Horton remains quiet during the conversation between Gene and Mr. Hendric, observing the two men and taking mental notes.
Not to my knowledge, Hendric replies. The society's focus is on the paranormal; that is to say, unexplained phenomena. We do visit old buildings and sites dating to the time of the Witch Trials but I don't recall anyone visiting Danvers Asylum, or anyone mentioning a stone disk located within its grounds. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. Can I interest you in some more of my research? I've got plenty more photographs to show you - truly amazing stuff!
The orderlies finally arrive at a metal door with a grill, a heavy lock, and a rectangular recess in which there's a strip of card. The words "Lawrence Croswell" are typed on the card. The larger of the two orderlies pulls a bunch of keys from a pocket and inserts one into the lock. He turns the key and with a loud clang the door swings open.
Hello Lawrence, the orderly says. I've brought you some visitors! The orderly enters the small room - which turns out to be a dark and dingy padded cell. A simple wooden bed is bolted to the floor in one corner, and there's a small wash basin in another. Sat on the bed is a gown-clad, grey-haired man in his early fifties. Dorothy immediately recognises the man as her author-friend, although he looks scared and frail compared to how he was in previous meetings. The other orderly holds the door open and gestures for Dorothy and Stevie to go inside.
Stevie attempts to keep himself in position between Lawrence and the orderly, hoping to block as much eye contact as possible between the pair, to give Dorothy and her friend a chance to communicate, even if it is only non-verbally.
Gene nods at the answer, but doesn't look any happier than he did before. "I do than you for the help in answering our questions. If I didn't have this other pressing issue to try to work out I'd be interested in seeing more of your evidence, but right now I need to work on tracking down leads that would be of help to Mr. Croswell. I hope you understand. Was there anything else you wanted to ask before we go Dr. Bellwether?"
"Mr. Hendric... do all of the Society's members run their studies by you? Is it possible that someone might be studying the asylum and simply didn't mention it? Do you have any members you think would be interested specifically in that sort of thing?"
”I had no...” Dorothy begins then pauses. ”This is terrible. The pain and suffering.” Her hand shakes as she takes Stephan’s arm for comfort and support. “T-thank you. I, I --”[/b] she closes her eyes momentarily but the noises of the patients demands her attention. She feels unprepared for this yet needs to keep going forward to see her friend.
”Why, why?” she whispers as the insanity around her grows.
Finally at the small padded cell she sees her friend. Tentatively stepping inside she asks, ”Larry, it-it’s me Dorothy.” Seconds pass before she takes another step. And then another. ”I came to help, but I don’t know what I can do.”
Croswell's eyes light up as he recognises Ms. Crick. Dorothy, you came! he says elatedly. I'm so pleased to see you.
Despite his diminished condition, Croswell's encounter with Dorothy seems to visibly boost his wellbeing, both mental and physical. He rises from the bed, stands up straight with his shoulders back, and faces the orderlies. Are you two going to stand there the whole time? I can assure you, Dorothy and her friend have nothing to fear from me, and I'm sure would appreciate a little privacy. She's come a long way to see me.
Very well, the larger of the two says begrudgingly before turning to Dorothy. We'll be right outside. You have fifteen minutes so make 'em count. I'll have to lock the door on my way out; I hope you understand. With that, the two orderlies leave the room, the larger one locking the door behind them.
Thank God they've gone, Croswell says. We have much to discuss.
If the door has a window in it, Stevie attempts to stand close by it, shifting his weight from foot to foot, feigning a nervousness while trying to give Dorothy a chance to communicate with Larry. He watches the man closely however, unsure whether the man is a danger or not. Evie would kill me if I brought Dorothy all this way just to get her hurt... or worse.
Make the time count Larry, Dorothy went through a lot to give you this chance.
Some relief comes to Dorothy’s face as Larry speaks and the orderlies give them privacy. Exhaling, she shudders while looking at the walls of the room. ”I-I am glad to see you,” Dorothy begins.
She sweeps her hand towards Stephan. ”This is Stevie. He and some others are helping me. You don’t appear as afflicted as the doctor lead us to believe.”
Croswell acknowledges Stevie with a brief nod then sits back down on the bed, his head in his hands. Eventually, he looks up again.
You've got to get me out of here! he pleads. There's something... wrong about this place. Have you seen the fear in the eyes of the patients? The way they cower from the orderlies? I sensed something was wrong almost the day I arrived. When I asked to leave, Dr. Berger had me placed here in J-Wing. I heard him saying to Nurse Rathbone, Croswell's in for quite an experience when the sky prepares to welcome the new moon. What the hell does that mean?
Croswell rubs his eyes, evidently tired from all the strain. I befriended another patient before they moved me here; a man by the name of Andy MacBride. He's as touched as the others, yet I suspect he knows what's really going on.
Hendric has no answers for Horton. I can't think of anyone who might have an interest in the Asylum, I'm sorry. We are a small society and I think I'd know if anyone had such an interest.
She shakes her head in response to his question. ”So that’s why he doesn’t want to let you go. He has some plans for you? Something in relation to the new moon. Doctors have a great deal of power when it comes to keeping people in these facilities against their wishes. Don’t give up hope.” She pats him on the shoulder.
”Andy McBride,” Dorothy repeats the name. ”We might be able to speak with him. Well, some people we know. I’m sure the staff won’t want to see me again.”
Leaning over to Dorothy, he whispers into her ear The new moon should occur .
Stevie tries to keep the information from Croswell, not wishing to unduly alarm the man. He glances over his shoulder at the orderlies in the hall. Not too loud, we don't want to give much for the little birds to sing back to their master.
On his walk around Danvers the previous evening Stevie had gazed at the night sky whilst smoking a cigarette and so it was not hard for him to recall that the waning Moon was no more than a thin silver crescent that night.
crescent moon, evening of 7 Feb.
With a shudder, he realises that the current Lunar Cycle is almost over. The Moon will be just a dark disc in the night sky tonight, then the faint crescent of a New Moon will appear, probably tomorrow night or the next.
After he whispers in her ear, Dorothy look at Stevie. Dorothy’s eyebrows raise in surprise. That soon?! she tries to communicate non-verbally.
She glances over her shoulder, checking on the orderly. Lowering her voice at Stevie’s suggestion, she looks Croswell in the eyes. ”Stay strong. We’ll do our best to save you. It sounds no matter how well behaved you are they will keep you here, so you might as well act unruly. Enough to frustrate them. Nothing to get yourself punished for. Maybe avoid eating anything for the next few days. They might try to drug you more. Though it might not matter. They could get some orderlies to hold you down and inject you with something. Well, the new moon is seen just after sunset. How that impacts the ceremony's time I don't know. We’ll have to be ready before then.”
Croswell looks fearful as Dorothy gives her advice but also seems tor recognise that she is right, and he could be in great danger. Very well, he replies. I will try my hardest not to make it easy for them. In the meantime Dorothy, please try to get me out of here.
Stevie bows his head slightly to Croswell, giving him a look he often used when talking to his men before a mission over the wall. We'll do the job as best we can and the Lord'll watch our backs. Just keep yourself buttoned up and on your toes.
Looking to Dorothy, he nods back towards the small window. They look to be almost ready to interrupt us. Last chance for anything important.
Glancing at the door, Dorothy nods back at Stevie in appreciation and understanding. Shifting her attention to Larry she smiles as best she can.
”We’ll do what we can,” Dorothy gives an energetic nod to Larry. ”Don’t despair.”
As Dorothy speaks she hears a girgling noise coming from the sink in the corner of the small room. She pays it no attention but then it occurs again, only louder, and she sees something like a huge reptilian appendage momentarily rise from the sink. The vision lasts a mere fraction of a second. On closer examination there is nothing in the sink but a tiny pool of dirty water far too small to conceal the thing she saw. The surface of the water has an odd blue-grey tint. If she mentions it to Stevie, he saw nothing.
Dorothy freezes for a moment, unsure if what she was real or just...this place getting to her.
A glance at Stevie and Larry’s non-reactions confirms that what she thought she saw wasn’t really there. But maybe it was here and they just didn’t see it! she thinks. It doesn’t make sense for me to be hallucinating. It also doesn’t make sense for that thing to be real.
She shudders and gives a weak smile to Larry. ”Stay strong, my dear friend.” A final glance towards the sink as she walks out of the room.
Stevie will give Croswell what he hopes is a reassuring nod and grim smile, Don't go flapping any, your'e not alone now. We'll have you free of this crump-hole before too long.
Stevie will follow Dorothy out and try as best as possible to keep himself positioned between her and the orderlies, as well as any patients that might be wandering the place. He sees the concern on her face but is unsure how to console her. He hesitantly pats her back along one shoulder blade, leaning in, I meant that, we'll do all we can for your friend.
Their visit over, the orderlies lead Dorothy and Stevie out of J-wing back through the hospital towards the administration block. The journey back is no less disturbing than before, as the two investigators are confronted with more distressing images. Half way back they see a gowned patient scrawling something on a wall with some chalk. The image is that of an obscene creature, a dragon-like toad with a multitude of eyes. A short time later, they pass another patient drawing an eerily similar creature on a sketchpad.
Eventually they arrive back in the administration block, where the orderlies take them to Nurse Rathbone. Nurse Rathbone eyes them suspiciously. I hope your meeting with Mr. Croswell was a pleasant one, she says.
Giving the nurse a curt glance, I would not say pleasant, but it does appear Mr. Croswell is in a bit of a dangerous state. That this facility is best suited for his convalescence I cannot say. I will pass my opinions along to his publisher, and let them make the final determination. He winks his offside eye at Dorothy.
Perhaps their advisers know of a placement closer to New York City which would better enable his recovery, allowing them to recoup some of their considerable investment. Stevie puts his hat on and extends his arm to Dorothy, ready to escort her from the hospital, glancing out the doorway to see if the taxi had returned. I do hope that nothing untoward happens to Larry while they decide their next course of action. I am sure you will hear from their doctors for an independent assessment in the next week or so.
As he walks Dorothy towards the door he continues, While legal suits for negligent death are tedious, they do often allow corporate entities to recover losses not otherwise attainable. Let's pray it never comes to that.
He smiles back to the nurse, giving his best "shark's grin" then walks Dorothy from the place, his obscured hand giving hers a soft squeeze of assurance.
As they pass the reception area, Dorothy doesn’t try to hide how disturbed this visit to the hospital has made her.
”Thank you,” she whispers to Stevie as begins to interact with the nurse.
Once outside she shudders. ”That was a horrible experience. I don’t want to imagine being there like Larry. For the moment I don’t know how we can help him get out. It sounded as if the doctor certainly had some plans for him and wouldn’t let him leave.”
Let's hope Dr. Bellwether has some ideas about the matter. Else that or we attempt to involve the local constabulary, though I don't know on what grounds we might do so.
Outside the administration block, Stevie and Dorothy soon see the familiar shape of Ted's Model T emerge from the tree-lined gravel road that leads back to Danvers town. He powers the motorcar up to where they are standing and leans out of the window. Hop aboard and I'll take you to the Paranormal Society to pick up your two friends.
Thank you much Ted sir, opening the door for Dorothy. I will be glad to be away from this place. An ill wind and ill manners both plague this besotted place.
”Thank you Stevie," Dorothy says entering the taxi.
"I thought I was prepared,” Dorothy says. ”I’ve imagined worse places and scenes, but to be confronted with that in person...” she shakes her head and removes her glasses. Wiping them with a handkerchief, she looks at them in her hand.
”My heart goes out to anyone seeking help in such a place. I can’t construe how they would find it.”
With Stevie and Dorothy aboard, Ted sets off down the tree-lined gravel road from the Asylum into Danvers, takes a couple of turns, and ends up on the road back to Salem. Not long later he pulls up outside the Salem Paranormal Society, where he finds Horton and Gene waiting. I hope I didn't keep you two waiting too long, he says, as they both clamber into the Ford. Where to next? he says to the whole group. The Inn, or do you have other plans?
Myself I could use a good stiff drink after what we witnessed at the asylum, but I fear that may not be in the cards, Stevie mentions to no one in particular. Then to his companions he adds I haven't much of an appetite either, but I suppose getting food and comparing notes would be in order.
Gene, looking less enthusiastic than this morning, nods. "I think that comparing notes is probably a good idea, though hopefully yours are more interesting than ours." Turning to Ted he smiles weakly, "Should have listened to you and saved some time. A bunch of goof-balls indeed."
Alrighty, Ted says. You have anywhere in mind you plan to eat? The Bella Verona near Salem Hospital is nice if you like Italian. A bit pricy but the food's excellent.
I don't suppose they carry a decent wine selection, do they? Stevie chuckles then continues, Just kidding, that sounds acceptable to me, unless anyone would rather return to the rooms and take something from the kitchen's there, or perhaps a nearby diner instead.
A bit pricey... she thinks. She spends a moment tallying up expenses for this endeavor. ”Yes, I think I can afford a meal at The Bella Verona. Something to brighten the day after the experience of that place.”
She shudders then attempts a smile, but her eyes look sad. ”I wouldn’t mind dealing with some goof balls.”
Gene gives a somewhat nervous chuckle at Dorothy, "You say that now, but you didn't see the pictures of the pencil which inched it's way across the room over the course of hours. There was nothing useful; nothing about the stone or the asylum at all. It sounds like you've got a story to tell though."
Gene, not knowing the urgency that Stevie and Dorothy are feeling about Mr. Croswell, dwells on less important topics. I think that I can get away ordering a salad again, but, wow, these are circles I can't afford to run in for long.
Well, it really isn't for me to tell, it is Dorothy's friend after all. With that Stevie has a bit of a grim expression on his face. That said, there is definitely something OFF about that place and their staff. I had to sort of commit my uncle's lawyer to a bit of deception just to bully our way inside.
Glancing at Dorothy, feeling at a loss to comfort her. Miss Crick can explain what she took from her conversation with Mr. Croswell, knowing him as well as she does. Myself I saw nothing in him that would suggest he is dangerous, cracked, or flying without his biplane...
With everyone aboard the Ford, Ted cranks the engine and they head off towards south Salem. Driving west along Jackson St. they reach a T-junction where Ted hangs a left onto Highland Avenue. They pass a large block of buildings with a sign in front of them that reads "Salem Hospital" and a bit further up Ted pulls over next to a building with a pleasant Italian-style decor exterior. Here we are, he says. The Bella Verona.
Passing the Salem Hospital on the way to the Bella Verona gets Gene to wondering. As they group enters the restaurant and waits to be seated he leans over to Dr. Bellwether. "What would happen if two conflicting medical institutions made health claims about the same patient? What if someone from the Salem Hospital here were to show up at the asylum and needed to see a former patient that a new concern had arisen for? Would they have any special recourse to do so? Sorry, I'm not very familiar with these things."
A very Italian-looking waiter greets the group and gestures for them to follow him. They soon find themselves seated at a table for four near the window. A single candle occupies the centre of the table, which the waiter lights with a Zippo lighter before handing them each a menu. Would you care for the wine list? he asks. I can recommend the chianti. Is very nice.
Stevie smiles to the waiter as he pulls out the chair for Dorothy. Yes, the wine list would be fine, though you might also go ahead with a bottle of the chianti for the table. As an afterthought he pauses, momentarily lost in thought, but shakes his head clear and adds, Also a basket of bread for the table please, and a sauce sample if you would be so kind.
Gene looks over the menu, trying to settle on something as humble as possible without seeming to be too humble. He's just finish reading about the Insalata Capreses, his mind spinning over various details from the past few days, when realization hits. "Wait a minute, conflicting health claims wouldn't be the interesting bit about the Salem Hospital, it's that this is where Dr. Shine bequeathed his collection of papers. If there's a clue about what's happening about the hospital, or anything related to the granite slab, that's where we should be looking, not the Paranormal Society."
Gene looks a bit more sheepish than normal as he realizes the time that's been wasted. "Depending on what you learned at Danvers we might want to stop in at the Hospital here and see if they'll let us take a look at the connection after our meal."
Sì, signore, the waiter says, then he hurries off to the kitchens. He appears a few moments later with a tray, from which he serves a bottle of chianti, a sauce sample, a basket containing various types of bread roll, a dish of olives, and another of olive oil for the bread. He then locates the wine list on another table and hands it to Stevie before pulling a small notepad and pencil from a pocket. Are you ready to order now, or do you need more time?
Stevie looks over the wine list, making a decision for himself at least for himself. I wasn't hungry at first but the aroma is too good to pass up. I'll take a plate of noodles in your spiciest red sauce, an order of sausage, and a bottle of your best Sicilian red as well. Having spent some time in Italy during the war he gained some perspective for his own preferences. He pours a glass of the chianti for Dorothy, one for himself, and offers it round to the others while tasting the bread, dipping it in the sample sauce, occasionally popping an olive in his mouth, removing any pits behind the cover of his napkin.
Looking around the table, Speaking as Mr. Croswell's publisher's attorney allowing a smirk to creep over his visage, I can attest that we are very interested in securing a second opinion about his mental state, though the facility is unlikely to make him readily available for review. If you could find someone who already has privileges that might work, though I have my doubts.
The waiter writes down Stevie's and the others' orders and scuttles off to the kitchens. The food and drinks take some time to arrive but the wait is worth it as the quality is very good.
As Gene enjoys his Insalata Capreses, he glances around anxiously, eager to hear the the details of the visit to Danvers. Whatever happened there seems to have shaken both participants more than he had expected it would, so he's trying not to rush them.
Stevie thanks the waiter and picks at the meal, thinking about something unrelated to the current day, lost in thought. He seems to drift in and out of the conversation. Perhaps Italian wasn't the best choice when already feeling nostalgic.