Telegrams. 5th Story in the Alexandra Series.
Summary: You wanted to know the why, the when and the how Alexandra came about. Well here it is. Adam receives a wire from San Francisco. He embarks on a journey with Alexandra to bring Katherine home one way or another. He recalls the events of the past along the way.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza, or any of its characters. David Dortort and Fred Hamilton created them and played with them for 14 years. The series is owned by NBC.
Warnings: Mild CP of a minor.
Recap… Adam and Alexandra finally have the custody papers and order for Katherine's release from the mental institution, thanks to the intervention of the president of the United States.
The Nine circles of Hell
First Circle (Limbo) Second Circle (Lust) Third Circle (Gluttony) Fourth Circle (Greed)
Fifth Circle (Anger) Sixth Circle (Heresy) Seventh Circle (Violence)
Eighth Circle (Fraud) 9 Ninth Circle (Treachery)
A.N. Forgive me I use artistic license…
Chapter 18: Alex and The Divine Comedy; Circles Of Hell.
Overland Telegraph Company...
To: Benjamin Cartwright
Ponderosa Nevada
Custody Hearing successful stop Order for Katherine's release to be immediate stop Once Katherine settled at Saint Mary's will head home stop Alexandra and I safe and well stop
Adam Cartwright
Empire Hotel
San Francisco
~oOo~
Drew Kennedy left Adam and Alexandra outside the courts, intending to meet up with Doctor Shultz at St Mary's Hospital, where he would provide the transport documents for Katherine. Doctor Shultz had made arrangements for one of their new medical carriages; a wagon really, where a patient could be safely transported in comfort. The arrangements included Doctor Shultz accompanying the carriage, while Adam and Drew would follow with the official documents. As custodian, Adam had to be present when they discharged Katherine from Saint Beatrice's Institution for the Insane. Drew arrived at St Mary's hospital, around four pm. However Doctor Shultz was nowhere to be seen and Drew wondered what had delayed the man.
Meanwhile, Adam and Alexandra crossed the road from the courthouse to their hotel. Adam's plans were to send a telegram to his father, freshen up and then head off to meet Drew at Saint Mary's. Adam held the final document in his hand that exonerated Katherine of all crimes, including any misdemeanors during her incarceration. It also gave Adam full custody and the right to have her moved to St Mary's.
After handing the clerk at the front desk a coin to have his telegram sent, Adam proceeded to his room with Alexandra in tow.
Alexandra tugged on her father's sleeve. "Daddy aren't we going to the hospital to get momma now?" she asked.
"Yes I am. I'm to meet Mr Kennedy, as soon as I get freshened up and you settled here."
"Here? But dad, I thought I was going with you?"
"No, Alexandra we discussed this. I thought we may have been able to have you wait at the hospital, but the hearing went longer than expected."
"But, I ain't staying here, dad… not by myself," she proclaimed.
"No, not by yourself. Samantha is coming over with Jai. They'll stay with you tonight."
"But Dad…"
"No buts, Alexandra," scolded Adam, as they entered their room. "I've ordered dinner for you and then I want you in bed, safe and sound and out of mischief. It will be very late when we get back from the hospital. You will get to see your mother in the morning, once everyone is well rested."
"I'm not happy about this dad… at all!" glowered Alexandra.
"Alexandra, I'm not happy about this either and I am very unhappy that you keep arguing with me. You seem to have gotten a little too big for your britches lately. I can understand your concern about your mother, and I've made allowances for that, but I wasn't very happy with your behaviour in the court room. You promised you wouldn't interrupt. We were very lucky the judge didn't adjourn the case."
"And lucky the president was there ta help, daddy. He was a lawyer afore he was the president."
"Yes, lucky he understood about a naughty little girl fighting for her momma. But, you were also lucky you weren't hurt climbing up on the door frame. However the Warden wasn't so lucky after you kicked him. That young lady is going to earn you the spanking you were warned about."
"Huh? But, dad… I … that man was mean and he…"
"Well I think, that kicking, yelling, biting…"
"Biting? I ain't bit nobody dad, not since Jeffery. I felt like biting that mean ole doctor, but I done controlled myself dad…honest."
"Fine; you didn't bite but you did everything else I asked you not too, including answering back to grown-ups when you promised to sit quietly and wait your turn. I think I may have been a little too easy on you, lately. So, I want to make it very clear little girl, that I will not stand for anymore disobedience, tantrums, and fighting from you." Adam took a seat on the bed and called Alexandra over. "Come here please."
"I didn't bite no –one." Alexandra shook her head. "This is turning out to be a very bad day, when it was such a happy one now that momma is gonna be free and the President done carried me on his shoulders an everything. You jist gonna make it a very bad end to the day," scowled Alexandra, crossing her arms and a sour expression on her face.
"And you aren't making it any better for yourself with that attitude. Come here please, I won't ask again," said Adam slowly and firmly.
"You haven't got time, remember dad?"
"Alexandra, I'm taking the time. I want the rest of this day to proceed without any hitches. And, I'm going to make sure you understand that," said Adam his patience now almost non-existent.
Alexandra unhappily and unhurriedly took the short four steps to her father. Adam wasted no time and put her firmly over his lap and lifted her dress and petticoats before applying a rapid round of smacks to her pantaloon clad backside. Alexandra kicked and yelped, until one last sharp slap to her bottom took her breath away and then ignited into a wail of sobbing tears. Adam replaced her dress and petticoats and flipped her back up so that she was standing, well hopping really; rubbing her backside and crying. Adam grabbed her hands, and tried to pull her to him, but Alexandra would have none of it.
"No…I…do…n't want…you…it; hur…hurts… me baaad."
"It's supposed to hurt, but you have had worse, Alexandra. You deserved that," he said shaking his finger at her. "I want you to remember not to kick people and do as you are asked, without tantrums, or angry insolent outburst."
"I…I…try..to..to…dady, ho…honest I do," she hiccuped, her tears almost coming to a stop.
"Well perhaps that will help you to try harder." Adam softened and looked at his daughter in sympathy. He knew he'd lost his patience with her and considering the situation; it was no wonder. He felt a bit of a heel, however, he was her parent. Alexandra had once again overstepped the boundaries and Adam felt he needed to nip her unruliness in the bud.
"I was trying hard, daddy. I was trying hard…"Alexandra burst into a new fit of tears and sobs. "I… was try…ing hard for… for momma…not for… for me," she finished exhausted and feeling very misunderstood.
This time Alexandra let Adam pull her into a hug. Adam kissed her curly head as she buried her tear streaked face into his chest. "I know that, Baby, but you have to try hard for yourself too. Your momma needed to do that and now she can try hard for herself. She can stop worrying about you and you can stop worrying about her. You are just a little girl; my little girl; forever. And I want you to grow up to be smart and polite and caring."
"It's hard ta do that all at once, dad," mumbled Alexandra as she swivelled her face from side to side using Adam's shirt to mop up the wetness that had accumulated there.
Adam grimaced at the thought of what she must be leaving behind on his shirt. "It is hard. I know. Now, dry your tears, you'd think I'd killed you."
"You smack too hard," she pouted.
Adam smirked and kissed the top on Alexandra's head once again. "Do I now? I think that you've forgotten just how hard I can smack, Alexandra. I think that what you need is a little less drama," he said and gently pushed her off his lap, onto the floor between his legs. "So let's get you washed up and ready for when Sam arrives. I need to change my shirt and get over to St Mary's in half an hour. We need to get to the institution before six at the latest."
"Why?" asked Alexandra.
Adam walked Alexandra over to the wash basin and started to wash her face. "Because it gets dark quickly after that. There are some pretty steep hills on the way there. We need to get up those hills before dark."
Alexandra grabbed both her father's arms and pulled them down along with the cold flannel from her face, "But what about coming home, dad?"
Adam pushed her hands away and finished wiping Alex's face. "The fastest way there is up through the hills, but once we have your momma in the new medical wagon, we going to come back via the coast road, it's a little longer, but will be better lit with the moon and the reflection of the bay."
Adam rinsed the washcloth and looked at his own face in the mirror wondering whether he should have a quick shave. His five o'clock shadow was evident, but perhaps with a clean shirt and tie, he wouldn't look too uncouth.
Alexandra stood at his hip and played with the water in bowl. She swirled it around and around, mesmerised by the small whirlpool she had created. "I still wish I was going with you." she whispered.
Adam unbuttoned his shirt. "I know," he said, before going to the tall boy opposite the door and pulled out a fresh white shirt. "It's hard waiting, but it is almost finished," he mused, as he carefully buttoned up.
Alexandra sighed and walked back to her bed. She flinched when she threw herself backwards on the bed as her father dressed. She stared up at the ceiling, thinking about how close they really were to getting her momma home free. And, wondering if her father was right about her behaviour over the last couple of days. Could she have made things a lot worse because of her impatience and fear? It was this sense of foreboding she had had about her mother. She didn't like the men from this institution and wondered why they acted so mean. But, her father was a patient man, he seemed always calm, even when he was worried about things, or sensed danger. He never made things worse… well except for her backside when she lost her temper. Alexandra closed her eyes and whispered a little prayer to God; she said she would not lose her temper out of fear again; promised him that she would try and think so that the caring person she knew she was, would shine through. Her daddy and momma would see that too.
Within minutes Adam was ready to go. Alexandra watched him, as he put on his gun belt and tucked it neatly under the vest, a then smoothed out his black frock coat so the gun would not be seen.
Suddenly there came a knock at the door. "Is that Samantha and Jai?" asked Alexandra, her mood lifting.
Adam smiled, hoping that was the case. He opened the door to find one of the young message boys from the lobby there with a note on his hand. Adam frowned.
"A note, Mr Cartwright. The boy from the Occidental said it was urgent."
"Thank you," said Adam and pulled out a nickel from his pocket and handed to the boy before closing the door. He tore open the note and read it, then sighed, before folding the note and putting into his inside pocket. "Alexandra get your coat, you're coming with me."
"Really, dad?" Alexandra ran to the closet, found her coat hanging up high and tugged at the hem, then jumped and flipped it off its coat hanger. She ran with it to her father. "Really? To get momma from the institution?" She asked.
"We'll see," said Adam taking the coat and helping Alexandra into it.
"How come Samantha and Jai aren't coming?" quizzed Alexandra, as she spun around to insert her arm into the other sleeve of the coat that her father held out for her.
Adam bent down on one knee. "Well, Jai's uncle came forward and took her to his home this afternoon. Samantha is a little sad and Brett is staying with her."
"Ohh, will I get to see Jai ever again?" said Alexandra feeling a little glum.
"I hope so. We have to be happy for her, Alex; she is with family."
"I was kinda hoping Samantha and Mr. Maverick was goin' ta be her family."
"You're such a little romantic," smiled Adam.
"I think that's why Sam is really sad. Can we help her, dad?"
"Maybe. We can visit tomorrow. But, perhaps it's best for Jai to be with her own family, her own people and culture. Samantha needs to see the good side to all this, we know she wants what is best for Jai."
Alexandra nodded, understanding what her father was suggesting, though still feeling somewhat downhearted about it.
Adam buttoned Alexandra's coat, and then tweaked her small button nose, noticing the tears that were pooled at the rims of her bright green eyes. "Anyway, we need to get to St Mary's. Drew will be waiting for us."
"And before you know it will be all together again too," sniffed Alexandra, trying to look on the bright side of things.
~oOo~
St Mary's came into view. The hospital was only one block away, however Adam took the liberty of renting a good sturdy carriage one with padded seats and strong lanterns that would light their way back home. They arrived at St Mary's just before five pm. Drew Kennedy met them at the hospitals new entrance.
"We have a bit of a problem," frowned Drew as Adam exited the carriage.
"Oh?" exclaimed Adam, but was interrupted when Alexandra poked her head out the carriage window.
"Hey there, Mr Kennedy, are ya ready ta go. I'm comin' with ya. I'm gonna sit real quiet, though while you go and get momma."
"Do you think that's wise, Adam?" quizzed Drew.
"I didn't have much choice. I had someone organized to stay with Alexandra, but something came up. So she's with us."
"Perhaps you can stay here and wait and I'll secure Katherine's release," suggested Drew.
"You know the Warden isn't going to allow that. I have to personally take custody of Katherine. And, you need to be there too; that way if there is any legal problems they throw at me…"
Drew put up his hand, indicating he understood. "I've got everything we need. There shouldn't be a problem. The problem is this end. Doctor Shultz hasn't arrived. He is supposed to go with the medical wagon. St Mary's insisted that a medial practitioner ride in the wagon with the patient."
"I wondered if he's headed to Saint Beatrice's. He wasn't very happy about Doctors Murphy's stalling," pondered Adam.
"Perhaps, but St Mary's doesn't have another doctor to accompany us."
"Katherine should be safe enough in the carriage, it is well padded and has a good set of lanterns. We can take the coast road; the hills aren't as steep."
"Sure we could, though I'm sure Doctor Murphy won't allow it. We really need Doctor Shultz."
Alexandra watched the exchange. Not happy with this latest turn of events, she quelled her anger and her fear, like she had promised God and her father. She jumped out of the carriage and stood beside her father, then yanked on his frock coat. "Can't we get another doctor, dad?" she asked tears welling up in her eyes.
Drew looked down at the child and then up at Adam, both waiting for him to answer. "We can but not for at least another hour. They can't' leave this shift short."
"Is that gonna be too late, dad? Will we have to wait until tomorrow?" Alexandra asked, anxiously. She didn't know why she was so worried, but she just felt uneasy about the whole thing. She'd waited so long, and she knew she could wait that bit longer, especially if it was better for her mother to have a doctor close by, but Alexandra's feeling of dread would not leave her. She didn't want to kick up a fuss either; her father had made it very clear he was not going to put up with any further angry outbursts. Alexandra understood that, and she was attuned enough to know her father was just as worried as her.
Adam picked Alexandra up and settled her on his hip before quickly marching towards the hospital admissions desk. "Come on, we can have at least one last try."
Drew followed. "We should find the Monsignor. If he's back he may be able to help," he said.
"Excuse me, Sister, is the Monsignor in?" asked Adam as soon as he got to the desk.
A rather plump and friendly nun smiled at the trio. "Oh are these your clients, Mr Kennedy?" she asked.
"Yes, Sister Eugene. Would we be able to talk to the Monsignor, we really need to get Miss De Foe's transfer arranged as soon as possible."
"I'm expecting him any minute," said Sister Eugene. "He has recently been away visiting Family. His brother died a short time ago and he was left in charge of the estate. This afternoon the Monsignor has been busy organizing another medical wagon. It seems he came into some extra funds. I think his brother may have bequeathed some money to the hospital. The Monsignor has been out at the forge all day going over the designs."
"I guess we can wait, if that's all right with you sister?" Suggested Adam.
Adam put Alexandra down and led her by the hand to some chairs lined up against the hallway. "Come and sit Alexandra."
"I can't sit, dad."
"Too jumpy, hey?" inquired Drew.
"Not really," said Alexandra, "it ain't all that comfortable sitting at the moment," she scowled at her father, but tried not to pout.
"No sulking, Alexandra, everybody is doing what they can," admonished Adam.
Alexandra huffed. "I know, dad… I'm sorry. Can I jist wait by the door, then?"
"Yes that's alright, but stay in my sight."
Alexandra got to the door, and looked out through the half glass panel. Within seconds she noticed a tall gentleman, wearing a long frock coat, its seams and collar trimmed with burgundy trimmed piping. The man wore rosary beads around his waist and the white collar of a priest; similar to the ones Alexandra had seen on Father Fitzpatrick back during her time in Elk and the mission school. This priest was a little different, though. He wore a neatly trimmed beard and a fancy eye piece over one eye. Alexandra thought he looked rather familiar, especially with his friendly smile as he nodded to passers-by. By the time the man reached the double doors of the hospital, Alexandra was still standing there staring straight at him.
Monsignor Twoomey stopped when he got to the door and noticed the small blonde curly haired child looking up at him through the window and blocking the door. He recognized the child immediately. He smiled then winked at her.
Alexandra instantaneously stepped back and let the man enter. As he came through the door, her memory came back to her and the man's distinctiveness. "Hey… I know you. You're the man that helped Miss Samantha win the poker tournament. You're the tall man on table one… But, you can't be a priest; you ain't supposed ta gamble are ya?"
Monsignor Twoomey smiled and then put his finger to his lip. "SShhh," he said, checking Sisters Eugene's reaction out of the corner of his eye. When he saw that the woman had not heard Alexandra's' greeting, he knelt down in front of her.
"No, I'm not supposed to gamble, but… well not with my money or the churches, but my brother had already bought into that game. So…" he shrugged his shoulders, "I thought I may as well play and if luck went my way, I'd have enough money for a new medical wagon," he said with merriment.
"So… that's what yer did with yer winnings"
"Yes, and the others that donated, like your father," smiled the jovial and friendly priest.
"I think God would be okay with that, but I don't think Sister Eugene will. I've had some experience with nuns yer know; they can be a bit bossy and don't abide drinking a gambling, an… ahhh, somethin' else…that's right fortification," advised Alexandra.
Monsignor Twoomey tried not to laugh. "Oh really? Well you may be right. If Sister Eugene asks I will have to tell her the truth. I couldn't lie."
"No I guess yer couldn't. I could if ya need me too. My dad wouldn't be none too pleased, but I wouldn't want yer ta get into trouble; cause you got a new hospital wagon that's going ta get my momma."
Adam broke his conversation with Drew Kennedy to check on Alexandra. He stood up when he saw her talking to a priest that had obviously just come through the door. He presumed the man was Monsignor Twoomey and was both relieved and hopeful that the man would be able to suggest a solution to their problem.
"The medical wagon should be on its way. I know all about your momma. Doctor Shultz told me. I'm looking forward to meeting her," continued the Monsignor.
"No sir it ain't. The wagon ain't left. There's no doctor ta go with it," explained Alexandra.
"What no…" Monsignor Twoomey stood up and walked towards the desk. "Sister Eugene…Why hasn't the medical wagon been dispatched to Saint Beatrice's?"
Adam took Alexandra's hand and followed the Monsignor to the desk. "Monsignor Twoomey?" He asked, eyes growing wide as he also recognised him as the tall disguised gentleman with the monocle from the poker tournament on the boat.
"Yes, Mr Cartwright; we meet again." He smiled and then winked. "Now let's get this problem of yours sorted out." He turned back to the nun behind the desk. "Sister?"
"I'm sorry Monsignor, but Doctor Shultz did not arrive to accompany the wagon. I can't spare any doctor here, not until the next shift."
"Hmm, thank you sister… well…" sighed Monsignor Twoomey.
"It don't matter Mond…Sig… Father?" Said Alexandra. "My daddy says I gotta be patient."
"Well that's a real fine quality, little one." The Monsignor looked up at Adam. "I know Doctor Shultz had every intention of being here and I know he wanted Katherine here as soon as possible." He them smiled, and looked down at Alexandra, "You know, I'm not only a man of God, but also a doctor, Alexandra. That means I can accompany the wagon. So let's get moving shall we. Sister is the wagon ready to go?"
"Yes Monsignor."
"How'd you become a doctor and a priest?" asked Alexandra.
"I worked with a lot of poor people in India. I learnt to do medicine with the doctors there. Then they sent me to Rome to learn. I had to look after all the Cardinals and even the Pope. I am especially good with people's hearts."
"You sure are, cause mine was jist about ta break when I thought that maybe my momma would have ta spend one more night in that bad place," said a very grateful Alexandra.
"Well not if we can help it," quipped the Monsignor.
"Thank you Monsignor; I can't tell you how hard this has been," said Adam shaking the man's hand.
"You can, you know; I am very interested in your story Adam. I've heard bits of it. Quite an adventure you've been on, especially with this one, I hear," he chuckled as he ruffled Alexandra blonde curls.
"Hey, I've been real good already," she protested.
"Yes you have…for the last hour, anyway," scoffed Adam in jest.
"Right then everybody; I'll meet you there," said Monsignor Twoomey.
Drew Kennedy, Adam and Alexandra nodded, thanked Sister Eugene and then headed for their carriage.
"Things are sure starting ta go our way, dad. We have had a real adventures and weren't we lucky to have met father Twoomey," said Alexandra as her father helped her back up into their rented carriage.
"Yes very. It's Monsignor Twoomey, Alexandra that's how you address the doctor."
"That means he's an extra special priest and a doctor?"
"Yes it does," said Adam as pulled Alexandra down to sit next to him. Drew made himself comfortable on the padded seat opposite them.
Alexandra pushed her chest out, and raised both arms in the air. "See things are sure going our way," she heralded.
~oOo~
All the way to Saint Beatrice, Adam held Alexandra's hand tightly, checking every now and again that he still held the Judge's stamped papers in his pocket. It was the second time in as many days that he sat in the carriage as it slowly climbed the steep and winding roads to the institution. He was confident that this time would be the last time he would have to see Katherine there; this living hell. Adam's only concern was that Alexandra would be refused permission to enter or even visit her mother. While he understood the regulations about minors; it was not a place for children and dangerous to a point, but more significant was that it housed misery and for many, no hope. But, he made a promise that Alexandra was going to be able to see her mother and this time he was going to keep it. His only other fear was that Katherine would be still too ill to transport today. However, the medical wagon with the good doctor following a little further back gave him the hope he needed.
They arrived just before dusk, the huge gates of the grey tall building seeming to lean over them. The gate keeper opened them, when Adam handed the man his papers and the court order.
"These appear all in order. You've made good time; another hour and the institution would have closed up for the night. We don't do any discharges after 7pm," said the man.
"We're expecting a medical wagon from Saint Mary's. It's not far behind us. Monsignor Twoomey is accompanying it. They have their pass also," explained Drew Kennedy.
"Just as long as they have that and the doctors of the institution have signed the discharge papers the wagon will be allowed in and out," assured the gate keeper. "You need to head straight to the visitors entrance. You'll find the Warden there," he explained as he handed back Adam his papers.
Alexandra watched from the carriage window as their carriage made its way up the long drive. The institution sat on top of a large hill overlooking the bay. Alexandra was awed by its daunting presence, reminding her of an old Castle or Fortress that she had seen in story books. There appeared to be two buildings joined together by a short bridge enclosed with large glass windows reinforced with bars. Its large bluestone walls were cold looking and she imagined her mother kept prisoner here like a princess in a dungeon or a tower. The building was surrounded by huge gardens; tall trees still green from their spring growth. The whole place seemed eerily quiet and cast in shadows from the fading light of the setting sun.
The carriage pulled up outside the entrance. Adam gave the driver instructions to wait for the medical wagon and send Doctor Twoomey in as soon as he arrived. Alex Drew and Adam then entered the foyer to the institution. Alexandra remained silent and squeezed her father's hand as they made their way up to a desk and a man sitting there, making notes into what appeared to be a ledger.
Adam let go of Alexandra's hand and pulled the papers from his jacket pocket. He laid them on the bench in front of the clerk. Then, he dropped one hand and pulled Alexandra securely to him. "I have an order from the courts to take custody of Katherine DeFoe."
The man did not stop what he was doing and appeared to be ignoring Adam.
"I also have the court's decision regarding her release and acquittal of all crimes," added Drew.
"And order for her discharge and transfer to St Mary's. Doctor Shultz has made the arrangements," continued Adam, sounding a little annoyed at the clerk's lack of manners.
"There are no discharges after 7pm mister, don't matter who yer are," said the clerk without even making eye contact.
"What's tha matter with him dad? Is he blind or something?" Whispered Alex.
"Shhh, Alexandra," snapped Adam, frowning down at his daughter, before giving his attention to the man behind the desk once again. "Sir what is your name?"
"Mr Douglas," said the man finally looking into Adams face.
"Mr Douglas it is not yet 7pm, we have the necessary legal papers and ask that you please have Miss De Foe bought out please."
"Can't do that, she has to have a doctor and a guard with her. This is a mental institution sir, and we jist don't allow anyone ta handle the prisoners."
Drew interrupted. "She is longer a prisoner, and hasn't been for three weeks now. These court orders make it official. Now Doctor Twoomey will be here shortly with a medical wagon. You need to get the patient ready," insisted Drew.
The clerk had been staring, non-caring expression on his face when he suddenly snapped his gaze away and yelled, "Hey, you!"
Adam and drew jumped back in surprise wondering whether one of the drugged patients had escaped and was now becoming aggressive.
"Not you," said the clerk, "Him," he said pointing to an old man shuffling along the corridor lighting the lanterns attached to the walls. "What time you supposed ta be lighting those lanterns old timer; you running late?"
"No Suh, I ain't late, got to be all lit by 7pm, Mr Douglas. Takes me near 30 minutes ta light them all, Suh."
The clerk rolled his eyes, and returned his gaze to Adam and Drew. "Guess you got thirty minutes then," he said. "Let's see… Katherine De Foe. Notes here say; she was bein' discharged Monday."
"Well, no! We have been granted custody as of this afternoon," ground out Drew.
The man sighed. "I heard ya; jist telling yer what it says here. Doctor Shultz is signed in…"
"He must be up in the hospital wing now," said a relieved Adam. "Can you send some up there please and tell him we are here?"
"Can't spare no-one jist now. Why don't yer sit down over thar, and when this doctor fella comes with his wagon he can go up."
"Well I'd like to go up there and be with Katherine while we wait for him," said Adam.
"Can't take yer kid mister."
"I understand that. My lawyer here will wait with her and send Doctor Twoomey up as soon as he arrives."
"Can't do that mister visitin' hours are over…"
"You just said we had half an hour!" yelled Adam.
"That's discharge time not visiting time. We got strict protocols here mister," he drawled.
Adam was finding it hard not to pull this apathetic unsympathetic imbecile by his collar and drag him across the desk.
"He's bein so frustrating dad," said Alexandra. "Daddy, will mommy be scared if you're not there? She mighta not want to come, she might not understand…"
Adam patted her hand. "It's okay… why don't you sit down over there with Mr Kennedy and be a good girl. I'm going to speak to the man again. Just wait… over there… go on," said Adam pointing to a long bench as they walked. Drew eyed Adam suspiciously, so Adam just nodded and then turned back towards the bench. When he got there he slammed his palm down on top of the clerk's ledger. The man's ink pen slipped and scrawled an uneven line across a report that he appeared to be not writing.
"Now look what yer done mister, its takin' me two hours ta update this here ledger. Now it's gonna take me another two hours."
"I'm terribly sorry, you seem a nice sort of obtuse symbiont moron," sneered Adam dripping with feigned manners.
"What's that mean?"
"It means you're doing a very fine job and should be compensated for your time." Adam never took his eyes of the clerk as he flicked the fingers of his outstretched palm and produced a twenty dollar gold coin wedged between them.
The man smiled. "You got one hour, mister. If your wagon ain't here by then you'll have ta go."
"I understand," said Adam, and then slowly walked back to Drew and Alex. "Well I'll go up to Katherine now. You send the doctor up will you Drew, make sure you get him past this guy. He's not too energetic or smart, I called him a dull witted organism smaller than a brainless twit; well not in so many words; he didn't get it. He understands money though, here, you may need this." Adam, handed Drew another gold twenty dollar piece.
"Okay. You got another one of those in case you end up in limbo again at the hospital ward station?"
"Yep, got another two just in case. I was hoping to tip the drivers, but I can do that tomorrow."
Drew smiled and nodded.
"Alexandra stay here with Drew. I'll be back soon, with your momma."
"Promise, daddy, promise?"
"Promise. You be good and help Monsignor Twoomey when he gets here."
"I will, dad." Alex said as she watched her father walk down the corridor and then take the stairwell down towards the basement.
"How come dad's going down Mr Drew? Isn't the hospital on the top floor?" asked Alexandra.
"It is, but the foot bridge is on the floor below us. And the hospital is on the other side of that. Your daddy has to go down to get up… sort of."
"Ohhh, where are the other people then?"
"Most of them are in wards or cells down those corridors."
"Can they get out?"
"No, they are all locked behind big doors and bars, sort of like huge gates and at each door there is a station where a man will search you and then let you in if you have the right pass."
"Kinda like a gate keeper?"
"Yes that's right."
"But they wouldn't let me pass, would they?"
"No, they don't allow children in any other part of the institution. There are certain floors that are dangerous."
"Even if my guardian angel was with me?" asked Alexandra.
Drew laughed. "I'd like to see that."
"Well maybe we will; look here comes the Monsignor! He can go up and met Dad and Doctor Shultz. They can get momma now," smiled Alexandra.
~oOo~
Adam walked across the small bridge separating the medical rooms from the asylum wards. He stopped at the sign-in Guard's station beside the barred and securely locked double doors. The guard that was supposed to be on duty was no-where to be seen. Adam thought that strange, and waited a few minutes, hoping that he might appear. When those few minutes had passed and no one had turned up, Adam looked around chewing on his bottom lip. Something was amiss with the institution tonight. On previous visits he had experienced strict protocols, even this late. It was unnerving and aroused his suspicions.
Both Drew Kennedy and Doctor Shultz had hinted at future problems the institution would be facing should the Governors restructure the penal system. Places like Saint Beatrice's were bound to loose government funding, perhaps they were working with skeleton staff as a way to minimise their costs.
Adam pinched his bottom lip, wondering if he should wait for the Monsignor here or go in search for the guard to let him through and get to Katherine. Like Alexandra, Adam was starting to feel an urgency about Katherine's release. Why the Warden wanted to keep her was not very clear. He and Doctor Murphy pretended it was about her medical care, but she had improved, so it couldn't be that. If it was about the money that both the government and Adam provided; it hardly seemed enough to qualify the woman having to stay a few extra days. There was something more to all of this, Adam was sure of it.
Adam decided to go in search of the guard, well at least the keys to the door. He signed in the register, just to make sure should he be caught that it would appear that he had nothing to hide and had legally entered the building. That way the guard would have to do all the explaining as to why he was not at his post.
Adam rounded the bench and searched the drawers for the keys to the East Wing. They were not there. He turned around and spotted the store room behind the station and proceeded slowly towards it. As he got closer he could hear the moans and groans of two voices. He started to open the door thinking that perhaps there was someone in trouble, what if…
Adam suddenly stopped and listened closely; they were not the groans of someone in trouble, but more the grunts and growls of carnal delight. He could hear the giggles of a woman, and the frantic movement of a couple absorbed in the physical objective driven by lust. He stated to step back not wanting to interrupt the scene and feeling rather disgusted in what was most likely an irresponsible and uncouth guard. A fearful thought hit him then. What if it was the guard taking advantage of one of the women; one of the patients who was not in their right mind to make decisions or physically to consent to such a union? What if it was someone like Katherine? Adam was ready to pounce through the door and beat the man within an inch of his life then present him to the warden before turning him over to the police. As he grabbed the door handle, he heard the voices crooning each other. He put his ear closer.
"You know," said the women, "this may be for free, but I am still on a time schedule. Your friend only paid for an hour of my time, Charlie."
"It's Jim," said the Charlie, "And we best get to it then. I have rounds to do in an hour."
Somewhat relieved, but still disgusted Adam slowly opened the door. If these two were going to be busy for another hour; that was fine by him. He could get the keys and head straight up to the tenth floor to Katherine. He just hoped the keys were close by. As he peeked around the slightly opened doorway, he spied the figures in a state of half undress, engrossed in an embrace over in a shadowed corner of the room. Adam opened the door a little wider, searching for the keys. He looked at a small table by the door, but its bench top was empty. He then craned his head around the door and spotted the coat stand. The lovers had obviously started their rendezvous with some decorum, for their two heavier night coats hung neatly from the pegs. And, from the pocket of the man's grey coat, Adam spied the top of a metal key ring. He drew his head back out and stood up straight, laid flat against the door and swung his long arm in and around the edge. He shuffled silently sideways, until he could feel the fabric of the coat, then fished for the key ring from the waste pocket. Once he had a grip on it, he pulled it slowly out. The couple started panting louder, so Adam took the opportunity to quickly pull the key to him then quietly close the door.
Fearing he didn't have much time left, as the couple activities were escalating, he ran to the double doors and slid the key in and turned the heavy lock. He heard the click that released the bar across the archway. He pressed down on it and started to push forward.
Suddenly the door burst opened towards him and gallons of water came rushing at him. Adam was knocked over by the doors and washed away by the escaping wave; sliding halfway up the corridor before stopping. He turned around, looking at the storeroom; surely the noise and his yelp of surprise had aroused the guard and his lover.
It had. "Wait," yelled the woman, "your clothes!"
Adam turned and tentatively stood up. He slipped and slid towards the East Wing doors, and to Katherine. Let them deal with whatever catastrophe just occurred. He was sure the guard would have a lot of explaining to do and he wasn't going to wait around. He was going to get Katherine; now. He ran through the door, a dripping mess, and then started to close it when a hand unexpectedly grasped his shoulder.
"Ahhh!" yelled Adam as he turned, to see a rather tall and portly gentleman, smiling at him. He was barely dressed, in what appeared a nightgown and a pair of long oilskin baggy pants held up with a pair of wide black braces.
"You're not Izzy" said the man similarly surprised.
"Who are you?" asked Adam, but he was sure he knew the answer before his brain had stopped him from asking. He was one of the patients, and somehow, Adam suspected, he had intercepted some sort of escape.
"No time to talk," said the man with a sense of urgency, and then grabbed Adam. He dragged him back outside the doors. Just as they passed the guard's station, the storeroom door opened. Adam could see the guard fixing his pants, and spied the women behind him. Adam and she made eye contact, before the women suddenly reacted.
"Wait," she crooned, "One last kiss big boy," she said and turned the guard towards her, and his back towards them, before pulling him down for a long lasting passionate kiss.
"Quickly," urged the strange man at Adams side, "In here." He pushed Adam through another stairwell door, and closed it hastily behind him. He then released Adam and pressed himself against the wall of the stairs landing and took a huge sigh of relief.
Adam went to speak, "What the hell…"
The man held up his hand, silencing Adam immediately. "Names Virgil. Virgil Carey. Judge Virgil Carey, and I've been trying to get out of this hell hole for a week.
~oOo~
TBC
Chapter 19 : Alex and The Divine Comedy; Circles Of Hell…continued.
Sorry folks but this chapter got too long. The good news is the next one should follow shortly. A humongous shout out to Lajoci for editing this for me. We've been cross editing and I'm learning to compare edits, but I mucked up and saved changes to the wrong doc, then had to start again.
