Alicia's Revenge: Chapter Six
Bosco guided the Mustang up the long driveway of the institution. He looked over at Faith, who was twisting her hands together, nervously.
They both looked over the vast expanse of shrubbery and trees. It really was a beautiful setting, with its neatly trimmed grass and beautiful rose bushes. There were other assortments of wild flowers planted in front of the building, giving it a cheerful appearance.
The huge brick building looked misplaced beside all of the greenery. It seemed to Faith, that there should have been a different building here, like a huge old victorian house. Now that would have fit right in. But she reminded herself that the people who came here were insane. They didn't care what the grounds looked like.
Beside her, Bosco snorted. " Nice to see where all of our hard earned tax dollars are goin'."
Faith looked over at him. He could always find something to complain about. Last week it was the price of bread. It had gone up a whole twenty-five cents. Big whoop. Tomorow, who knew what it would be?
He continued on as he drove. " I mean, why should we work our asses off all year round, just so some crazies get to live in a place that has nice flowers? It really isn't fair. Can you believe that?"
She rolled her eyes. " No. I can't. I'm surprised that our tax dollars are paying to feed them....we really should just let them starve". she deadpanned.
He widened his eyes and pointed his finger at her. " Now you've got the idea." he said, nodding his head.
She scoffed and turned her head back to the window. What could she say?
Bosco found a parking spot and shut off the engine. He turned to Faith and met her eyes. " You ready for this?" he asked, quietly.
She bit down on her lip and shook her head. " No. But we better go anyway."
They got out of the car and walked around front. Bosco grabbed Faith's hand as they went into the building.
Inside the main door was a cozy looking reception area. The room had a couple of brown leather couches and matching easy chair.
There wasn't anyone behind the large reception desk at the moment. The couple decided to sit on one of the couches and wait.
There were all kinds of magazines on a wall rack, just to the left. It was a comforting space, considering that it was in a mental hospital. Maybe whoever had designed it, had made it that way on purpose. Knowing that people needed a little comfort when they came to a place such as this. Faith had to admit that she did feel a little more at ease, sitting there. There was a coffee machine as well. Bosco stood up and poured himself and Faith a cup.
Just as he sat back down, a dark skinned woman in a nurses uniform came around to greet them. She walked toward them, a pleasent smile on her face. She was probably in her mid fifties or so. Still, she had the look of a nice old grandmother. Someone you could talk to and confide in.
She extended her hand to Bosco first, then Faith. " Mr. and Mrs. Boscorelli?" They both nodded. " I'm Etta Proctor. I believe I've talked to you many times on the telephone". she said warmly.
Faith allowed herself to smile. " Thank you for seeing us, Etta. I feel like I know you well, from all the time I've spent talking to you. I'm glad to meet you, although I"m not happy about the circumstances".
Etta nodded in understanding. " I know, my dear. I can honestly tell you that it was a shock. Just a shock." she said, putting her hand over her heart.
" Now, if you'll both just come with me, I'll take to you to the doctor in charge. Her name is Valerie Clinton. She's a very nice woman and I'm sure she'll do her best to answer any questions you may have". Etta said, kindly.
Bosco stood up and offered Faith his hand. She stood up and they followed Etta Proctor down a short hallway, through another reception area and finally, just outside the door of an office. It had the name 'Valerie Clinton, Psychiatrist.' on a gold plate, mounted to the door.
Etta knocked lightly and poked her head in the door. " Mr. and Mrs. Boscorelli are here to see you, Dr.Clinton." she said.
She stood back and allowed Bosco and Faith to pass through. On her way in, Faith put her hand lightly on Etta's shoulder. " Thanks for everything. We really appreciate it." she said, humbly.
Etta squeezed her hand. " You're welcome honey. Anytime. Anytime." With that, she went back to her duties.
The doctors office was very richly decorated. It had a dark cherry wood desk and matching file cabnets. There was a gold colored rug on the floor, to set the tone of the room. Everything matched perfectly, right down to the ink blotter and pen holder. They were gold in color. Faith could appreicate this woman's taste.
There were diplomas hung up in gold colored frames on one side of the room. There were pictures of what Faith figured were family members on a small cherry wood shelf unit that stood off to one side of the desk.
" Welcome. I'm Doctor Valerie Clinton. Please, have a seat". she said.
Faith and Bosco took a seat in the two gold leather chairs opposite the desk.
The doctor was a very petit woman with long blond hair, cascading well below her shoulders. She had a peaches and cream complection and a perfectly shaped nose and mouth. She had dark green eyes, that had a way of piercing into a person when she talked to them. She was only about five foot four or five, but she had an intimidating presence about her. Not arrogant, but very self assured and confident.
She quickly stood up and came around the desk after they had been seated. She shook hands with both of them.
" Now". she said, leaning on her desk, her arms crossed over her breasts. " I understand that you have been filled in on the disapearance of Alicia Garland"? she asked, looking from one to the other.
Faith looked at Bosco before beginning. " Uh, I got a call from Etta Proctor this morning telling me that Alicia was gone, and that we should come out imediately". she explained, nervously. Now that she was here, just talking about Alicia was making her feel sick.
Doctor Clinton nodded her head and took a deep breath. " Yes. I told Etta to call you right away. I know this is a hard time for you, but the quicker we find her and bring her back, the quicker you can feel safe again".
" That's a laugh". Bosco said, dryly. Faith shot him a ' shut up or die' look.
Dr. Clinton nodded. " I know you don't feel safe right now, but we need to do what we can. First off, I think you should know some of the things she believes to be reality."
They both nodded.
" Alicia believes that she had a baby boy that day. She named him Dallas and she is convinced that the two of you have him. She thinks the doctors and nurses lied to her on your behalf, so you could take the child. Now, she does realize that you have a child together. She does not realize, that you have twins. And this presents a problem for us. If she see's you with the children she will undoubtedly think that your son is her baby boy."
Bosco was beginning to get angry. " But they're TWINS! How stupid can she be? They look exactly alike! You can't tell me that she won't know the difference" he shot out.
He knew deep down that she was right. He had had that same fear all along, but hearing it from a doctor, somehow made it scary.
" I CAN tell you." Clinton said, with authority. " I can also tell you that she WILL come looking for you and she WON'T give up until she finds you. She also believes that she needs to get rid of Faith and your little girl as well, so that she can live with Maurice and raise their son together. I am warning you that she truly believes that this is real. She is very sick and without medication, she will get worse. We need to find her, but until we do, you need to be on the lookout.
There's also one more thing you might want to know. She talked about revenge on someone who betrayed her. A lady. She didn't mention any names, but I know that she wasn't talking about you, Faith. This was someone else. Someone who she thought she was close to. This person, this woman, is in danger for her life. Alicia talked about 'offing' her. Do either of you know who that could be?"
Faith was crying now. Tears slid down her cheeks. Her throat was tight and she swallowed and tried to speak without breaking down. " No. We didn't know any of her friends, Dr. Clinton. Tell us what to do." she pleaded. " We'll do whatever you ask". she finished, wiping her eyes.
Dr. Clinton handed her a kleenex. Faith took it and dabbed her eyes carefully. Bosco was still sitting there tapping his foot. He was very anxious.
" I think it would be wise for you to take your children out of the regular day care that they are in. Do you have a police funded care center?" she asked.
They both nodded. " Do you really think they won't be safe in the one they're in now?" Faith asked.
She nodded. " We don't want to take any chances, Mrs. Boscorelli. They need to be in a protected daycare. That way, they're actually on the precinct property and just a second away. Think about it."
" How did she escape" Bosco asked.
" She had been having an affair with an orderly, we found out. She convinced him to let her out the back way. He gave her some clothes and a bit of cash in return for sexual favors. She did knock him out before she left, though. One of our other orderlies found him in the basement. We figure that she took the bus into the city on Friday morning and......"
Bosco was quick to cut her off. " FRIDAY morning?" he spat.
Dr. Clinton sat up in her seat. " Yes, Friday morning. Is there a problem, Mr. Boscorelli"?
Bosco stood up and pointed his finger at her. " This is Monday! She's been gone since THURSDAY night and we just heard about this today?' he accused.
" She could be at our friggin' house by now! She could be hiding anywhere! Why the HELL didn't someone call us the night she disapeared?" he shouted, infuriated at the lack of attention and consideration they had shown for him and Faith.
" Calm down, Bos". Faith said, quietly, but with a look of disaproval in her eyes. " Is that true?" she asked firmly, looking the doctor in the eye. " You didn't tell us for days? How could that have been overlooked? She tried to kill me and my children, wouldn't you say that that's reason enough for getting a hold of us right away?" Faith, asked, shocked.
She nodded. " I'm sorry, but you have to understand that we have a lot of things going on here. This is not an easy place to be and when something like this happens, as terrible as it may seem to you, it takes time to get through the red tape." said Clinton, a little annoyed at the outburst.
Faith stood up and put her purse on her shoulder. " I think we're done here. Thanks for the warning. Do you think you might let us know if you catch her?" Faith asked sarcastically. She looked at Bos, and stormed out of the office. He came out behind her, calling out her name.
"Faith! Faith, wait up!" he hissed from behind her.
She couldn't stop. She was so angry, she could feel her blood starting to boil. She had been gone for almost four days! She felt a new wave of paranoia wash over her. What if she got into the apartment? What if? What if?
She slammed the outside door open and proceeded to walk outside, not caring if she looked like a lunatic herself.
He caught up with her and turned her around. " Faith, stop!" he pleaded. " I know you're upset, I'm upset too. Please, let's talk about this."
She made a face at him. " Oh so NOW you want to talk, huh? Why is it everytime I'm upset you feel the need to make yourself feel better?" she hissed at him.
He dropped his hands from her shoulders. When ever Faith was really upset, she tended to take it out on him. He knew she didn't mean it, but it hurt, nonetheless. He walked away from her towards the car, stung.
She slapped her head with her own hand. " Oh, Bosco, I'm sorry" she cried out. He didn't stop.
She hurried to catch up with him. She ran up as he unlocked the drivers side door. She hugged him from behind, not letting him open the door.
" I'm sorry, babe. I didn't mean that. I'm just so frustrated. Please. I know you're upset too. I don't know why I say those things". she cried on his shoulder.
He turned around to face her. " Faith, you do know that I may be just as upset about this as you are? There's no need to whip me. You're always tellin' me that I need to communicate more. So, don't bust my balls when I try". he said curtly, moving her aside so he could get in.
Faith stiffled a sob as she walked around to the passengers side door. She deserved that. He was right, there was no need of her going off on him like that.
She took her place beside him and they silently started homeward. Each wondering who the mystery woman was that Alicia had talked about. They just hoped it wasn't someone they knew.
TBC
Bosco guided the Mustang up the long driveway of the institution. He looked over at Faith, who was twisting her hands together, nervously.
They both looked over the vast expanse of shrubbery and trees. It really was a beautiful setting, with its neatly trimmed grass and beautiful rose bushes. There were other assortments of wild flowers planted in front of the building, giving it a cheerful appearance.
The huge brick building looked misplaced beside all of the greenery. It seemed to Faith, that there should have been a different building here, like a huge old victorian house. Now that would have fit right in. But she reminded herself that the people who came here were insane. They didn't care what the grounds looked like.
Beside her, Bosco snorted. " Nice to see where all of our hard earned tax dollars are goin'."
Faith looked over at him. He could always find something to complain about. Last week it was the price of bread. It had gone up a whole twenty-five cents. Big whoop. Tomorow, who knew what it would be?
He continued on as he drove. " I mean, why should we work our asses off all year round, just so some crazies get to live in a place that has nice flowers? It really isn't fair. Can you believe that?"
She rolled her eyes. " No. I can't. I'm surprised that our tax dollars are paying to feed them....we really should just let them starve". she deadpanned.
He widened his eyes and pointed his finger at her. " Now you've got the idea." he said, nodding his head.
She scoffed and turned her head back to the window. What could she say?
Bosco found a parking spot and shut off the engine. He turned to Faith and met her eyes. " You ready for this?" he asked, quietly.
She bit down on her lip and shook her head. " No. But we better go anyway."
They got out of the car and walked around front. Bosco grabbed Faith's hand as they went into the building.
Inside the main door was a cozy looking reception area. The room had a couple of brown leather couches and matching easy chair.
There wasn't anyone behind the large reception desk at the moment. The couple decided to sit on one of the couches and wait.
There were all kinds of magazines on a wall rack, just to the left. It was a comforting space, considering that it was in a mental hospital. Maybe whoever had designed it, had made it that way on purpose. Knowing that people needed a little comfort when they came to a place such as this. Faith had to admit that she did feel a little more at ease, sitting there. There was a coffee machine as well. Bosco stood up and poured himself and Faith a cup.
Just as he sat back down, a dark skinned woman in a nurses uniform came around to greet them. She walked toward them, a pleasent smile on her face. She was probably in her mid fifties or so. Still, she had the look of a nice old grandmother. Someone you could talk to and confide in.
She extended her hand to Bosco first, then Faith. " Mr. and Mrs. Boscorelli?" They both nodded. " I'm Etta Proctor. I believe I've talked to you many times on the telephone". she said warmly.
Faith allowed herself to smile. " Thank you for seeing us, Etta. I feel like I know you well, from all the time I've spent talking to you. I'm glad to meet you, although I"m not happy about the circumstances".
Etta nodded in understanding. " I know, my dear. I can honestly tell you that it was a shock. Just a shock." she said, putting her hand over her heart.
" Now, if you'll both just come with me, I'll take to you to the doctor in charge. Her name is Valerie Clinton. She's a very nice woman and I'm sure she'll do her best to answer any questions you may have". Etta said, kindly.
Bosco stood up and offered Faith his hand. She stood up and they followed Etta Proctor down a short hallway, through another reception area and finally, just outside the door of an office. It had the name 'Valerie Clinton, Psychiatrist.' on a gold plate, mounted to the door.
Etta knocked lightly and poked her head in the door. " Mr. and Mrs. Boscorelli are here to see you, Dr.Clinton." she said.
She stood back and allowed Bosco and Faith to pass through. On her way in, Faith put her hand lightly on Etta's shoulder. " Thanks for everything. We really appreciate it." she said, humbly.
Etta squeezed her hand. " You're welcome honey. Anytime. Anytime." With that, she went back to her duties.
The doctors office was very richly decorated. It had a dark cherry wood desk and matching file cabnets. There was a gold colored rug on the floor, to set the tone of the room. Everything matched perfectly, right down to the ink blotter and pen holder. They were gold in color. Faith could appreicate this woman's taste.
There were diplomas hung up in gold colored frames on one side of the room. There were pictures of what Faith figured were family members on a small cherry wood shelf unit that stood off to one side of the desk.
" Welcome. I'm Doctor Valerie Clinton. Please, have a seat". she said.
Faith and Bosco took a seat in the two gold leather chairs opposite the desk.
The doctor was a very petit woman with long blond hair, cascading well below her shoulders. She had a peaches and cream complection and a perfectly shaped nose and mouth. She had dark green eyes, that had a way of piercing into a person when she talked to them. She was only about five foot four or five, but she had an intimidating presence about her. Not arrogant, but very self assured and confident.
She quickly stood up and came around the desk after they had been seated. She shook hands with both of them.
" Now". she said, leaning on her desk, her arms crossed over her breasts. " I understand that you have been filled in on the disapearance of Alicia Garland"? she asked, looking from one to the other.
Faith looked at Bosco before beginning. " Uh, I got a call from Etta Proctor this morning telling me that Alicia was gone, and that we should come out imediately". she explained, nervously. Now that she was here, just talking about Alicia was making her feel sick.
Doctor Clinton nodded her head and took a deep breath. " Yes. I told Etta to call you right away. I know this is a hard time for you, but the quicker we find her and bring her back, the quicker you can feel safe again".
" That's a laugh". Bosco said, dryly. Faith shot him a ' shut up or die' look.
Dr. Clinton nodded. " I know you don't feel safe right now, but we need to do what we can. First off, I think you should know some of the things she believes to be reality."
They both nodded.
" Alicia believes that she had a baby boy that day. She named him Dallas and she is convinced that the two of you have him. She thinks the doctors and nurses lied to her on your behalf, so you could take the child. Now, she does realize that you have a child together. She does not realize, that you have twins. And this presents a problem for us. If she see's you with the children she will undoubtedly think that your son is her baby boy."
Bosco was beginning to get angry. " But they're TWINS! How stupid can she be? They look exactly alike! You can't tell me that she won't know the difference" he shot out.
He knew deep down that she was right. He had had that same fear all along, but hearing it from a doctor, somehow made it scary.
" I CAN tell you." Clinton said, with authority. " I can also tell you that she WILL come looking for you and she WON'T give up until she finds you. She also believes that she needs to get rid of Faith and your little girl as well, so that she can live with Maurice and raise their son together. I am warning you that she truly believes that this is real. She is very sick and without medication, she will get worse. We need to find her, but until we do, you need to be on the lookout.
There's also one more thing you might want to know. She talked about revenge on someone who betrayed her. A lady. She didn't mention any names, but I know that she wasn't talking about you, Faith. This was someone else. Someone who she thought she was close to. This person, this woman, is in danger for her life. Alicia talked about 'offing' her. Do either of you know who that could be?"
Faith was crying now. Tears slid down her cheeks. Her throat was tight and she swallowed and tried to speak without breaking down. " No. We didn't know any of her friends, Dr. Clinton. Tell us what to do." she pleaded. " We'll do whatever you ask". she finished, wiping her eyes.
Dr. Clinton handed her a kleenex. Faith took it and dabbed her eyes carefully. Bosco was still sitting there tapping his foot. He was very anxious.
" I think it would be wise for you to take your children out of the regular day care that they are in. Do you have a police funded care center?" she asked.
They both nodded. " Do you really think they won't be safe in the one they're in now?" Faith asked.
She nodded. " We don't want to take any chances, Mrs. Boscorelli. They need to be in a protected daycare. That way, they're actually on the precinct property and just a second away. Think about it."
" How did she escape" Bosco asked.
" She had been having an affair with an orderly, we found out. She convinced him to let her out the back way. He gave her some clothes and a bit of cash in return for sexual favors. She did knock him out before she left, though. One of our other orderlies found him in the basement. We figure that she took the bus into the city on Friday morning and......"
Bosco was quick to cut her off. " FRIDAY morning?" he spat.
Dr. Clinton sat up in her seat. " Yes, Friday morning. Is there a problem, Mr. Boscorelli"?
Bosco stood up and pointed his finger at her. " This is Monday! She's been gone since THURSDAY night and we just heard about this today?' he accused.
" She could be at our friggin' house by now! She could be hiding anywhere! Why the HELL didn't someone call us the night she disapeared?" he shouted, infuriated at the lack of attention and consideration they had shown for him and Faith.
" Calm down, Bos". Faith said, quietly, but with a look of disaproval in her eyes. " Is that true?" she asked firmly, looking the doctor in the eye. " You didn't tell us for days? How could that have been overlooked? She tried to kill me and my children, wouldn't you say that that's reason enough for getting a hold of us right away?" Faith, asked, shocked.
She nodded. " I'm sorry, but you have to understand that we have a lot of things going on here. This is not an easy place to be and when something like this happens, as terrible as it may seem to you, it takes time to get through the red tape." said Clinton, a little annoyed at the outburst.
Faith stood up and put her purse on her shoulder. " I think we're done here. Thanks for the warning. Do you think you might let us know if you catch her?" Faith asked sarcastically. She looked at Bos, and stormed out of the office. He came out behind her, calling out her name.
"Faith! Faith, wait up!" he hissed from behind her.
She couldn't stop. She was so angry, she could feel her blood starting to boil. She had been gone for almost four days! She felt a new wave of paranoia wash over her. What if she got into the apartment? What if? What if?
She slammed the outside door open and proceeded to walk outside, not caring if she looked like a lunatic herself.
He caught up with her and turned her around. " Faith, stop!" he pleaded. " I know you're upset, I'm upset too. Please, let's talk about this."
She made a face at him. " Oh so NOW you want to talk, huh? Why is it everytime I'm upset you feel the need to make yourself feel better?" she hissed at him.
He dropped his hands from her shoulders. When ever Faith was really upset, she tended to take it out on him. He knew she didn't mean it, but it hurt, nonetheless. He walked away from her towards the car, stung.
She slapped her head with her own hand. " Oh, Bosco, I'm sorry" she cried out. He didn't stop.
She hurried to catch up with him. She ran up as he unlocked the drivers side door. She hugged him from behind, not letting him open the door.
" I'm sorry, babe. I didn't mean that. I'm just so frustrated. Please. I know you're upset too. I don't know why I say those things". she cried on his shoulder.
He turned around to face her. " Faith, you do know that I may be just as upset about this as you are? There's no need to whip me. You're always tellin' me that I need to communicate more. So, don't bust my balls when I try". he said curtly, moving her aside so he could get in.
Faith stiffled a sob as she walked around to the passengers side door. She deserved that. He was right, there was no need of her going off on him like that.
She took her place beside him and they silently started homeward. Each wondering who the mystery woman was that Alicia had talked about. They just hoped it wasn't someone they knew.
TBC