“Now, Mr. Fleming, I understand your brother has an anger disorder?”
“Correct,” Cal said, crossing his legs and picking an imaginary piece of lint off his leg. “He’s always had a bit of a temper, but as he’s aged, he’s been less able to control his outbursts. His heightened emotional state makes it impossible for him to hold down a job or even make it through a family dinner without breaking something.”
“James,” purred the female doctor, making Cal wonder if the attraction between his brother and Dunkel might not be entirely one sided. “Is that true? Do you have a problem controlling yourself?”
“I’m always in control,” his brother fired back, eyeing the doctor with undisguised interest. “If you’d like to give me a try, I can show you what happens when I take control.”
A single dark eyebrow rose in response. Dunkel smiled, but there was no warmth there.
“Look, I can spend all day giving you examples of my brother’s antics,” Cal said. “But I’m more interested in knowing what you plan to do about them.”
Grimm bounced a pen against the desk’s surface. “That depends on our final diagnosis. Although based on the little we know at the moment, his therapy will likely involve a combination of behavioral modification, chemical intervention, and psychotherapy.”
That sounded logical. Grimm might not have the demeanor of a doctor, but he spouted the lingo believably.
“And is Dr. Dunkel the only member of your team?” Cal was eager to meet all the professional staff. He thought it most likely that the Guardian was hidden among the sanitarium’s higher-ups. The only other option was that the Guardian was one of the inmates.
He thought that unlikely, as the two Guardians he knew had decent heads on their shoulders. Because these spirits were inherently good, it made sense that one would take up a profession in which he or she could help people. A doctor made the most sense.
“No,” Grimm replied. “Drs. Sansha and Beyhard are attending to other matters at the moment. I can arrange a meeting with the whole team if you’d like.”
Cal nodded. He’d hoped that something would present itself, some hint to where the Guardian was hidden. So far, nothing had happened to clue him in.
Something has happened, he reminded himself, remembering the young woman who’d attached herself to him. Something in her eyes had echoed in his chest, causing an uncomfortable feeling there. Still, she had nothing to do with the mission, so he pushed the memory away, focusing on the task at hand.
Figuring his investigation would take longer than one afternoon, he laid out a new gambit. “In fact, not only do I want to meet the staff, but I’d like to discuss a trial residency for my brother.”
“Go on,” Grimm said, nodding at him.
“I propose that James stay here, starting today, and that I remain in the area, checking in on his progress.”
“Don’t you think you’re being a little overprotective?” Dr. Dunkel asked, leaning forward and exposing a hint of cleavage under her coat. Although he was sure Juston was practically salivating over that bit of skin, it had no effect on him. It was strange because he usually enjoyed paying attention to beautiful women.
“Not when it comes to my brother.” His face hardened. “And I hope you’ll excuse me for saying so, but it’s hard to tell what really goes on in a place like this unless you’re in here. Sure, you fed us a nice lunch and you gave us the ten-credit tour, but does that mean I’m ready to trust you with my brother’s welfare? Not entirely.”
Dr. Grimm gave a hearty laugh. “I like you,” he said, standing up and coming around his desk. “And I have no problem with your suggestion. I’ll inform the staff to get a room ready for your brother.”
Cal was surprised at how easily his plan was agreed to. He had expected some pushback. As unusual as it was, it really did present him with the best opportunity to try and smoke out the Guardian without alerting anyone to his true motives.
He rose, gesturing to his brother to join him. “We’ll return to our ship to grab James’s things. I don’t suppose there’s suitable accommodation in this sector?”
Grimm laughed and shook his head. “There is a hotel a few buildings down, but I’m not sure it would be up to the level of service you’re accustomed to. You might be better off remaining in your vessel.”
Just like I thought. No decent hotel on this shithole of a planet. Oh well, he’d been in rougher spots, despite giving off the impression of wealthy dilettante. A week or so in his ship wouldn’t be too bad.
Grimm escorted them to the security booth where he informed the guard on duty that they would be returning shortly. He then bid them goodbye, suggesting they be back in time for dinner. Apparently, it wasduck a l’orangetonight.
On their way back to the ship, Juston was vibrating with energy. “What do you think?” Cal asked, worried that this mission might be a little much for his brother, considering his current state of mind.
“I think there’s something fucky going on in there.”
Truer words were never spoken. “Go on.”
“That female doctor. Something’s not right with her.”
“Was the fact that she was wearing clothing offensive to your delicate sensibilities?”
Juston scowled. “What do you mean?”
