Jayce & Emma

by Barbara Winkes

  Alina waited for her at the place they had agreed on. She didn’t say a word, just reached over to open the car door and drove, barely giving Jayce time to fasten her seatbelt. A few more minutes of awkward silence, and they arrived at their destination. Yawning, Jayce thought that maybe Alina wasn’t a morning person. She had let an alleged criminal with mental issues out for the night, but that didn’t seem to bother her much.

  “You can go to breakfast,” Alina told her. “Keep your mouth shut, and get back to me when you have more money.”

  “Sure. Thanks.”

  Politeness got her no reaction, so Jayce shrugged and went inside her room to get ready for breakfast. She had a session with Dr. Tanner later. She needed to prepare her words well.

  “I thought you weren’t going to show up. People here have a habit of disappearing. First Heather, then Eileen.”

  Maxine chuckled when she didn’t answer. “Got up on the wrong side of the bed? I saw you with Alina. So you figured out how to get some of that special treatment, huh?”

  Jayce sat up straighter. It would be bad enough if Alina provided Maxine and others with drugs. She didn’t want to imagine her out at night.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said. She had to stay on track. Strangely enough, Maxine Brown had been helpful to her assignment, and followed the rules more than many of the staff did.

  “Oh, come on, everyone knows that with a little money, Alina can do things for you. Gillian was hanging out at the infirmary all the time.”

  “Gillian.”

  “Yeah, didn’t I mention that? Of course, in your case it could be that you have the hots for that cute aide. Believe it or not, she’s my ex.”

  “You’re kidding me.”

  “I swear, it’s true! It’s partly because of her that I’m in this place, so I have no idea what business she has being here, and I don’t want to know. She seems to have a thing for bad girls though, so—”

  “Stop.” After less than a couple of hours of sleep, the last thing Jayce wanted was to have this conversation.

  “I knew it. Well, you have my blessing. She’s one of those girls who blushes and gets all flustered, but she’ll—”

  “I said, stop it!” Jayce got up and walked away from the table under the watchful eyes of the guards.

  “Is there a problem?” one of them asked.

  “No. I just lost my appetite. Can I go?” The woman stepped aside without further questions.

  To her dismay, Jayce realized Maxine was following her.

  “Don’t be mad. I’m your friend, okay? Friends don’t rat out each other…and I promise I won’t tell anyone that she went down on you in the utility closet. It would be too bad if she lost that job too…”

  Maxine stopped talking, but not until she found herself with her back against the wall in the hallway. She laughed, a tad frantically.

  “You are delusional!” It took every bit of self-restraint Jayce had left not to yell in her face. “Leave her alone.”

  The next moment she felt someone pull her back.

  “It’s okay,” she said. “We’re good.”

  Maxine rubbed her arms. “What the hell? She’s crazy. I was just talking, and she attacked me.”

  “That’s not true. She…” Too late, Jayce realized that she couldn’t repeat anything she and Maxine had said. It would expose Emma, and it would expose Alina earlier than she’d planned. “I have an appointment with Dr. Tanner.”

  “She said she was going to kill me,” Maxine added for effect.

  “I can take the appointment,” a jovial Dr. Simmons said behind them. “Ms. Brown, please go back to your meal. Ms. Turner, I need you to calm down. Now.”

  “That’s okay. I am calm. Where is Dr. Tanner?”

  “I think we can sort this out among ourselves.”

  Jayce had known for a while that she couldn’t trust the psychiatrist, but even so she couldn’t believe the orders he gave the guards.

  Damn. Staying on track would be harder than she’d imagined.

  “You don’t have to do this.” It was a futile attempt, she knew, but she had to try anyway. Jayce knew that any mention of Simmons being dirty would only serve to convince the guards and the nurse hurrying after them that she was in fact delusional, and he was doing the right thing.

  Restraints. Meds. The treatment for patients who asked too many questions. Jayce gave up resistance as they dragged her into the room, hoping she could do some damage control.

  “I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t sleep well. I am calm now.”

  In fact, she was just the opposite. This was an unacceptable, potentially dangerous detour from the plan.

  “Well, then you will appreciate being given some time to relax and rest. You and I will talk later, and don’t worry about Dr. Tanner. I’ll take over your treatment, Ms. Turner.”

  “This is not necessary! I’ll go back to my room if—”

  He leaned over her with a smile. “It’s a little too late for that now. I’ll go have a look at your chart, and we can adjust your meds appropriately.”

  “I don’t need—”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll keep your addiction in mind,” he said. “This is not going to make anything worse. I’ll see you in a few. You can go,” Tanner addressed the guards and nurse. “I’ll take it from here.”

  There was no objection from anyone. In fact, this could have been a scene that had played out many times before. Jayce was afraid it had.

  She couldn’t believe the kind of power he had, to order treatment that seemed to be something out of a psych ward from a hundred years ago. Then again, her research had revealed that this wasn’t as uncommon these days as one might think. What was even worse, Simmons wasn’t just over-zealous, he was a criminal with many means to cover up his crimes. Jayce pondered whether or not to confront him. It might rattle him. It might get her killed. She yanked at the restraints, frustrated with that one slip that had put her into this predicament, then realized there might be a camera. No, confrontation wasn’t a good idea until she had her hands free again.

  Minutes passed by, and she wondered if he’d been held up. Daniel was waiting for news from her—so was Emma. Neither of them would suspect anything yet. Jayce flinched when the door opened, but it wasn’t Simmons. Dr. Tanner walked in instead.

  It was now or never.

  “I can help you,” Jayce said, “but you need to be honest with me.”

  Tanner gave her a wry smile. “Excuse me, but it doesn’t look like you’d be of much help to anybody right now. Sorry.”

  “I know you didn’t want Gillian to die. Now’s the time to talk to the police.”

  “You are showing paranoid tendencies. Dr. Simmons was right about you.”

  “He harassed her, and drugged her for no reason. That’s why she killed herself, and you know it. If you turn yourself in, you’ll get a reduced sentence. It only gets worse the longer you wait.”

  Tanner produced a syringe with a clear fluid. “There’s no proof for any of this.”

  “Oh, believe me, there is. The other women will talk.”

  “Maybe, but who’s going to believe them? I’m sorry, Ms. Turner. I promise this won’t hurt.”

  The door opened again, and Simmons walked in. “Elizabeth, what are you doing here? Get out now.”

  She dropped the syringe and followed his order without thought. Jayce couldn’t help being both impressed and appalled at the influence Simmons wielded. She cringed when he brushed a hand over her hair.

  “Now, isn’t it time that we talked?”

  * * * *

  Emma couldn’t believe Alina who calmly ate her sandwich as if nothing had happened. She saw her colleague in a whole new light now, as well as this institution. The suicide, a megalomaniac psychiatrist and a nurse with a side business—and Maxine…Seeing everything that was going on here would only make her final decision easier. Her life had been crazy enough in the recent past. She didn’t need any more of it. Aft
er the co-worker who had accused her of stealing was gone from the store, the atmosphere had improved a great deal. Now that Jayce’s assignment was coming to an end, she was able to see more clearly. The job Kitty had offered her was no longer a temporary solution. She could become manager whenever she wanted to.

  How crazy had she been to even think about leaving?

  Emma was jolted out of her thoughts when Tess came into the room and mentioned Jayce’s name.

  “…under observation. Simmons is with her right now.”

  “What did you say?”

  Tess gave her a surprised look. “That happens sometimes. They go from being all friendly and polite to wanting to strangle you. She’s going to have some time to cool down.”

  Emma had been around long enough to know what it meant, and it made her anxious. There was no doubt someone had bent the truth. Jayce was always careful. Had Simmons found out? In that case, what would he do? She jumped to her feet and left the room, heading for Simmons’ office. Emma knocked. No answer.

  Tanner was next, and Emma found her at her desk, nervously playing with a pencil.

  “What do you want?” she snapped.

  “Excuse me. I wanted to ask about Ms. Turner. Is she going to be in class later today?”

  “Why do you have to know that? It’s not like there’s a passing grade.”

  Emma shrank back from the venom in the woman’s voice. She had dealt with menacing individuals before, one of which was her ex, but this place scared her. It was almost impossible to tell who was on the right side.

  “No…but I heard there was an incident, and we wondered if we should wait for her or…?”

  “I don’t think she’ll be attending today, or tomorrow, if you must know. Is that all? I’m working here.”

  “Can you tell me what happened?”

  “I don’t think that’s necessary for you to know. Speak to Dr. Simmons if you must. If you’ll excuse me now?”

  “Sure. Thank you.”

  Emma closed the door behind her, feeling overwhelmed. What to do first? She wanted to see Jayce, make sure she was okay, but there was something she needed to do before. She hid in the locker room with her cell phone, praying that no one would pay attention to her. She had an advantage—no one knew about her connection with Jayce yet, but she needed to act fast. Other women had been drugged senseless, and worse. With trembling hands, she unlocked her phone and called Daniel. A woman answered at his desk. To her relief, Emma realized she’d met her before. Tanya.

  “This is Emma Curtis. Is Daniel around? I need to talk to him.”

  “He’s not here right now. Can I take a message?”

  “It’s about Jayce. I think she’s in danger.”

  “What? Emma, where are you?”

  Emma refrained from cursing. She couldn’t tell the whole story at the moment.

  “At the clinic. I work here. Daniel knows about it, but you must do something. I’m scared for her.”

  “I can tell him, but you know that he can’t barge in…”

  “You have to. Her life is in danger. I think Dr. Simmons might have found out…”

  She broke off when the door opened and the man in question walked in.

  “Ms. Curtis, I hear you were looking for me?”

  “Emma, are you still there?” Tanya asked. Emma disconnected the call quickly.

  “Dr. Simmons. I’m sorry, there was a misunderstanding. I wanted to check in with Dr. Tanner if Ms. Turner was going to attend the class today. I understand that won’t be the case. I’m sorry if I interrupted your work.”

  “That’s fine, but shouldn’t you be in that class?”

  “Oh, yes, of course. I’m sorry.”

  He didn’t move from where he stood in the doorway, leaving her little space to squeeze outside of the room.

  “A word of advice. If you want to make it here, don’t get too attached to one particular patient.”

  “I’m not. I really need to get to that class now.”

  Emma hurried to make space between them, but when she’d made it around the corner, she stopped and waited to see where he was going.

  How could she have ever thought that this stunt here would lead to a career choice? She should have known that it would likely come to this point where everything was on the line. Emma hoped Tanya would do the right thing.

  She followed Simmons at a distance, not sure what she could do from here. She was certain of one thing though: She couldn’t leave.

  * * * *

  “You said we were going to talk. Why don’t we do that?”

  “I’m sorry, J. C., but maybe I don’t see the point in that. You have caused quite a bit of trouble since you arrived, as everyone said you would, and I guess now it’s time to face the consequences.”

  Jayce could easily see through his boasting, though that didn’t make her any less uncomfortable. He had likely never planned for Gillian to die, much as he didn’t plan to kill Heather or Eileen. That didn’t mean he couldn’t do harm, to all of them.

  “Is that what happened with Gillian?”

  “See, talk like that is what makes me think you suffer from serious delusions. Elizabeth might be a little quick, but she didn’t have the wrong idea. Why don’t we make you more comfortable?”

  “No, thanks, Dr. Simmons. What you said about consequences—I agree. It’s about time.”

  “I have other patients. The more you fight it…”

  He jumped when Jayce slipped out of the restraints and got to her feet.

  “I’m a police officer. We’re aware of the circumstances that led to Gillian Thorne’s suicide, and your overuse of drugs on patients. Maybe you’re even in on Alina’s little business, I don’t know yet, but I’m sure she’s willing to tell us in order to save herself.”

  “You’re not going to get out of here,” he hissed, brandishing the syringe that Tanner had filled earlier.

  “I think I will. We have another colleague undercover, and they already called for backup. You’re going away for a long time. Adding murder to that list would not be smart.”

  Without warning, he hit her, the force behind the slap making her stagger. Then again, it wasn’t much of a surprise from a man like him. He was now desperate, and more dangerous.

  “I really thought you’d be smarter,” she said.

  * * * *

  The clinic was under lockdown. Every patient had to stay in their room while the police were in the house. Jayce had made her arrest, though she looked relieved now that her colleagues had arrived. Emma felt relieved too, and a little lost. She shuddered as she watched one of the officers put a syringe into a small plastic bag with gloved hands, and then her stomach churned as she remembered the last time she’d been at a crime scene.

  Jayce, as if sensing her inner turmoil, came over to her in quick strides. It wasn’t until then Emma saw the discoloration on the side of her face.

  “You’re hurt!”

  Jayce reached up to touch her cheek and winced.

  “Nothing dramatic. You look a little pale though. Let’s get out of here for a moment? Tanya?”

  Tanya followed the two of them into the break room. It occurred to Emma that she didn’t even know if Alina had been arrested as well, or how Jayce had managed to use the leather restraints in lieu of cuffs. She felt a little dizzy though. After the phone call, she had found out what room Jayce was in, but the door was secure, and she didn’t have authorization. What if she had been too late?

  “Emma. It’s all good. You did good.”

  She blinked, becoming aware of the coffee Tanya had set in front of her. Jayce’s hands were on her shoulders.

  “Oh God,” she said.

  “Are you going to be sick?”

  “No. No, I don’t think so. Did I mess anything up?”

  “You didn’t,” Tanya promised. “This was the perfect moment to put a stop to it.”

  “I was lucky,” Jayce added. “Tanner had a moment of conscience. You helped too. Thank you.�
��

  She took a sip of Emma’s coffee. “I’ll take this if you don’t mind. I think it’s going to be a while before I can go home.”

  “You need to go to the hospital?” Tanya asked.

  Jayce shook her head. “I want to get a head start. The paperwork will take a while.”

  “Oh, come on, you don’t think Chomsky expects your report tonight?”

  “You never know.”

  “Okay then. You guys have a good night. Emma, I’ll see you for dinner at Kitty and Daniel’s tomorrow?”

  “Sure.”

  After Tanya had left, Jayce used the moment to pull Emma into a quick embrace.

  “You feel better now?”

  “I think so. Sorry about that.”

  “No need to be sorry. I’d like to ask you a favor though.”

  “Anything,” Emma whispered, wishing they could stay like this a moment longer, knowing it wasn’t possible.

  “You think you could make me dinner tonight? I think I could make it to around six. Just something simple. We could hang out a bit, just…”

  “Be together,” Emma finished. “I’d love that. Are you really okay?”

  “I promise. I love you.”

  Those words would see her through until the end of the day.

  * * * *

  Jayce breathed a sigh of relief when she stepped out of the elevator and found the hallway mostly empty, save for a couple of uniformed officers who didn’t even look at her as she headed for her unit. Writing her report would allow her to disengage, shed her undercover persona for good and return to her life.

  It always worked like that. She’d experienced it before. The last time, she hadn’t been sure, but now Emma was waiting for her. Home. Just a few words to put the recent events into perspective separated her from that beautiful notion.