114 Crushed Pills and Betrayal (1/2)

”This is very helpful,” she said. ”I will try to talk to her about everything but we need to separate her from her mother.”

She pointedly looked towards us. ”You're thinking that her mother will try to intercept the conversation?” I asked.

”Yes, she has written what was done to her so her mother must have said some things to keep her from spilling to the police. We need to separate the two. You can interrogate the mother and I can talk to the child. When I get a full account of everything that happened, I will file charges against the mother as a medical representative. We can get them completely separated that way.”

”And after that? I will have to diagnose her, probably put her on medication and re-interview her several times.” That sounded like a lot of work.

”Thank you. Do you want to start?” I asked. The lady nodded.

”Okay, we need to take her to a cozy room and not one of the interrogation rooms,” she announced. I took note of her demand and nodded. I turned to Nash.

”Can we take the side staff-room for a bit? I'll set up the camera and everything.” I pleaded. I wanted to do right by this child.

”We'll clear out the room in no time.” Everything was settled and Carol was taken to the room. She took one look at me and then shook her head in disapproval.

”I want to talk to her,” she said stubbornly pointing towards me. I stood stunned and waited for her to say something else.

”You don't like me?” the psychiatrist asked.

Carol shook her head. ”I do like you. You smell nice but she betrayed me.” Her eyes were accusing.

I betrayed her? How was that?

I knelt down beside her, my face right in front of her. ”How did I betray you, Carol?” I asked softly.

”Your eyes. They are like mine, so I told you a little. But you told everyone.” She pouted.

”My eyes are like yours?” I enquired. I kind of knew what she meant. My gaze was often disconcerting. One psychopath could sense another and one tormented soul another. Now, the question was... which one did she sense?

”Yes, I saw your eyes at the crime scene. That's why I wanted to talk to you.” She sneered. ”You even brought me hot chocolate. So, I thought.”

I looked helplessly at the psychiatrist. ”If you want Evie to sit in, we can arrange that,” she said helpfully. My eyes widened for a fraction of a second and then I too nodded, back in control. I informed Sebastian of the change in plan and then went back inside the room.

”Sit beside her,” the psychiatrist insisted in a whisper. ”She identifies with you. I'll ask her more about why she feels that way, okay? Don't be shy and help her this once.” I stared.

”From what I saw, you have the bases covered. You are warm and caring and don't accuse them. You ignited her curiosity and coaxed her to talk. You did the best you could.” Albeit, I had done it poorly.

I bowed and then brought up the warm blankets I had found. Carol was sitting on the couch, looking around the room like the curious child that she was.

”Do you want a blanket?” I asked. Carol looked at it for a second and then nodded. I put it over her legs and smiled at her.

”Can you bring me some soda, too?” she asked. I could see why someone would follow her without thinking she was harmful. The small body, weak limbs, and keen eyes made you want to trust and protect her. For a young boy to blindly follow, it made sense.

”We already gave you a cup, remember?” I gave her a cup of hot cocoa. She took it and frowned. She didn't thank me. Which was okay. It was okay that she felt no gratitude for small things. She shouldn't with the life she had led. She deserved to get the world handed to her.

”Let's begin, shall we?” the psychiatrist asked. The camera had already been rolling. I sat beside Carol, a little distance between us. She looked at me curiously and scooted closer. I threw a glance towards the psychiatrist and she gave me a cautious nod.

”What is your full name?” she asked. Carol didn't stir. It took two more tries for her to speak.

”Carol Myers,” she said.