Deadly Institution

by Holly Copella

  “And you’re going to set them straight, I trust,” Doc chirped.

  Jacey laughed softly. “I hope so,” she replied. “A few good articles, some public relations, and they’ll be cheering for the benefits to our town.”

  “Great. Then we’ll start our tour right here,” Doc announced cheerfully.

  Brian was directly behind them and had apparently been following them the entire way. He placed a hand on Doc’s shoulder. “You’re busy, Doc,” Brian said with a bold smile. “I’ll show the ladies around.”

  “I’m not busy,” Timon chirped and stepped forward with a bright smile as his eyes swept over Jacey. “I’d be more than happy to show them around.”

  Doc clung to Jacey’s arm and lifted his head proudly. “My building; my interview; my young ladies.”

  Doc led Jacey from the lab and talked the entire way. Monique and Coleen hurried after them.

  Chapter Nine

  The interior of the institution was the same as it had been nearly ten years ago. Most of the furnishings were the same with the exception of the lab and the attic, now turned into a planetarium. The west wing still contained all its patients’ beds and electronic locking doors. The building had been sold with everything intact. None of the furniture was removed in the hopes that the doors would again be opened, but that never happened. Doc omitted the basement from the tour, claiming it was dirty, cluttered, and a maze of rooms filled with old mattresses and boxes of useless items. They would eventually be sold at an auction to be held later in the month. Doc told Jacey in great detail about their research and their plans for the future of the lab. He explained how it would benefit the town with culture, knowledge, and a large telescope to enlighten children. It all sounded wonderful, though Jacey wondered if there was something he neglected to mention. Doc told her about his life, his work, and his life goals. He was a very intelligent man with much greatness and many degrees attached to his name.

  Monique took many pictures while they toured. The institution no longer appeared frightening to Jacey. Even the tour of the west wing didn’t bother her. They finally returned to the lab. Monique took pictures of the other five scientists while Coleen helped pose them for quality photos. Jacey found the girls’ professionalism slightly amusing. Brian volunteered as the first to be interviewed. Since it was obvious he wasn’t leaving her side, Jacey accepted his offer. Brian explained many aspects of astrophysics and told her what he’d be doing for the good of the team. After only ten minutes, he swiftly changed the subject to his personal life.

  “I’m twenty-nine and single,” he added with a smile. “I also have other interests beyond just stars and nebulas. In fact, I love dancing and going to nightclubs. Maybe you’d be interested in showing me some areas of interest. I could pick you up at your house tonight around seven for dinner,” Brian announced and warmly took her hand in his.

  Jacey smiled with some embarrassment and slowly pulled her hand away. “That sounds very nice, Brian, but I’m afraid I have a prior commitment with Monique and Coleen. I wouldn’t feel right leaving them alone.”

  Brain looked at the two girls who giggled at something Professor showed them on one of the tables. He looked back at Jacey and smiled daringly.

  “You can leave them here,” he informed her with a little too much charm. “Doc loves kids, and Professor will educate them. It’ll be like summer school.”

  Despite his pleasant smile, Jacey still thought Brain was a womanizer. She didn’t particularly trust him after their first meeting. A date with him just sounded all too exhausting.

  “I don’t know,” she said with some apprehension. “They are my responsibility the entire week.”

  Monique and Coleen ran toward Jacey and Brian with a look of excitement on their faces.

  “Professor’s going to show us the padded cell on the third floor on the west wing,” Monique announced with morbid enthusiasm. “Can we go?”

  Jacey smiled wryly. “How exciting,” she said with distaste. “Sure. Have fun.”

  Brain stopped them. “How would you ladies like to spend the evening with Professor and Doc? They could show you some really fun things.”

  Professor approached and eyed Brian skeptically. Jacey looked at Professor and appeared sympathetic. She knew what Brian was up too. She was certain Professor knew it too.

  “I don’t want to trouble you, Professor,” she said gently.

  “No trouble at all,” he replied then looked at both girls with a smile. “We have access to the large movie screen in the west wing. We could watch some classic horror movies I brought along then scare Dr. Alvord half to death afterwards.”

  Both girls looked at Jacey for approval.

  “Could we, Jacey?” Monique begged.

  “We’d love to explore the institution some more,” Coleen added. “It’ll be really creepy at night.”

  Jacey smiled with a look of defeat and sighed. “Sure,” she said. Of course, it also meant she would be going on a date tonight with the overtly charming Brian.

  “That’s great,” Professor said cheerfully. “We’ll have pizza delivered, if they’ll deliver it here. My treat.”

  “I’ll pick you up around eleven,” Jacey informed the girls.

  “Uh, midnight,” Brian said to Professor with a cheap grin on his handsome face.

  Professor managed a smirk, nodded, and then led the girls from the room. Brian looked back at Jacey and placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “Problem solved. That was easy enough,” he said and gently rubbed her shoulder. “Where can I pick you up?”

  Jacey was already uncomfortable with his frequent touching and wondered if it’d be an evening of prying him off her. “It’d be easier if I just met you here after I’ve changed,” she replied with a tiny smile. “My house is hard to find even when you know where you’re going.”

  She also didn’t need him picking her up and dropping her off at her secluded home when there was no one around. That would be an indecent proposal waiting to happen.

  “Okay,” he replied. “I’ll look for you around seven. And don’t worry about the girls; Professor is great with kids.” His eyes swept over her again. “See you later.”

  Brian kissed her quickly on the lips, nearly startling her. He then darted away before she’d even realized what had happened. Jacey collected herself and nervously ran her fingers through her hair. When she looked up, she noticed that the others were staring at her. She felt her cheeks immediately redden. Timon sat on the table near her and grinned.

  “Looks like Brian, the kissing bandit, strikes again,” he said and laughed loudly. “You still want to interview the rest of us, don’t you?”

  Jacey gently cleared her throat. “Uh, yes, I do.”

  Timon proceeded to tell her about his education, degrees, and special achievements. It was unnecessary for her to ask any questions, since he answered everything without being asked. He was a very interesting man, though he didn’t look much like a scientist. He still had a comedian appeal about him. Jacey couldn’t help but wonder if he was as much fun to work with as he appeared. Jacey found herself laughing at most of what he said. He liked to poke fun at himself and his own intelligence. Despite his outgoing nature, he was well-mannered and seemed very respectful toward her. Once he had finished, his smile brightened and he nodded toward the door from the lab.

  “Are you going out with Brain?” he asked inquisitively.

  Jacey felt her cheeks redden and forced a tiny smile. “Uh, yes, I suppose I am.”

  Timon nodded with a look of defeat. “I thought so,” he replied simply. “Brian doesn’t waste any time when it comes to attractive women.” His eyes met hers, and he smiled in a knowing sort of way. “He gets around.”

  Jacey starred at Timon a long moment. Neither said a word. She then understood what he was telling her in that last sentence. He must have thought he was telling her something she didn’t already know. She knew the sort of man Brian was. She’d met plenty of guys like h
im in her limited dating career.

  Timon smiled with sincerity and shrugged. “Just thought you’d like to know.”

  “I appreciate your concern, Timon,” she replied with a knowing smile. “But I’m not easily seduced by a handsome face and witless charm.”

  Timon’s eyes brightened as he laughed heartily and slid off the table. “Witless charm! I love it! Enjoy your date,” he announced and continued to chuckle. “I’m sure Brian will be in for a real eye-opener.” He continued to laugh as he walked away.

  Jacey wished now, more than ever, that she could get out of her date. She approached Angela next to interview her. Angela wasn’t very interested in talking to her, so the interview was very quick and impersonal. Jacey didn’t really mind either. Angela had a very casual way of making her feel small and insignificant. Angela told of her prestigious achievements with an amazingly unique, snobbish appeal. She also flaunted the fact that she was top in her field. Jacey never even went to college. Once the interview had concluded, Angela approached Dr. Alvord and clung to his arm. She spoke quietly to him and laughed softly. Dr. Alvord smiled warmly. Angela nodded toward Jacey then released his arm. Jacey pretended to jot something down in her notebook and avoided looking at them. They were obviously talking about her. She could see where this next interview was going to go. Dr. Alvord approached her and casually sat on the table across from her. He shifted uncomfortably and managed a smile.

  Jacey remained leaning against the opposite table. “Nice woman, that Angela,” Jacey said politely though she intended it to be sarcastic. She almost wished she hadn’t commented at all. She wasn’t going to win any points by insulting the woman to her boyfriend.

  “Yes,” Dr. Alvord said with a tiny smile.

  Jacey had to ask the questions directly. It took him several minutes to become comfortable enough to talk freely. Once he started, he told her about his work in great detail. Most of what he said was so technical and above her, she could do little more than nod and smile. She felt insignificant to his superior knowledge and accomplishments. When it came to his personal life, he hesitated and once more became uncomfortable.

  “There’s, uh, not much to tell, really,” he announced and shifted. “I pretty much keep busy with research.”

  Jacey couldn’t help but wonder if he really was a snob, or if he was just so smart that he didn’t know how to relate. When it came to his personal life, he was incredibly shy.

  “No hobbies? Wife? Children?”

  He then laughed softly and looked down with an innocent smile. “No--to all of the above. My work keeps me extremely busy.” He then looked up and their eyes met.

  Jacey stared at him in silence, as if reading what lie beyond his dark eyes. She found herself wondering what sort of relationship he had with Angela. She had to admit, he looked almost sexy in his white lab coat, neatly pressed shirt, tie, and brown pleated pants. Dr. Alvord again shifted and both looked away.

  “Would you mind if I asked you a couple of questions, Ms. McMurray?” he asked and looked at her.

  Jacey straightened and smiled. “Please, call me Jacey. This town’s not very formal.”

  He sat forward with a puzzled look. “What has this town so upset about our presence? Why would Doc receive death threats, or any threats for that matter? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

  Jacey inhaled nervously. “Well, Dr. Alvord--”

  “Please, call me Maxwell.” He smiled timidly. “We’re not formal either.”

  Jacey blushed with embarrassment. “Okay, Maxwell,” she replied warmly then became serious. “Certainly you’d heard what happened here ten years ago--with the fire.”

  “Yes, I did some research on the institution after Doc announced our transfer here,” he informed her in his sexy, British accent. “The east wing burned to the ground and killed twenty-five patients, two nurses, and one guard, I believe.”

  “Yes, that was the article from the city paper, but the articles from our paper told more about the people in town who had loved ones in the fire,” she informed him. “There were also rumors that one of the patients had set the fire to create chaos while he escaped. But the story didn’t end there.”

  He tilted his head with great interest.

  “The same patient had brutally murdered one of the nurses and escaped in an orderly’s uniform. Four more townspeople were murdered in the days that followed. The townspeople protested the institution, and the mayor shut it down. There are still some people in town who believe this place was cursed by the souls of the dead patients. They also believe if this place is disturbed, the killings will start again.” She forced a tiny smile. “I’m sure it sounds ridiculous that grown people should--”

  “No, not at all,” Maxwell remarked simply. “Superstitions and curses have been a belief for many centuries. Witch burnings are a prime example of the power of fear. Either something isn’t understood or they don’t want to believe it, so alternate explanations are created.”

  Jacey nodded with some relief. “It’s not everyone in town. It just happens to be the loud, opinionated ones who have the problem. They carry much influence on the others.”

  “Do you suppose the town library has any information on what you’ve told me about the institution? I’d like to do my own research on the subject.”

  “I’m sure there are plenty of articles on the institution and the murders,” she replied and smiled lightly. “I work there. You’d think I’d know.”

  “Then you’d also know where the library is,” he said with a tiny, mocking smile. “I have some free time this afternoon. Is it far? Maybe I could walk there.”

  “In this rain?” she questioned then smiled. “I could take you there, if you’d be ready in the next twenty minutes. I still need to interview Professor. It’s more or less on my way.”

  “That’s kind of you,” he announced warmly. “I just need to tell Doc I’m leaving for the afternoon. I’ll meet you out front in twenty minutes.”

  As Maxwell hurried across the room, Jacey couldn’t help but watch him. Something about him drew her to him. She didn’t really understand it. He was obviously out of her league. Even his degrees had degrees. Still--? Jacey noticed Angela staring at her. She’d obviously noticed her staring after Dr. Alvord. It became even clearer that the two were in some sort of relationship. A few hours ago, she would have understood it. Angela seemed the perfect woman. Attractive, smart, and refined. Now that she’d gotten to know her, more or less, she realized she was bitter and clingy with a superiority complex larger than the entire institution.

  Chapter Ten

  Jacey drove along the back road toward town and the library, which was on the opposite end of town from the institution. Despite the pouring rain, Maxwell was interested in the buildings they passed. There was a black station wagon alongside the road with its hood up. A woman dressed in a scrub uniform holding a large, black umbrella flagged them down.

  “That’s Roseanne,” Jacey informed Maxwell. “She’s Dr. Talbert’s nurse. That’s his car. We have to stop and see if he needs help.” She pulled to the side of the road.

  Dr. Talbert slammed down the hood, grabbed a black bag from his car, and both ran to Jacey’s jeep. They piled into the back, wet and out of breath.

  “We have an emergency, Jacey,” Dr. Talbert announced while looking exhausted. “Konrad Asher took a fall. I don’t know how serious it is. His cell phone cut out.”

  Jacey’s heart pounded with concern, and her mouth fell open. “I’ll get you there right away.”

  Despite the standing water on the road, Jacey sped down the back roads through the pouring rain. Her jeep could handle the terrain. It took nearly twenty minutes to reach Asher’s secluded house along the private, wooded, dirt lane. It was a shorter ride from her house through the woods and fields. She stopped in front of the house. Everyone hurried from the jeep, avoiding becoming soaked, and ran to the front porch. Dr. Talbert knocked on the door then tried the knob.

  “It’s
locked,” Talbert said with concern. “If he’s unable to move, he won’t be able to get to the door.”

  “We could check the back door,” Roseanne suggested.

  “Wait,” Jacey announced and approached the porch railing.

  She removed the railing ball, took out a hidden key, and hurried back to the house. Dr. Talbert and Roseanne stared at her with silent concern. She unlocked the door and hurried inside. Dr. Talbert, Roseanne, and Maxwell entered the tastefully decorated, unusually clean living room behind her. Asher was an amazing housekeeper, but considering his reclusive lifestyle, he did have to live in the home day in and day out.

  “Asher,” she called nervously and walked slowly through the living room. “Asher, the doctor’s here!”

  “Jacey,” came Asher’s voice with the sound of agony. “I’m out here.”

  Jacey ran toward the sunroom. A ladder lie on the floor along with a broken hanging plant. Asher sat on the floor against the wicker coffee table with his legs casually outstretched in front of him. He smiled warmly with a look of embarrassment and held a handkerchief to his temple.

  “Nice of you to stop by,” he said pleasantly. “Sorry I don’t have any coffee made.”

  Jacey hurried to his side along with the doctor. He lowered his bloodied handkerchief to reveal a cut that bled freely in his slightly graying hair.

  “You idiot,” Jacey scolded. “What do you think you were doing?”

  He eyed Jacey with a surprised look and blinked innocently. “Watering my plants.” He looked from Talbert and Roseanne to Maxwell then smiled. “I haven’t had this many visitors since the last lynch mob passed through.”

  Dr. Talbert put a cloth on Asher’s head and had Jacey hold it in place. “Can you move? Where do you have pain?” he asked while preparing some solution on a pad.