Doc sighs, massaging his temples. “Alright. We have Allesandro, who seems stable on the medication regimen that Sarah and I have him on. While he’s no longer on suicide watch, we are both closely monitoring the situation. Hollis…has a lot of trauma. He’s a cutter with a history of suicide attempts as well. He seems to be responding to the medication, but dislikesthe side effects, mainly the tiredness. I haven’t been willing to change it at this time.”
I grunt at his severe look. It makes sense Hollis would struggle with that side effect. It’s sadly a common one for most psychiatric drugs. Hopefully, he explained it takes about two weeks to adjust to the medication. Still, I make a mental note to review it.
“Do you have his clinical history, and any medications he’s tried in the past?”
“They don’t exist,” Doc says. “However, I’ve pieced together what I can. It’s in his folder.”
“Very well. And Lio and Roman?”
They exchange glances and Doc sighs. “Lio is currently being monitored as an active suicide risk. He is insanely lucky that he has no damage to his tendons, and his hands seem to be moving fine. However, we want to review it carefully with any scar tissue build up. As for medications, we’re currently treating with antidepressants and anxiety medications. He’s required sedatives a couple times…
“As for Roman, he is not receiving care at this time, aside from patching him up and recovering from the torture. I highly doubt he’d be open to any psychiatric care with what Tennant went through…”
Scoffing, I shake my head. “I’ll have that situation taken care of within a week. That’ll hopefully gain some good will that not every mental health professional is corrupt. I’d like to be looped into the lawyer the Amatos use, but we can set that aside for after rounds. Regardless, Romanisgetting help. I don’t like the reports I’m hearing about him refusing to see people or eat.”
“I concur,” Dr. Ranlen says softly. “I’ve heard you have quite the ambitious plan for helping people.”
Snorting, I roll my eyes. “It’s not ambitious. It’s going to happen.”
“While the Martellis are not as resistant to therapy, you are in for quite the challenge with the Amatos…” Dr. Ranlen warns me.
“Good. Challenges keep me on the top of my game. And if Doc dragged me out of my normal life, then I’m sure as hell going to make it worth it for me.”
She smothers a smile, but I caught it. Doc, however, I’m worried about. The conversation seems to have worn him down further. Perhaps I need a word with his Daddy…
“I wish you luck,” Dr. Ranlen replies. “If we’re finished, I need to look in on Ignacio. I want to follow up with Jayden on how he’s doing.”
When neither Doc nor I have anything to add, she’s out of the room without a word. I tap my fingers against my lips, curious as to how strong of a doctor she is… From Doc’s laugh, he can read my intentions. I shrug and he slowly stands up, heading toward the door.
“Follow me and I’ll introduce you to Lio first. I’ll track Hollis down while you’re visiting with him. But a word of caution… I know you’re eager to play around with these people’s minds…but be careful not to fuck with them too much. By now, I’m certain Hollis and Leandro know all about your hobby, and everything else. Put on too much pressure, too fast, and it won’t turn out well.”
“Ah, Doc, you do care.” I smile at him. “But don’t worry, I’m well prepared for any consequences. Things won’t get better right away. You know that’s not how it works. I have to lance the sore to draw out the poison. But I’m always careful with my subjects… After all, I’d hate to lose any so early on.”
Doc stops and stares at me. I give him my most innocent look, and he grumbles something under his breath before leading me to Lio’s room. A twinge of excitement runs down my spine.
Treating someone’s psyche is almost as good as an orgasm… After all, I’m playing around inside someone’s head, where others don’t get to go—and shouldn’t. I’m definitely glad Ely ensured I passed my evaluation from when I was younger. This is going to be my most challenging, but fun experience yet.I wonder how long it’ll take before someone tries to stab me…
Yawning, I try to sit up further in bed. I’m so fucking tired, but I want to resist sleeping. It feels like that’s all I’ve been doing lately. Flip a coin between a panic attack and sleep, and I’m doing one of them.
I tilt my head at the knock on the door, but don’t say anything. I’m sure it won’t deter anyone. With a sigh, Doc is the first face I see. I’d rather have Sarah. Next, though, is a stranger. Examining him, the beginning of curiosity swirls inside me.
I’m so used to seeing people either in suits or scrubs, that his choice of outfit is enough to make me pause. While his eyes are probably his most vivid feature—given they're different colors—the deep blue suspenders he’s wearing, along with the baggy corduroys, and the slim-fit pink button down is…daring. I blink at it, wondering if I’m imagining it, but there’s no way my mindis creative enough to picture such a garish outfit. I almost wish Antonio was here, just to watch him go off about it.
Then again, he’s seeing me in a fucking dressing gown, with hair that desperately needs washing—and cutting. I can’t exactly judge him for his choices. Not to mention, the thick bandages covering my wrists… Shame swallows me as I stare at this stranger, and yet, his curious gaze doesn’t show any sign of pity. Thank fuck.
Doc clears his throat and I switch my attention over to him. “Lio, this is Dr. Javi Graves. He’s going to be in charge of your treatment.”
Scowling, I shake my head. “Why can’t you and Sarah continue my treatment? I’ve been getting better.”
Sighing, Doc steps forward and sets a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Dr. Graves is the top of his specialty, and with the, uh…shifting of personnel lately, and the extra work we’ve had, it’s necessary to bring in some more help.”
Biting my lip, I nod hesitantly before asking, “I haven’t seen Rose lately. Is…is she mad at me?”
Doc’s jaw goes tight, a muscle twitching in it, but instead of answering, he waves Dr. Graves forward. My heart sinks at the thought I may have gotten Rose in trouble.I hope she’s alright.
“Hi Lio, I’m Javi.” His smile is warm, comforting even, but there’s something lurking behind his eyes. Something…dangerous.
Raising my eyebrow, I scowl at him. “Not Dr. Graves?”
