Albert
Disclaimer: I do not own CSI, nor any other works which may bear a resemblance, intentional or otherwise, to this work.
Rating: T
A/N: I have a flatmate called Alberto. He is a very nice guy, and bears absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to 'Albert'.
Chapter 4: The Parents
"Thanks for taking the time to see me, Mrs. Raines. How's Tommy doing?"
It was the second day following the murder, and Sara was at the Raines' house.
"He won't talk to me. He just keeps drawing pictures, mostly of the murder."
"Have you considered finding another therapist?"
Karen nodded. "It's a bit difficult just now, though. All Dr. Ross' former patients are looking for someone."
"Of course. Can you tell me a bit about Albert? About when the problems started?"
The two women were sitting at the table in the Raines' kitchen.
"Of course," Karen replied. "Just let me check on Amy."
She was back a few moments later. "I never trust those baby monitors," she explained apologetically. "Now, let's see. I suppose Albert first appeared about a year ago. At first it was just little things; spillages, breakages. About the time Amy was born it started to get worse.
"At first, Steve and I thought it was attention-seeking, jealousy of the new baby, so we made more time for Tommy, gave him a few more privileges, a few more responsibilities. But it kept getting worse.
"A few weeks ago, I came in and found the cat in the oven. The gas had been turned on… Now she won't even come in the house anymore. I have to put her food out in the yard. That was when we decided that we needed professional help." She sighed.
"We don't believe that a child of Tommy's age would be capable of inflicting the injuries that killed Dr. Ross, Mrs. Raines."
"Don't you?" She stared into space and gave another sigh. "I'm starting to think he's capable of anything."
"I'd like to talk to your husband as well, if that's possible?"
"Of course. He's at work, but I can give you directions to his office if you'd like."
"Thank you." Sara took a deep breath. What she had to say next would be difficult. "We would also like to have a social worker talk with Tommy."
Karen looked startled, then slumped. "Sure. Why not?"