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I know I can do this. It wont always be easy, but I will handle it. Thank you doctor.
You did the work Marcus. I just helped you see things as they are. Dr. Hoffman smiled, as she saw her now ex-patient to the door. It was good to see someone find their way. The hardest part of this job was the ones you couldn't help. Janice returned to the table and completed the final notes of the case.
The intercom buzzed and Melodie began speaking. Dr. Hoffman there is someone here. He doesn't have an appointment, but he says he was referred by Lori Singleton.
I will be right out, ask him to wait a few minutes. Janice checked the file and brought it to Melodie. This was his last visit she said handing the file to their secretary. Turning her attention to the man in the waiting room she smiled and said hello I understand you know Lori Singleton.
Yeah I do, sort of. She suggested I come to see you.
Please, she said waving her hand toward her office I will be there in a moment. I'm sorry Mr...I don't know your name.
Schwartz, Henry Schwartz he supplied proceeding to her office. He closed the door behind him.
Melodie turned toward her boss. Why do you do this to yourself? He doesn't have an appointment. You were done for the day. Hell the office closes in,she looked at the clock on the wall, 40 minutes. He looks like he hasn't slept in a month. I suppose you will want his name added to the referral list Melodie sighed. You know accepting referrals from previous clients is a good idea but, it would work better if they were paying clients.
Leave at your normal time I'll lock up. Janice Hoffman entered her office with a slight smile. If Melodie knew what Lori and the others did she would probably, be a patient. So Mr. Schwartz what brings you to me?
Ah... It feels a little strange, but Lori said you would understand. I don't have to sugar coat it. You know what's going on out there.
I know about hunters and what you hunt. Monsters are real, you can tell me the whole truth, Janice answered soothingly.
Okay... we were cleaning out a vampire nest about a month ago. Gordon asked for help, it was a large one. They had taken some people and brought them back to the nest. We found 3 of them still alive, scared and weak, the vampires had been feeding off them. One of the victims, dead not turned, I knew. Thank god she wasn't turned I couldn't have put her down. Henry put his hands over his face and breathed heavily.
Dr. Hoffman said just take your time . It will come when your ready. Was she someone special to you?
Yeah ….she was my wife's little sister. My wife has been gone for about 8 years now. The last time I saw Wendy she was a teenager. A vampire got Lily too. Despite his visible stress Henry continued. I didn't know what to do then, hell I didn't believe in them. It took a few breathes to steady himself before he started again. Doctor I have killed werewolves, vampires, ghouls and few things I don't know the name of. Sometimes you don't get there in time to save people. I accept that but I can't shake seeing Wendy dead in that nest.
That is a understandable reaction. Wendy wasn't a stranger, she was your sister- in- law. Did it stir up feelings from your wife's death? Janice quietly observed Henry.
I...keep having nightmares, the 2 of them, bloody, asking why I let them die. As a hunter I have seen worse but this cuts deep. How do I make the nightmares stop doc?
Mr. Schwartz have you had any thoughts of harming yourself?
No doctor I wouldn't do that. I couldn't save Lily and now Wendy, but I can end vampires so others don't die.
Do you have a place to stay for awhile?We should talk some more. In the meantime I will write you a prescription so you can sleep. No hunting and no alcohol. Janice opened a drawer and removed a prescription pad, writing out one, she asked, can you fill this?
Henry looked at the paper in his hand and said you left the name blank. Yeah, I have an ID that will take care of it. I'm in a motel, I can't hunt now. I haven't slept much in the last 3 weeks. Drinking makes the nightmares worse.
I didn't know what name you were using. What could you have done to save either of them? Did you know Wendy was in the vampire nest? You said she was a teenager the last time you saw her. So you haven't had contact with her since your wife's death at least. Janice watched Henry as he calmed somewhat.
That's true Lilly's mother and Wendy moved away and wanted nothing to do with me. Even though the police cleared me of any involvement. Then I found a hunter on the trail of that creature and I learned the truth about what's in the dark. I'll use Charles Snow for the prescription said Henry.
Here let me put that name on the prescription. Come back tomorrow at 4:30 Mr. Schwartz. Try to get some sleep. Melodie will have you on the schedule so you wont have to wait.
He pocketed his prescription. Doctor thanks for listening you can't talk about this stuff with people who haven't seen it. Being able to tell it straight is a help. Sleep would be nice said Henry. Tomorrow 4:30 I'll be here he said walking toward the door.
Janice followed Henry to the door and locked it behind him. Returning to her office she started a file for Henry Schwartz. The man needed some sleep first, then they could do some work. Finding her keys she unlocked one of drawers of her personal cabinet. These were her special clients, nobody had a key but her. After placing the file she pulled out the unmarked one in the front. Opening it she took out the photo. Kyle, she said, I'm so sorry I didn't believe you at first but who would have. That one hunt I did, I never forgot what I saw. I may not be a hunter but I can still help. She returned the photo and put the folder away. Careful to lock the drawer.
Good morning Melodie how has the past week gone?
Not bad, Dr. Shallot, did you enjoy your vacation?
Yes it was nice to hear only my own problems for a bit. Any new clients asked Dr. Shallot?
Melodie added Mr. Schwartz to the schedule. Just one of Dr. Hoffman's special clients. She told me Marcus Waterton had his final visit.
Ah your back, hope you are nice and relaxed Thomas. Ms Reddon is chomping at the bit to see you. Janice quietly closed the front door behind her.
Janice why do you burden yourself with these Pro Bono clients. Melodie told me you have taken on another one.
Thomas we have been through this before. They do not interfere with the paying clients. It is my time to do with as I wish. The world would be very different without these people. Now excuse me I would like to go over my notes before Mrs. Blackwell gets here. Janice entered her office.