About an hour later, Norman comes out to the front lobby in his institution uniform, clutching his leather bound journal to his side. He gives me a small smile as he makes himself comfortable in an armchair. I wait about five minutes before starting to scoot out of my chair, but one of the nurses comes up to the desk requesting her afternoon schedule.
I nod, getting up to go to the file cabinet, and as I do Dr. Vincents office door swings open. He comes up to the desk, putting his hand on the nurses lower back. "I have a meeting to go to, but I should be back around dinner." He says. He doesn't avoid patting the nurses bottom as he walks off. I see Normans face fall, and he gets up, walking in the direction of the cafeteria.
The nurse smiles when I hand her the paper. "Thanks."
"Doesn't it bother you when he touches you like that?" I question.
She thinks for a minute, then shakes her head. "I'm used to it. If i deny his advances he just makes my work days hell. I have a husband and four kids at home, plus one on the way. I can't work a 14 hour day, so it's easier to just let him do what he wants."
What a jerk. If these women don't let him touch them inappropriately, he gives them tougher shifts.
What all is Pattie getting from what she lets him do?
I snap out of my thoughts as the nurse begins to walk off, her heels clicking against the wood floor.
Although I probably need to plan out things for the night shift, I'm more focused on my plan for tonight. I'm thinking I can fix Dr. Vincent an "I'm sorry" cup of coffee, and distract him long enough for Norman to get out the front door. Several of the patients file into the lobby, turning on the tv and getting lost in the current events of the news. I lean back in the chair, deciding to join them to make time pass.
About two hours later the front door opens and Dr. Vincent strides in. I smile at him at he passes, dropping it once his back is to me. A nurse comes in the lobby informing the patients that it's dinner time. They get up, getting into a line and walking behind her. The only noise in the room is the sound of my foot tapping, and I reach over, flicking the coffee maker on. By the time its brewed, Norman should be out here. I notice a little tin under the desk with a skull on it, as well as a cartoon mouse. Wonder if that works temporarily on humans? I don't wanna harm Dr. Vincent, just maybe tranquilize him for a half hour.
My prediction is correct. Right as I pour a cup, flavoring it with a spoon full of the boxed powder, Norman comes shuffling into the lobby, again holding his journal. I walk around the counter and over toward him. "Are you ready? I'm gonna try to distract him now. Just..be careful." He nods.
I walk over to Dr. Vincents door, taking a few deep breaths. I hesitate, then look at Norman's sad face. "It's for Jo. For Jo." I say to myself. With one last deep breath, my fist meets the door and I walk in the office.
"Oh, Nurse Louise, what a nice surprise. Did you come to kill me this time?"
I shake my head. "No, I came to apologize, and I brought you a fresh cup of coffee. I was out of line earlier, should've just went with it." Ugh.
He smiles, leaning back in his chair. I put the coffee on his desk and sit in a chair, but he motions for me to come around to where he is.
I do as told, and he pats his knee. I pause, then sit down.
He cups my cheek with his large, calloused hand. "I'm glad you feel that way.." He leans in, pressing his lips against mine.
On the inside I'm gagging, but on the outside I position myself so that im straddling him with my arms around his neck.
He grunts, running his hands down my back, resting them on my bottom. Under me I can feel more of him than I ever wanted to.
He starts to unbutton my shirt but I stop him. "Let me go close the window to the nurses station, that way people wont think anything differently. I'll be right back." He frowns, but reluctantly nods. I grab the cup of coffee and hand it to him. "Here, drink up! You need all the energy you can get for me." I wink
As I open the door, I hear him chuckle, and he takes a large gulp of the coffee, letting out a satisfied "Ah!"
I walk out and thankfully see no sign of Norman in the lobby. Hopefully he got out.
I go around the nurses station and grab my purse, laying the release forms that Dr. Vincent signed for Norman months ago, according to Jo, on the desk. I waste no time getting around the counter and carefully out the door.
The cool night air nips my skin when I first step out, catching my breath from the adrenaline.
"Hey," I hear from beside me. I jump, gasping and Norman steps out of the building shadow with a small grin. "It's just me."
Sighing of relief, I pat his shoulder. "Come on, we need to go. Jolene is anxious to see you."