a moonlit stroll. She probably shouldn't go out alone, but she didn't care about that either. If someone messed with her tonight, she was liable to hurt them.

  Once she reached the maze, she'd be hidden from watchful eyes. She'd be safe.

  The night was cool and fragrant. Perfumes from the garden floated in the air and created a relaxing, romantic interlude. If only the counterpart of her romantic dream was around.

  She sat on the bench in the arbor, feeling the warmth from the day's sun. She lay back and closed her eyes.

  Lord, it's been an awful day, but I can't say you weren't there because you protected me in every situation. I walked through fiery trials but didn't get burned. Thank you for going before me.

  What would you have me do? I think I've gone and fallen in love with my patient. It might have been better if they sent me away. I'm not sure I can keep my heart from interfering with my job, especially when I see how Steven responds to a caring individual. Save his soul, Lord. Show me how to walk out your unending love and grace.

  "Madeleine!"

  She sat up with a jerk. Dr. Giliteau. And she was alone.

  "No, please. Don't get up. You look a vision of enticement with your hair splayed out around you and the moonlight glinting on it." He sat at the end of the bench.

  "Dr. Giliteau, what brings you out tonight?"

  "You. I saw you slip through the garden like a nymph from Paradise. I've asked you to call me Franc."

  "I've heard about Paradise. Isn't that where you get all the virgins if you're a suicide bomber?"

  He frowned. "What an unpleasant thought. The vision I had of you didn't involve anyone but the two of us."

  He leaned closer.

  She tried not to reveal her fear.

  He covered her hand with his, and Madeleine wanted to yank away.

  When his fingers traced the contours on the back of her hand, it felt more like some creepy insect.

  "I heard your day was even more unpleasant after I left you. I'd like it to end in a more enjoyable manner."

  He reached out to touch her hair. If she didn't move now…

  A rustling sound distracted them.

  "Steven!"

  Dr. Giliteau said something that sounded like a curse.

  Steven stood against the trellis of the arbor, watching the two of them. His fingers curled into fists.

  "Please excuse me, Franc. I didn't realize no one was watching Dr. Faraday."

  She hurried past Steven and out of the maze. She felt certain he'd follow.

  When she reached the door to the Institute, she looked back. He was a few steps behind her. She continued inside and pushed the button for the elevator. When it opened, she moved inside and leaned against the wall. Steven relaxed against the wall opposite her.

  He studied her from top to bottom. Her pulse beat wildly in her throat. She raised a hand to cover it.

  He took a step toward her, but the elevator opened.

  She rushed out and ran to her room. Steven followed her, and she opened the dividing door, waiting for him to go through, but he didn't.

  He came toward her.

  She couldn't back up. There was nowhere to go. One more step, and they'd be together.

  She held out her hand. "Stop. You don't know what you're doing. I know today has played havoc with your well-being, but I can't let you do this. If we cross that line, I'll leave. You're the patient; I'm a therapist." She shook her hands in frustration. "I don't know anything about you. You just think highly of me right now because I take care of you. It's transference. But you can't. We can't…"

  He took one more step then tenderly ran his finger down the length of her cheek. She closed her eyes, trembling. If he kissed her now, she'd never be able to face him again.

  His hands gripped the sides of her face, and she felt his lips press against her forehead. Then he released her.

  She opened her eyes. He'd gone to sit in his window.

  "I want you to know that I didn't go to the garden to meet Dr. Giliteau. I just wanted to be alone…and pray."

  He looked back at her and smiled. Madeleine felt all the tension of the day drain away. He trusted her. He had come to save her...again.

  "Well, good night."

  The next day, Madeleine was in her room brushing her hair when the phone rang.

  It was the receptionist from the front desk. "Miss Price. There's a police officer here. An Inspector Banderas. He'd like to see you about the theft of your purse."

  "Tell him I'll be right down."

  Madeleine knocked on the dividing door before entering. Steven sat at the table, drinking coffee. He smiled and pointed at her breakfast tray.

  Madeleine remembered that kiss on her forehead and felt her face flame.

  "I have to go downstairs. Inspector Banderas is waiting for me."

  He stood, and Madeleine shook her head. "No, you don't have to come." She looked at him uncertainly. She didn't know how long she'd be. "Wait here. I'll ask the Inspector to come up with me."

  Steven sat down so Madeleine left him.

  The Inspector waited in a chair in the lobby when Madeleine walked up. He rose and tipped his head to her. "Senorita Price. We meet again. Are you destined to become a fixture in my life?"

  Madeleine laughed nervously and shrugged her shoulders. "I hope not, Inspector. But I appreciate your patience with me. I suppose you heard about our little outing yesterday?"

  "Assuredly. Is there somewhere we can talk?"

  "Dr. Faraday is upstairs. Why don't we go there? You can have a cup of coffee or eat some breakfast."

  "Thank you. I would like some coffee."

  They took the elevator.

  She felt perfectly at ease with the Inspector. "You know, you're not scary anymore. The first time I saw you, I wasn't sure what you were going to do."

  "The first time I saw you, I wasn't sure what you were going to do. And then you cried. There is nothing more distressing to an officer than a crying tourist."

  Madeleine laughed. "You'll have to admit, I had reason to cry."

&
nbsp; The elevator opened, and they walked inside Madeleine's room. She held out her hand for the Inspector to go through to Steven's room.

  Steven was still sitting at the table. He looked up as they came in.

  The Inspector stopped and stared at him for a second. "Remarkable. Young man, you look completely different."

  "Oh, he doesn't speak, Inspector. But he does look better, and I think he understands more. But you won't be able to question him. I'm sorry…Won't you sit down, and I'll get that cup of coffee."

  The Inspector sat across from Steven, and Madeleine poured him a cup of coffee then sat in front of her breakfast tray.

  "Have you not eaten yet, Miss Price?"

  "Never mind. I seem destined to eat cold food here.

  He gestured with his hand. "Go ahead. I can talk while you eat."

  Madeleine opened the lids to her food and prepared her toast. It was already slightly soft. The bacon was rubbery and the eggs…she'd skip the eggs.

  The Inspector gazed from Steven to Madeleine. "The officer I sent with you yesterday had a very difficult time deciding whom he should watch. I thought you were going to stay together?"

  "I tried, but Miss Reynolds wouldn't listen. I didn't get a chance to speak with Dr. Giliteau at all. I don't know any more today than I did yesterday."

  "It's doubtful he'd reveal himself to you that easily. Tell me what happened at the market."

  "I looked at dresses then leather bags. At some point, I recognized the man that hit me and stole my things. I yelled. Dr. Faraday started running. I started running. The thief started running. Then he and Dr. Faraday were fighting, and a police officer came up. He was going to take us all to the police station when a man walked over and whispered in his ear. I assume that was your man."

  The Inspector nodded. "Dr. Faraday is cognizant of your conversations?"

  He stared at Steven. Steven stared back. Madeleine wondered who would win. She was betting on Steven. He had more practice.

  She was right. Inspector Banderas returned his attention to her. "Is he able to communicate to you?"

  "Occasionally he nods his head at something I say or shakes his head. But he can't write or read." She tipped her head. "At least…well, I'm not sure how much he can read. I've seen him reading twice, and he wrote my name on a sheet of paper...but nothing else."