For me, part of the reason I specialized in psychiatry is the hope that I could make things easier for others than what I went through. Thank fuck Ely was able to get me out of that situation. I almost shudder, but manage to prevent the memories from dragging me down. I must not do a perfect job, considering the way Soren glances at me warily.
When Anderson comes out to greet us, he’s smiling. I approve of his outfit, at least. It’s a lilac-colored polo with dark wash jeans, however it’s his makeup that really shines. I can’t imagine spending that much time in front of a mirror, personally, but the blended darker purple eyeshadow highlights his warm brown eyes.
His nails are perfectly manicured, and I’m somewhat surprised that he isn’t wearing nail polish, but I suppose that may be a tad distracting, and take away from his overall ensemble. I’d compliment him on it, but I don’t really want his Daddy to kill me when I still have so much to do.
“Here. We brought you a double chocolate latte with white espresso. And yes, there’s an extra shot as well.”
Anderson stares at me in bemusement before ushering us back to his office. “You wouldn’t happen to be trying to get me in trouble with my Daddy, would you?”
“Of course not. But we have something difficult to talk about, and I figured caffeine would help.”
He arches one of his flawless eyebrows as he gestures for us to sit. I take a seat on the couch, with Soren choosing to sit next to me, surprisingly. I nod in approval of his decor. There aresplashes of color everywhere, and while his degree is hanging on the wall, it’s not in a place of prominence. It’s cheerful. I’m not sure how he’ll fit in with the rest of the organization, but I’m fairly certain I won’t want to kill him immediately.
“Sooooo…I know you slightly, Javi. By reputation, at least. Soren, I admit that you’re somewhat unfamiliar to me. What possibly could bring you two to my door?”
I nod at his straightforwardness, but gesture for Soren to take the first pass. I trust Doc’s assessment that Anderson requires a more gentle approach than I’m known for—even if I do get results. If this doesn’t work, I’ll fall back to Plan B. Either way, I’m convinced he’s going to be part of my empire of therapists, no matter what I have to do to get him there.
Soren flashes a glare at me, even though he knew this was his part. It’s not my fault Doc pointed out the logic. Clearing his throat, he switches his attention back to Anderson.
“We have a…delicate situation, and your expertise is needed.” Soren pauses, but Anderson waves for him to continue. I bite back my own impatience. “The issue is…we have several patients who are on suicide watch—one who actively tried to commit suicide. Quite a few of these patients struggle with accepting mental health help, and we need the best of the best. The ones who can come in and establish trust.
“There’s also the fact they are unique. You know that those in the kink community are often at a disadvantage when it comes to getting help, due to professionals judging our preferences.”
“That’s true.” Anderson dips his head. “But what you’re talking about is very involved. My calendar is completely full. In fact, I’m surprised you managed to get an appointment.”
I don’t say anything to that, but thank fuck for Hollis working his magic. Soren sighs, and I know he doesn’t want to push, but he’d fucking better. I need these people.
“There is…another complication with the kink. The one who tried to commit suicide is a Boy. And, unfortunately, he has significant trauma. Not just outside of kink, but with his Master and former Daddy behaving in a very atrocious way. I—we—need someone who understands the lifestyle. Most of them are also in polyamorous relationships. For instance, the Boy now has an Owner, a new Daddy, and is reestablishing a relationship with his Master.”
Anderson hisses in displeasure, and I can understand why. But… Fuck it. I speak up anyway. “It’s why we need someone with an open mind. These people have been traumatized. They’re…messy. But I want to help them. I’ll be honest with you. They will be your hardest cases ever. I’ve seen far easier cases through the prison system. Still, I believe that as difficult as they are, it’ll also be your most rewarding work ever.”
“That’s quite a claim,” Anderson says quietly, as he tugs his fingers through his mess of curly hair. “I’m assuming, based on what you’re telling me, that I’d need to close down my practice—or at least take a very long sabbatical. And that you’d want my Daddy and my husband as well.”
I nod, taking out a piece of paper from my pocket. It’s a little creased, but fuck it. I wasn’t going to come in with a damn briefcase. I hold it out to him, and he only briefly hesitates before taking it.
His eyes scan the paper, his brows raising at several points, before he sets it on his lap. “That is quite the financial package. But you’re also asking us to live on-site. I’m concerned about why you’re specifically mentioning that bodyguards will be provided to us.”
Rubbing my chin, I pause as I’m not sure how to go about this. Soren just sighs and leans forward. “These patients aren’t the most stable. There are also complications that have arisen from their…chosen profession.”
Anderson’s eyes narrow as he cautiously asks, “And what is that profession?”
“Does it really matter?” I question innocently. “After all, they're people who desperately need help. Help that only you, Ian, and Reid can provide.”
He rolls his eyes. “I’m not falling for that. I’m going to assume they are not running a legitimate business. That’s going to be a hard sell, especially with Ian. We wouldn’t want to risk our standing in the community, including the possibility of losing our licenses or worse, being picked up by the police.”
“I can promise that won’t happen. And I rarely make promises.” Fuck, I hope I’m not lying.
“Let me discuss this with Reid and we’ll go from there. But if this is not on the up and up, I want a fifteen percent increase in salary across the board for all three of us.”
“Done.” Soren makes a strangled noise in the back of his throat, but I don’t pay attention to it. Sometimes you just know when someone will fit. And we need Anderson. If it means I have to give up some of my own money, fuck it, that’s what we’ll do. I refuse to let those fuckers suffer any longer than is necessary, and we’re going to need all the help we can get.
“Alright, let me talk to Reid tonight and get back to you. Perhaps we can set up a meeting with whoever is in charge.”
“I’ll be in charge of the mental health professionals. Soren’s Boy handles the medical wing itself.”
“Yes, but as you noted, this is a unique situation where the organization falls into, at minimum, a gray area. I’ll want to speak to whoever is in charge, because I will not compromise my own personal ethics.”
Soren interrupts before I can say anything. “That’s perfectly understandable. We’ll get out of your way, as we know you’re very busy, and we’ll hope to hear from you tomorrow.”
