by H. Caswell
Chapter 4
Dawn has arrived, and Alfred finds himself internally; excited for the day. Cherry, pipe smoke fills the office of his father, Thomas. Alfred, relaxed, in a thick, dark, leather seat, of his father’s most profound; masterpieces of the human psyche, from which they evolved. Today, Alfred, will bring to life, his desires, he has treasured since his father’s departure. A fire crackling, in the fireplace. Alfred; gazes about the room. The windows darkened, with long forest green, curtains. Cherry wood bookcases; embrace the room, now empty, of his father’s most beloved, authors. The deep dark, red, walls, bare now; once were used to showcase, his father’s credentials. A long, burgundy, chase lounge in the center of the room; where most of Thomas’s clients would confess their deepest, secrets. Alfred, leisurely approaches the place he most adored, as a young, eager lad. Many, late evenings spent; laying upon there; willfully; intuited, of his father’s teachings. Thomas’s greatest teaching …‘The Genes within, Unbreakable chains.’ His father, fascinated, with the human blood line, he would say to his son, “How peculiar; the joining of two DNA donors, that create … another human being; construct, a gene pool … of unbreakable chains,within the human body.” The evolution between genes and the phycology; proclaimed, Thomas’s heart. Though, he often pondered, and researched, endless, possible links, of the genes of abuse; which trickled through-out family history, and the raising, of the children. Was it even possible, to break, the serial link of the abuse … or not? Thomas, never mastered the perfection, of extracting dark secrets, the mind hid away, from his clients. Thomas, unknowingly, intrigued, his son, to the dark side of science. Electroconvulsive therapy, became Alfred’s enthusiasm, to alter the brain waves. Alfred’s need, to surpass the well-known neuro-psychiatrist; Ugo Cerletti, who implemented his studies; during early 1940’s. Alfred, a tiny two- year old, at the time. The procedures popular; only for a reign of ten years, had certainly dwindled, to only a few, dark, hidden, practices still today. None, the less … Alfred’s interest; not only lies in the conditions, known for such acts; such as schizophrenia, or depressive disorders. No, Alfred, honestly believes, with the joining of his father’s ideas of the blood lines, in DNA, the unbreakable chains; within a human mind, along with the conditions, of the subjects bringing up, could prove, a far greater psychology break through; perhaps, with some experimental dranged, electrocution. The effect, of his studies with his father, has shown to be something, Alfred, had not prepared. The years of sexual incompetence, with Alfred’s female peers; suddenly became profoundly, awakened; during the sessions; he, and his father would perform; on subjects known as the incurable; to the State Psychiatric Hospital. Those women, deeply drawn within, speaking not a word; only mumbling, usually highly medicated, perfect test subjects, for Alfred, and Thomas. Thomas, would always say to Alfred….“Imagine the medical breakthrough recognition… my son," Yes, Alfred, imagined vividly. It was Alfred, who began to engage his father in his perverse sexual high. Alfred, could not preform the acts, himself, with his father there, or the way he felt about his own man-hood, thanks, to his miserable, mother. So, convincing his father to engage in sexual intercourse with the subjects; turned to be an amusing game for Alfred. He would stand next to his father, as the electrical, currents flowed through the ladies. As the seizers, took hold of the female body, Alfred, would talk to Thomas, about her. The endless jolting; of their tense bodies. The erect nipples; upon her breasts. Thomas, began to engage in touching, between power surges. Yes, Alfred, had become more dominant in psychology, than even Thomas, himself. And Thomas, became yet another, test subject to Alfred. Proclaiming his greatness, Alfred, would rub himself off; deep in a dark corner, as Thomas, engaged in the sexual tortures’. Mildred, believed all this time; it was her husband that had spoiled, her son’s mind. Thomas, had only helped in the creation, of Alfred’s DNA, and unbreakable chains within himself. And Mildred, the stupid woman, she too; a donor of Alfred’s psychological being. The blonde ladies, won Alfred’s, attention. His infatuation, highly, goes to the blonde. Alfred believes the reasoning, due to his bitch of a mother, being of dark hair. Yes, indeed; there are a few dark haired ladies; during some sessions, when Alfred, found himself; extremely agitated, with Mildred; which bared the brunt of his anger; played out of course; through Thomas.‘They are the unmentionables.’ Alfred, found himself, so full of life, as he watched, the woman struggle for their breath. Oh … how their bare breasted chests; would engourge; becoming erratic, as they fought for air, their nipples, hardened, their skin; dripping wet, as Thomas, would grasp harder, upon their throats, while thrusting, his manhood into, them. Alfred, would find relief within his trousers, without ever touching … himself. The grotesque cover up; mastered; between Thomas and an absolute dear friend of Thomas’s; named Charlie White. They would discard of the bodies, while Alfred; handled the story for the hospital. The story never spoke out loud. The only evidence, large sum checks written; out to the State Psychology Hospital; subsequently around the mishap.
A Grandfather clock, chimes in, during Alfred’s reflections, of his past. Eagerly, Alfred, looks at his pocket watch. The time, Eight o’clock. Hastily across the room; Alfred retrieves the telephone. He dials the number within the ad, ‘A young woman announces’“I am putting your call through." A few rings and a winded voice, answers the call;announcing the business name “Grant Properties;George Wright speaking." Alfred informs the man“Yes, Mr. Wright, I have a profound interest with the Island, for sale. I … have a desire … to see the location … immediately …along with cost of purchase.” Alfred, listens as a man on the other end eagerly sorts through papers. From the sounds of Mr. Wright’s voice, Alfred assumes, a heavy-set man, with no ambition to succeed in life, finally receiving a call, which has not taken place, in quite, some… time.‘Alfred stifles a burst of laughter in his waiting’ finally, the gentleman agrees to the time. They make an accord to meet, on the dock, at Nine thirty am, the sum for the purchase; ‘twenty thousand’. Alfred hangs up the phone with no good days, just “See you …then.” He thinks to himself after hanging the phone ‘rude I suppose’ Swiftly, Alfred checks the time, a bit over one hour. He has just enough time, for a taxi ride to the bank; before heading to the dock, across town. Running out the front doors; as he places his black top coat on; Alfred waves down a cab. Retrieving such an amount of cash for Alfred, is no problem. The bank manager knows Alfred very well. Curiously, Smith asks Alfred “Has your dreams arrived … my boy?” Alfred smirks,“My good man, Mr. Smith. You have always been my number one fan … since my father’s departure. Yes, I believe my ship … has arrived,today.” Mr. Smith shakesAlfred’s hand with enthusiasm “Fantastic … Alfred … Fantastic.” Swiftly Alfred hurries across the bank lobby. “Best of luck to you my boy." Smith hollers across the bank lobby. Alfred waves thanks, as he rushes out the door. Alfred, instructs the cabbie“Hurry … if you will …to the docks.” Speeding through the city; Alfred, grasps tightly, onto his black briefcase; holding the twenty thousand dollars. His eyes notice; a round, short, man, in a tan, overcoat; across the pier, as they make their way on the grounds. Alfredorders the driver “Over there …lad!” Alfred, pointing, to the fat man. Knowing he is once again; correct, as the truth of his vision, of the man on the, telephone. He proceeds to give the cabbie a fifty dollar bill, and instructs him‘Please … make your presence back; in two hours.” The driver excited with the sum of money, agrees.
A handshake, between Alfred and Wright, exchanged as they eagerly cross the pier to a small tugboat. The skies, dark, beyond the horizon. The wind, picking up, as they leave the shore. The captain hollers; back to them, letting them know,“The trip … must not take too long. A dangerous coastal storm; is heading OURway.” A misting, rain, begins to fall, evidence, of what is to come, with the brewing storm; falling upon Alfred’s black overcoat. He slips his pipe from his coat pocket, as he clenches the pipes stock, between his teeth, he acknowledges the captain, with twisting of his hand.
The s
ea waves; hit the sides of the tug boat. Saltwater, splashes, on the wooden floor; wetting, Alfred’s black leather shoes. He seems unbothered, by this. Alfred is far too excited about the trip. Alfred, looks over the vast waters. In the distance, to his right, he sees one island. Wright hollers, trying to announce ‘Reiker’s Island' as he clenches the side of the tug. The waters are furious, making the ride, difficult. Alfred, a very educated man, knows the place; thinking to himself ‘the home of inmates, to New York and surrounding limits’as he waves to Wright, letting him know of his understanding. To his left, Alfred, begins to see an immerging island. Wright, comes close now to Alfred. He starts to tell the story, of the larger, North Brother Island. Alfred listens as Wright explains“In the 1850’s … the island was occupied by Riverside Hospital. Over there, ‘pointing to the building’they housed folks, who carried … disease from … Small Pox … even housed that, Typhoid Mary situation, until her death in … 1938. Again, it opened for housing of WW2 veterans … who were students and their families of the nationwide housing shortage … it was abated, in 1938. Once more, the doors were opened … sometime in‘taking his white hanky from his tan overcoat; wiping his face’ 1950’s for drug … addicts. They were kept there; until … clean. But, in early 1960 a corruption, of staff, and patients, forced her … closed, again … She has been closed … for nearly, three years now. I must say … to you sir… ‘nervously finishing’ the appearance will … not be of excellent quality." Alfred nods his head with understanding. The captain bellows back,“There she is!" Alfred, looks over Wright's head and engages in delight, and the sight of her glory, as they slowly turn, to her ever presence. Alfred, gleams at her beauty; while the tug docked. The captain reminds the urgency, “You must not delay … Please … make this visit … swift, ‘pointing to the storms approaching’I … will wait … for NOONE … NO matter‘looking at Alfred’the depths … of his pockets” Alfred ignores a comment to the Captain while his mind answers ‘Oh, good fellow … if only … you could see the things … I could do to you’ The two men step foot onto a decaying, dock. The wind is fresh, and the air thick, of the oceans armoma, as Alfred, looks about. As they reach stable ground, Alfred, feels so relaxedand finally at home ‘taking a deep breath in’ Wright, nervously excuses the appearance. “I had said ... she is a… wreck”Calmly, Alfred lets Wright know he is, profoundly interested in a tour,“My good man … I am delighted to be here. I want to see … what this enchantment … has to offer. ‘Alfred smiles, as he continues’my longing for such a place, is finally …‘taking a big breath, of relief’ answered. Relax your nervous twitches … and understand … at the end of this day; you sir … will be twenty-thousand, greenbacks, richer, and … myself ….happy, and finally … exonerated from my family home." Wright’s enthusiasm takes hold ‘bending down; removing his hat; he motions their movement forward’“With no further ado … I present to you sir … a grand tour of this fine …establishment." The two men disappear into the fog of, abyss. Within the thickening air, appears an old cobblestone, lighthouse. Alfred, circles the enormous structure; in awe. Wright, tells the tale of the most tragic accident; involving the island ‘in a solemn voice; he begins’ “The year is 1904, June, 15th, The PS General Slocum, a beautiful Steam Ship … set sail … carrying the …St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church members.Have you heard of this event, Alfred? Alfred answers; shaking his head, no’ Alright, then … I shall finish this horrible tale ‘he; continues’ Many were … of a woman and‘his voice softens’ children. They were promised the most of … an enjoyable day. As they make their way up … river, about, ummm … nine A.M; the SHIP … caught; fire. To this day, the actual cause … still, unknown, really. The passenger’s only chance of survival; as horrible as it sounds, was to jump in the frigged waters, or burn … to … death, for certain, they would. People assume today; they drown … from lack of knowing how to swim and of course… the heavyclothing of those times.‘Wright's voice grows somber; he lowers his head’ “Only 321 survived … of the … 1,358 aboard the ship. Their bodies; washed ashore, here.” ‘Wright points to the beaches’ Captain, William Henry Van Schaick; he steered the vessel toward … this island. His reasoning, most certainly … saved thousands more. Had, he turned the ship around … you know … to dock, in the Bronx, the city may have … BURNED … OH! … There was much controversy, and so many eyewitness … accounts, it … brought legal matters upon Schaick. Folks on land … watched the fire. Of those who survived; they claim … life vests, were unusable. Lifeboats; unable to hold … ANYONE …and a staff, Unqualified,to handle such a disaster. Can … YOU … believe IT?‘Alfred gazes at Wright; as he continues’ There were only some rotted fire hoses … aboard. An investigation set forth. Charges brought upon … that BASTARD Schaik. And on January, the 27, 1906 … the Captain, was found GUILTY … of his … criminal negligence. Some may have found him to be a hero. Myself … not included. HELL … No. He was sent to … Sing … Sing, to serve a ten-year sentence of hard labor. I say he got it easy… He only served … five DAMN years! He received pardon … if you an believe it … in 1911 and might I add… many more lives … were lost,due to this tragedy. Many who lost loved ones aboard Slocum committed ‘Wright swallows hard and lowers his hat;finishing the sentence’ suicide.” Alfred shows no emotion, or a hint of bother to the tales. Wright finds it; unsettling. ‘Wright clearing his voice; continues’ thehospital over there ‘pointing ahead’ housed the sick, they bared … witness, as accounts from the suffering; especially; in the … Scarlet Fever ward. They were going CRAZY … at the sight of the ship, in flames.’Alfred finds Wrights emotions quite amusing’ they beat at her doors, and screams; Bellowing, from her walls. The shores… covered in small boats; recovering the living, and you know; the … dead; were the views from her windows. Though, there are many accounts of heroism … that took place here, the somber reality … holds record. I am not sure WHY … it is … you want this place? Sir.” ‘Wright; pauses once more’ Death, is a part of this … here … island. Those sent here knew … of their demise. And all, they… could do, was watch, the circle of …‘pointing up to the top’ light, from this here… lighthouse, until; their last …and final‘bowing his head’ breath.” Alfred stands beside the lighthouse, as he absorbs Wright’s convictions, of this island. Understanding now, the historical events of all that have taken place here. And yet, he admires … the willingness, of her walls, and soil, to withstand the test of times. Wright, appalled, by the sight of Alfred’s smug smirk, as he stands; gazing, at the old worn building. Wright’s stories are unshaken to Alfred. Wright has told of these stories many times, and of those times, this man … before … him, the only one; to smirk and to want to carry on with the tour. Wright sickened by Alfred’s behavior, and yet his needing the money dearly, Alfred holds, they … move on.
