Chapter 5
Hmm. So many notes to add… Yesterday was far more chaotic than I expected.
Sadly, no popcorn was available when I needed it.
Dammit. Oh well, at least I have a slightly better understanding of the family dynamics.
No wonder Doc has been pushing for an extra medical professional.
I’m not sure how he’s managed to keep everyone alive when they’re constantly a threat to each other.
I groan quietly at the knock on my office door.
Standing, I cross the small room to admit whoever is urgently requesting my information.
I blink when I notice it’s a guard that’s standing in front of my door.
The way he’s shifting his weight from one leg to the other signals an incoming headache—one I don’t need.
“Yes?” I ask, hoping he’ll get to the point quickly, since I have several things on my list.
“Uh…well, there is a slight issue. We have a Stanley West here. He says he’s supposed to start work today? But Doc isn’t here, and Soren left very strict instructions not to disturb them.”
Huffing, I roll my eyes. Of course, Doc would leave me with this headache. “Can you have him shown somewhere to wait? I’ll need to speak to Jude before I meet with him.”
“The butler is already having him wait in the sitting room. I believe he’s being offered refreshments in the meantime.
” The guard visibly relaxes at my instructions, and I struggle not to look down on the guy.
I mean…he’s a guard. Shouldn’t he be less intimidated?
Maybe I should have a discussion with Tennant over this…
“Great. How do I find Jude?” I glance at my watch, not wanting to waste time today.
The guard flips open a phone and sends a message. There’s barely any time before several responses come through. Whatever is said makes the man cringe, but he quickly catches himself and stands up straighter.
“Jude is on his way to you now. If you’ll please wait here?”
“Very well. Perhaps you should go make sure everything is safe with the guest?” I prompt, waving him away. I’m not surprised when he practically runs off. Disappointing. So. Very. Disappointing.
I leave the door open as I make my way back to my desk. Sitting down, I grab a new notebook and start adding some clinician notes. I prefer to write longhand before inputting them into the computer. Thankfully, the filing cabinet has a lock on it.
In this case, it’s more so I can update Stanley. Although, I don’t have high hopes of him surviving long enough to actually put any of it to use. There are easier ways to kill people… But, I suppose, with all the work he’s been doing, Doc deserves to watch some chaos.
“You wanted to see me?” I glance up at Jude’s deep voice. His face is impassive, but I didn’t expect anything else.
I gesture for him to come in and take a seat, but the most he does is inch forward. His ass will be in my chair eventually, but I’m not going to force him right now. We have too much going on.
“We have a situation. The therapist that Doc arranged has just shown up. Unfortunately, Doc is not here, and his Daddy left instructions that he not be bothered. I need to know how you want it handled.”
“That’s a Council discussion,” Jude replies flatly.
“And as their Voice, it’s falling to you. Carter is…not currently in the right headspace for this. As it pertains to the care of the other two Council members, that leaves me with you and Keegan, who is also not available. So, tell me what you want done.”
A slight flicker of discomfort crosses Jude’s face, but otherwise, he doesn’t give any indication of how he feels about this. With a sigh, I tap my pen against the notebook while I wait. Being in charge is a pain, but for fuck’s sake, make a damn decision.
His eyes narrow as he takes in my movements. “You are incredibly annoying.”
“Thanks! I didn’t think you’d notice.” I smile widely at him, and when his hand goes to where he keeps a weapon, I find myself perking up. Maybe the day is going to get interesting after all… Or he’s flirting with me. Either way…
He drops his hand away with a sigh. “Fine. Get the guy set up. I have things to do. You’re in charge of mental health care, so it can be your problem.”
“Oh goodie!” He glares at me, but I merely shrug. I certainly have all the questions for him if he’s deciding to put me in charge. “I do hope that you have started vetting the list I gave you of replacement therapists. We’ll likely need them. I’m personally thinking it’ll take less than a week.”
Jude stares at me, and while most would be intimidated, I don’t give a shit.
Eventually, he gives up trying to win a pissing contest I'm not even taking part in, and turns on his heels, marching out of the room. I check out his ass as he leaves, whistling under my breath. Hmm. If I can’t get him in my office chair, maybe I can settle for him under me…
With a grunt, I stand up, hoping someone can tell me where the fuck the sitting room is, so I can go reacquaint myself with Stanley. I’m just sure he’ll be thrilled to see me.
It only takes me wandering around aimlessly outside the medical wing for about five minutes before a maid asks if I need assistance.
With deep regret, I explain that I’m looking for the sitting room.
I was really hoping that if I managed to get lost, there was a chance I could delay until Stanley just…
left. Sadly, she’s too efficient and helpful to let me meander around by myself, and guides me to the sitting room herself.
I don’t even have time to thank her before she’s disappearing back around the corner, and I’m faced with the door that’ll lead right back to mine and Doc’s past. And it is not a fun one.
Opening the door, I’m at least satisfied to see the guard from earlier standing to attention. If Stanley feels uncomfortable, he doesn’t give any sign of it, which saddens me. I’d hoped to at least set him on edge. Fuck. That means I’m going to actually have to interact with the asshole.
“Stanley, we meet again,” I say with as much welcome as I possibly can—none. Absolutely none.
“I believe I have an appointment with Ashby. Not you.” He raises a bushy eyebrow and I sneer back at him.
He’s wearing a crisp three-piece suit that is absolutely boring.
Honestly, it would look more fitting on an undertaker.
The stiff, unrelieved black on black, with not even the tiniest bit of color.
How is that even possible? Fucker hasn’t changed, if his clothes still reflect his personality.
If anything, it highlights exactly how dark his eyes are…
and not in a soothing manner. I’m supposed to trust this ass with my subjects? Fuck.
“It turns out that Doc—which is what he goes by, if you need yet another reminder—is off today. Since I’m Head of the department, that means you’ll be under my domain. If you follow me, I’ll show you to your office and start giving you an overview of the cases you’ll be seeing.”
“You have to be kidding me. I’m taking orders from you?” The slight joy at his horror pales in comparison to the fact I have shit to do and this is taking too long.
With a tight grin, I respond, “Yes. Aren’t we lucky to be working together? Now, if you’ll follow me?”
With a disgruntled sound, he stands up, brushing imaginary lint off his pants before gesturing for me to lead. At least, he’s willing to follow. For now. I have a sinking feeling it’s not going to be that easy.
Thankfully, there’s a room ready for him in the medical wing. The maid had been helpful in letting me know that it was already set up. I point out my office quickly as I dart in to gather my notebook and pen, before taking him to his own.
“Take a seat,” I say, as I sit in one of the guest chairs. I’d suggest he redecorate, but I’m sure he won’t be here long enough to do it. Plus, with his sense of style… Well, the current option is actually an improvement to anything I imagine he would do.
He sets his fancy briefcase down before sitting and looking around. At least he doesn’t look impressed, despite his bad taste. Perhaps he’s not unredeemable.
“I’m surprised Ashby would hire you. Or that you’re still alive and on the outside…”
Then again, redeemable is a stretch. Still, I push it to the side. “He needed the best, which is me. I wanted to go over a few of who you’ll be seeing.”
Stanley raises his hand, stalling me. “Not necessary. Ashby gave me what I needed before setting up this appointment. It seems he still has a time management issue. I do hope he doesn’t run his department like that.”
“I think you’ll find Doc is, as always, one of the most qualified doctors.
Of course, considering you dropped out and enrolled to be a therapist…
You wouldn’t know much about his skills, would you?
” I state blandly, watching as the vein tics in his forehead.
Curious…very curious. “Anyway, while Doc gave you an overall intake, I’ve completed initial assessments, and want to give you the clinical progress notes.
I, of course, will make sure you have computer access, but I find it easier to answer questions in person. ”
“I won’t have any.” Stanley waves me away, wrinkling his nose as he studies me. “And I already know where I’m starting. With Roman, of course.”
My fingers twitch, wanting to grab one of my knives, but I force myself to stay calm. “Wouldn’t it be more prudent to start with the active suicide or self-harm subjects?”
“No. I want Roman. He’s, after all, the most important member of this Family. Therefore, he takes precedence.”
I shake my head, pitying that level of stupidity. “I think you underestimate the value of every member of this Family. But, whatever. If you’re seeing Roman, you’ll likely have Lio with him.”
“What? Are they a couple? I don’t intend on doing any couples counseling.” Given his upturned nose, I desperately want to point out the interesting dynamics that exist here, but I let it go. Maturity wins out, because I care too much about Roman to put him in a bad position.
“Roman is resistant to mental health help. He’ll feel more comfortable with his best friend there. I will not push him on this. If you want to start there, it will be with Lio as well.”
“So now you’re making decisions for me?” Stanley sneers. “I’m the therapist. You’re merely a glorified pill pusher.”
Standing up, I straighten my outfit and stare down at the man who likely won’t last more than a day here.
“And yet, I’m the one in charge. If you want to start with Roman, you will arrange it with either Doc or Dr. Ranlen, and it will be in conjunction with Lio if Roman wishes—and I’m sure he will. Do you understand?”
Stanley grits his teeth, and for a moment, we remain locked in place, before he backs down and gives a sharp nod of acknowledgment. Breathing easier, I leave the room, not willing to stay in the vicinity of the man any longer than necessary.
I noticed he didn’t have any luggage, so either Doc gave him permission to live away from here, or he didn’t even expect the guy to last a day. We should have taken a bet on it.
For now, I turn to find Dr. Ranlen, so I can alert her. There’s no saving someone as stupid as Stanley. Times like this, survival of the fittest comes in, and is well worth it. I definitely need to ask the Chef for some popcorn.