: 3 :

The next day, Dr Hina walked into a flurry of panic. There were law enforcement officers on scene, and the patients were reportedly locked in their rooms, denied breakfast as this investigation took precedence. The coroners' team were hauling out body bags, and she stood off to the side, horrified. None of the night staff could answer in a coherent manner. She stood with silent horror as she counted the amount of bodies that were lying in black sacks on the main porch. The only male orderly on scene looked traumatized, standing off to the side with a blank expression. She approached him.

"What happened?" she demanded. "Did one of the patients do this?"

"They were all locked in for the night," he said with hesitation. "I saw them with my own eyes. They were all locked in. But this happened in the attic. All of it! I didn't see what happened, it…it happened so fast."

"Then there was an intruder present on the grounds?" she demanded, bewildered.

"No one knows! It started in the attic. All of it. Suddenly, they were all dead. All of them. Dr Smoker…" When he trailed off, he touched his forehead, fingers grasping at his hair. "He was the last one up."

"Where is he? Let me speak with him," she said, eyes narrowing. "We'll get to the bottom of this!"

When she saw him point, she turned to get an explanation, but he was pointing at one of the larger bags. With confusion, she stood there, then watched as one of the assistants on scene crouched and pulled back the zipper for her. The face of her colleague was unrecognizable. As if someone had brought something heavy down, repeatedly, over the top of his head. She only recognized him from the chest down.

She had nothing to say as she straightened, blood draining from her face. Then she marched into the building, demanding to see the patients.

They were still locked in their rooms, clearly bewildered by what was happening. She went straight to the one that had the ability to cause such a death, and found Law glaring at his hands, sitting within the center of his bed.

"It's flattering that everyone thinks I did it," he said before she could say anything. "But even I lack the ability to walk through metal."

"You're the only murderer in this institution!" she snapped.

"Ah, hearsay, Dr Hina. All of it only hearsay," he said lightly. But his smirk drove her crazy. She kicked the door and shifted away from it, aware that her emotions were driving her into the accusation. She had to rely on law enforcement to perform their investigation. She looked down the hall to see them moving around near the staircase, looking in her direction with nervous glances.

Later that night, she sat up in Dr Smoker's office, looking over the reports that he'd completed only minutes before his death. Nothing had been out of the ordinary that night. Nobody had reacted any differently towards him than they normally did. But the orderly had mentioned the activity coming from the attic minutes before the guards had investigated. He'd said that the patients had been confirmed locked in their rooms. That only Penguin had been awake and moving about.

Frustration hit her. If only the man had mind to speak. To say anything of hearing anything, seeing anything. But the man was unreachable. He simply did not respond to anything other than forced guidance into an activity. Even if he felt pain – which he was subject to, during one of his weekly visits to the medical ward, where they'd tried unsuccessfully to rouse him from his state – he did not respond. His body reacted appropriately, but he never said a word, nor changed expression.

She reached up, brushing her fingernails through her hair. Dr Hina suspected Law had something to do with it – maybe not him, but his family. But Rosinante had been the one to sign over his son's rights, and he wore the weary, trapped expression of a man acknowledging that his son could not be saved in any other way.

What would have been the motive to kill these men?

There were no reports of Law having any discord with staff – other than herself. He respected Dr Smoker to some degree, but he openly despised her. She sat back in Dr Smoker's chair and looked up at the ceiling. The patients hadn't been allowed out of their rooms, today, and she could hear Luffy's frustration at feeling trapped. He was still wearing his heavy night vest. Most of them expressed uncertainty at their own safety. But the staircase was taped off, and while law enforcement kept a heavy presence, the patients were secured for safety's sake.

She left the chair, seeing that their hall was bright with candlelight. Ace had whined and complained about wanting to use the lavatory, but every time he was allowed out, his eyes were caught by the flames around him. Sanji was openly over-exercising – she could hear him huffing and puffing through his damn routine – and Ussop was tapping away to comfort himself. Luffy complained as he banged on his door, wanting to 'stretch' his legs. Law said nothing.

Dr Hina walked the hall slowly, arms folded behind her back. Luffy plastered himself against his door to peer out his window, kicking the metal with one casted foot.

"Are you going to let us out? Can you let us out just for a bit? I'm tired of being in here! Why can't we get out? I only want to walk the hallway. Can I walk it with you? Is there a problem? Why can't I just walk with you? I promise to walk real slow!" he begged, nearly in one breath.

"I'm sorry, Luffy," she said gravely. "But for your safety – "

"Nothing will happen to me! I'll beat them up! I'm stronger than I look, I promise! I'll kick the crap out of anyone that tries to harm me! C'mon, Dr Hina, I'm bored! I'm so bored! Do you have anything to eat? A snack? Can I at least have a snack? Sanji won't give me his."

"I don't have any!" Sanji said crankily.

"You always have almonds! Give me some almonds!"

"I don't have anything!"

"I truly apologize to all of you for this," Dr Hina said, speaking up over their argument. "But it is a serious investigation. There was someone loose in this mansion, who killed four full grown men. Was it single handedly? Or was there a group of them? To enter a locked space would mean that they had access to the attic. This is cause for concern. What if it were staff? What if it were one of you?"

"If it were me, and I'm only saying this theoretically, I wouldn't be so quiet about it," Law said from his room. "Not that I actively think about it, but what the killer must feel, right now. Powerful and mighty."

"Of course, you'd compliment that sort of thing," Dr Hina mumbled.

"Tell us the details, doc," he said. "How were they killed?"

"You don't need to know that. It'd only keep you up at night."

"But not for the reason you'd think."

"Sick bastard."

"Are we in any danger?" Ussop asked, peering out from his window. "We're trapped in our rooms. What if they accessed the keys to our rooms, and tried to kill us, too? Nobody could help us!"

"All keys have been accounted for," she assured him. "They are locked away."

"Not that that inspires any feeling of confidence," she heard Sanji mumble breathlessly. "If they can lure guards into a space away from the others, then they can get access to those keys and – "

"What are you so afraid of?" Zoro asked him.

"I'm not afraid! If they're going to do it, then they're going to do it! Like anyone would miss us, anyway!"

"That's not true," Dr Hina sighed. "Your families are very concerned about all of you."

"Kuina isn't very concerned."

"I'm sure mine is," Sanji muttered. "They'd breathe a little easier knowing I wasn't around."

"Are their noses clogged?" Zoro asked.

"With my father's ass juices!"

"They should take a bath, then. Flies are attracted to that sort of shit."

Dr Hina recalled that one of Sanji's fixations included winning his own family's approval. His years of anorexia had been caused by the want for perfection to at least earn their approval for his physical appearance (which made absolutely no sense to Dr Hina, considering he came from a set of four that carried similar features), and years of emotional abuse heaped on him by his father's hard expectations. He worried constantly over how he presented himself to others – always struggling to win the others' approval of him, while at the same time rejecting their views.

She still wasn't sure who this 'Kuina' was that Zoro spoke of. He never explained, and would get frustrated when it seemed that no one else knew of her. But Zoro didn't have family – he was turned over to the institution by island authorities after lingering too long in a nearby town, becoming threatening to townspeople when approached. He couldn't seem to speak clearly of his origins, and, while not indicating any memory loss, he just wasn't able to talk of himself. He was as much a mystery as Penguin, was.

She walked over to his room to look in on him. He was standing at the far corner of his room, looking up at the ceiling. She frowned, watching him for several moments. While he didn't show any acknowledgment of her presence, he did shuffle in place, as if he were going to move, but then resumed that same position. She tried to see what it was he was looking at, but Dr Smoker's last report indicated that he had been captivated by something beyond their sight.

She did notice that he was looking in the same area where the activity had taken place, last night. His room was directly below the area where a guard's body had been found. Maybe he'd heard the noises – it was frustrating that he could say nothing of what he'd seen or heard. Dr Smoker had also indicated that he was the first one to notice the crawlspace 'surprise' they'd found, the other day.

Despite herself, she wondered if Penguin was seeing something – or someone – that no one else could see. A vengeful ghost, perhaps? She didn't believe in that sort of thing, but these events seemed a little mysterious.

At the same time, logic reasoned that it was an inside job – Dr Smoker wasn't well liked by his peers, considering that he saw the patients as humans and not just curios in the world of mental illnesses. He had dealt with them humanely, tried to reach them on a level that others couldn't. He had prevented the gruesome practice of lobotomies and electrical shock therapy to 'snap a few of them out of it', and instead chose to try and understand them. He'd dedicated hours of writing documents that detailed each individuals' diagnosis for future references for other cases, struggling to understand from ground up what made each one tick.

Trying to save them, not further destroy them.

She was concerned with the future stability of these patients in new hands – there were other doctors chomping at the bit to get their hands on them, to try new methods and render experimental medication in order to 'cure' them. She wondered if any of them understood that their future was in danger of imminent destruction caused by the doctors' willingness to kill them trying to cure them.

She walked away from their rooms, headed back to the offices as she ignored Luffy's pleas to be released. She caught sight of a detective moving her way, looking grim.

"Well, Sengoku? Any news?"

"There's no indication of entry from the roof," he reported gravely. "All keys were accounted for in the front offices' records. The guards kept a meticulous track of all check-in times during their routine patrols. If noises were heard before hand, and Dr Smoker had looked in on all the patients before venturing a look-see himself, is it possible the patients have anything to contribute to what they'd seen or heard?"

"As indicated in one of your own reports, none are able to say that they did," she said. "The only one that was still awake at that time is the only one unable to speak. He is a mute."

"Ah, that's too bad. And his behavior?"

"Dr Hina just checked on him. He is still looking up to the ceiling. It's unusual behavior for him, as he does not usually respond to outside stimuli unless physically stimulated to do so."

"I have a couple of guys up there, now. They're looking for any other hiding spaces someone may have used to set the trap. But the dust piles they found give away nothing but the trail of those that were up there before their deaths," he said with a frown. "I do suspect staff involvement. But everyone we've interviewed so far hasn't shown any signs of wrong doing. It's pretty mysterious, if I do say so myself."

Dr Hina was quiet for a few moments. Then she said, "Out of all of our patients, only one walks around barefoot."

Giving her a considering expression, he asked, "Do you have any suspects?"

"There is one we are all leery of. He was accounted for. I just…"

"We can't pin something on somebody wrongfully, even if we want to that badly," Sengoku said with a heavy sigh. "We will need to follow procedure. I'm sure there is a clue here, we've just yet to find it. Patience and understanding is needed, right now. Dr Smoker was an excellent doctor – he knew what these poor souls needed when no one was able to give it to them. His death will not be allowed to go unsolved for very long. I would be concerned about your safety and wellbeing, doctor. Perhaps you should leave early, and please consider additional security. I can assign you a couple of officers of my own."

"That won't be necessary," she assured him. "Dr Hina is well and capable of taking care of herself."

Sengoku looked at her for a couple of moments. "I will do so on my own will. For my own peace of mind, then. As for now, staff is terrified. I understand that most of them on the First Floor have decided not to return until the killer, or killers, are caught. That puts this place in a bind."

"It certainly does, those cowards. You must understand, the patients here aren't violent, nor do they …all except one, excuse me. They do not display violent tendencies. They are mostly focused on themselves. They are frightened as well. I thought perhaps I can transfer them to a more secure place, if one could be located. Perhaps the town jail?"

"There is none in town that can be more secure than this. For their safety," he added. "Some of them have been in jail cells, and it wasn't fair, for them. At least, here, they receive twenty-four hour care and understanding. The jail cells won't settle their minds, and they are open to abuse by other cellmates."

"True. Some of them are quite…vulnerable. I just fear that they might be targeted by these heinous, or this one heinous monster that chose to strike out on Dr Smoker. Dr Hina doesn't feel as if they are safe."

"Most keys are accounted for with the remaining guards?"

"Yes. They are located in a lockbox in the downstairs office. Only myself, Dr Smoker and another can access them. But Dr Tashigi has been on leave since last week – her mother is very ill on another island."

"I would like to speak with her. What island, you say?"

After Dr Hina told him, she gave him a skeptical look. "But Tashigi worshiped Dr Smoker. I would immediately rule her out as a suspect."

"We can't rule anybody out until the suspect, or suspects, have been caught. If you can check on the patients for the night, I'd like to escort you home."

"Someone has to be here for them. Dr Hina will not abandon them."

"I'm sorry, Dr Hina. These are not my orders. As this institution is funded by the island, your superiors are concerned for your safety. I hate to say it, but they're choosing your safety over theirs."

"Ridiculous!"

"I can have Madam Tsuru stop by in the morning to offer another suggestion. Or perhaps Mr Akainu can be more help?"

Dr Hina's lips tightened. She looked off to the side, to the hallway where she knew the patients were listening to every word. She felt annoyed at the slip of names, men and women that had more power than she to make certain decisions; frustrated, that with Dr Smoker's absence, these men would be rendered brain dead within the upcoming months. She could argue Dr Smoker's cases until she was blue in the face, but the times they lived in demanded answers and quick solutions to things that could not be understood.

"Fine," she muttered. "Dr Hina will conduct the night's last routine check. Their files need to be rounded up. Dr Smoker's notes to see where he'd progressed with them need to be reviewed, to where Dr Hina can figure out their future case plans."

"…right. Well. I will take a snack, here. I mean, seat," he said, correcting himself hastily as he reached into his jacket pocket and withdrew some rice crisps from a woven bag. He took a seat on the floor, causing Dr Hina to look at him with a frown, before she turned and retreated to the office to start looking things over.

She pulled together all the patients' files, and started packing them away in her bag. She then checked on the lock boxes that contained back up keys to the patients' rooms, the stairway, the downstairs office areas. The separate kitchen building and laundry area. The guard's tower. She took them all, dumping them into her jacket pocket with a loud jingle. She would find a ring for all of them, carry them with her until more staff could be appointed.

She wondered if she were missing something, if staff truly was suspect. Looking over the faces of those in her memory, she saw that no one was giving anyone any particular attention. No one put themselves in a place of danger, no one provoked the patients. Sometimes, the patients would react against staff with upset, but that was in the midst of some fit.

She then went out into the hallway to look over the unsettled patients.

"That's not very comforting to hear," Law commented from his door, minutes later. "So, we're essentially to be locked up like hens with a loose fox on grounds?"

"You are all in secure rooms," Sengoku said. "All keys are accounted for."

"Yet, four men with keys were lured into a supposedly secure spot and murdered right over our heads as we slept. But don't worry, I see what's happening, here. It might be more convenient for the islands' benefactors to get rid of the vermin draining important resources, taking funding from normal people. I don't see why you all just don't put us out on the street and let nature take its course."

"If 'nature' were to take its course with you, you'd be stoned and flogged to death in the center of main street!" Dr Hina snapped at him. "Those people are convinced your hands are bloody. They see that you're released, they'll take justice into their own hands."

"Would that make Dr Hina happy?" Law asked politely.

"Shut up, Trafalgar! Vile piece of shit."

"You're going to leave us here on our own?" Ussop asked, sweating with worry. His voice cracked. "That's how it is? Locked in our room with no means of defending ourselves if we were attacked?"

"This entire mansion will be locked securely," Sengoku said firmly. "There are police officers stationed at nearly every point of entry, and they are under strict orders to watch over you. They are not to investigate anything suspicious – they will only make a note of it."

"That's not even reassuring!" Sanji exclaimed. "They're standing there like dumbasses, ignoring suspicious shit, and asked to 'take notes'? How the fuck does that make me feel any better?"

"I'm sorry that it has to come this way," Sengoku apologized as Dr Hina frowned heavily, crossing her arms over her chest. "But precautions need to be followed. As much as you guys are kept in, supposedly for the safety and security of yourselves, staff and each other, you're also safe and secure in your own rooms because of this. It is the only thing that we can think of for your consideration – we could bring you to the police station and situate you in our cells, but you will not be provided with the care you are accustomed to. And there is a chance that you'll be harassed by other inmates. We can't risk that."

"Then it makes perfect sense to leave us with some killers," Law said, leaning against the door. "I see exactly what you're saying. Clean house, but quietly."

"No – "

"It's fine. I'm only speaking out loud what everyone is thinking. Why should any effort be made for our safety? After all, most of us ourselves are killers here. A pyromaniac more than willing to burn down half the town to be entertained by fire – "

"Shut up, asshole!" Ace snapped. "That was an accident!"

"Why should the island continue funding for our wellbeing? We are nothing but useless meat sacks, unfit for productivity in society. You may as well as get the job over with, yourself, Sengoku. Pow! Bullet to the brain like dogs. Or is that too humane for vermin like ourselves?"

"Now, it's not like that," Sengoku said with a frown. "Dr Smoker was trying very hard to help you. He essentially gave his life trying to help all of yours. Why should you be treated any differently now that he has been unjustly removed from office? We will take every effort to watch over you, but this mansion is safe. There are enough officers from this floor to the next to keep an eye on you."

"Oh? Are we safe from them?" Law asked curiously. "Because I recall getting my head knocked around by your goons one night. Zoro-ya himself was assaulted for resisting arrest, because they weren't aware of the correct procedure in safely arresting a schizophrenic who panicked at touch. Didn't Vinsmoke-ya get tossed into a cell with three men in the drunk tank that attempted to assault him once they recognized who his family was?"

"Thanks for bringing that up! Hey! Are we going to be safe?" Ace yelled, Dr Hina hiding her expression as the incidents against the police station was released so casually. Knowing that Law had this information was only ammunition for him to use against the other patients. Sengoku flinched just slightly at the mention of his officers' wrong doings. Not all of them were capable of misconduct, but there were bad apples that took their position and power out on people such as these men.

"Fuck you for bringing that up!" Sanji snapped in Law's direction. "I flattened all of them, by the way. They turned those charges on me! That's how I got here! I had 'anger issues' before Smoker decided on the real fuckin' problem."

"But being put into jail means you've done bad things," Luffy said with disappointment. "I know I didn't do anything wrong – I don't want to go there. If they said we're going to be safe here, then I believe it. Let's just stay! Let those guys come in here and try! Hey! Dr Hina! Please take off this vest! I can move better if you just take it off! If no one's going to be around, why should I wear it? C'mon! Please? Please take it off? Please?"

Dr Hina sighed. "First…first let's get you fed. I'm sure they're hungry. Kitchen is working on a very light meal – "

"NO FAIR! I'm starving!"

"I want something more than just fucking salad or cereal, or whatever!"

"Why am I being punished?"

"Can I have some beer?"

" – so let us feed them, first," Dr Hina continued over the combined shouts.