Part 18 (2/2)
Dr. Salem looked at the matron and said, ”You'd better give her a sedative. And put a suicide watch on her.”
David telephoned Dr. Patterson. ”I need to talk to you.”
”I've been waiting to hear from you, David. Did you see Ashley?”
”Yes. Can we meet somewhere?”
”I'll wait in my office for you.”
Driving back to San Francisco, David thought, There's no way that I can take this case. I have too much to lose. There's no way that I can take this case. I have too much to lose.
I'll find her a good criminal attorney and that will he the end of it.
Dr. Patterson was waiting for David in his office. ”You talked to Ashley?”
”Yes.”
”Is she all right?”
How do I answer that question? David took a deep breath. ”Have you ever heard of multiple personality disorder?” David took a deep breath. ”Have you ever heard of multiple personality disorder?”
Dr. Patterson frowned. ”Vaguely...”
”It's when one or more personalities-or alters-exist in a person and take control from time to time, and that person is not aware of it. Your daughter has multiple personality disorder.”
Dr. Patterson was looking at him, stunned. ”What? ”What? I-I can't believe it. Are you sure?” I-I can't believe it. Are you sure?”
”I listened to Ashley while Dr. Salem had her under hypnosis. She has two alters. At various times, they possess her.” David was talking more rapidly now. ”The sheriff showed me the evidence against your daughter. There's no doubt that she committed the murders.”
Dr. Patterson said. ”Oh, my G.o.d! Then she's-she's guilty?”
”No. Because I don't believe she was aware that she committed the murders. She was under the influence of one of the alters. Ashley had no reason to commit those crimes. She had no motive, and she was not in control of herself. I think the state may have a difficult time proving motive or intent.”
”Then your defense is going to be that-”
David stopped him. ”I'm not going to defend her. I'm going to get you Jesse Quiller. He's a brilliant trial lawyer. I used to work with him, and he's the most-”
”No.” Dr. Patterson's voice was sharp. ”You must defend Ashley.”
David said patiently, ”You don't understand. I'm not the right one to defend her. She needs-”
”I told you before that you're the only one I trust. My daughter means everything in the world to me, David. You're going to save her life.”
”I can't. I'm not qualified to-”
”Of course you are. You were a criminal attorney.”
”Yes, but I-”
”I won't have anyone else.” David could see that Dr. Patterson was trying to keep his temper under control.
This makes no sense, David thought. He tried again. ”Jesse Quiller is the best-” David thought. He tried again. ”Jesse Quiller is the best-”
Dr. Patterson leaned forward, the color rising in his face. ”David, your mother's life meant a lot to you. Ashley's life means as much to me. You asked for my help once, and you put your mother's life in my hands. I'm asking for your help now, and I'm putting Ashley's life in your hands. I want you to defend Ashley. You owe me that.”
He won't listen, David thought despairingly. David thought despairingly. What's the matter with him? What's the matter with him? A dozen objections flashed through David's mind, but they all faded before that one line: A dozen objections flashed through David's mind, but they all faded before that one line: ”You owe me that”. ”You owe me that”. David tried one last time. ”Dr. Patterson-” David tried one last time. ”Dr. Patterson-”
”Yes or no, David.”
Chapter Thirteen.
WHEN David got home, Sandra was waiting for him. David got home, Sandra was waiting for him.
”Good evening, darling.”
He took her in his arms and thought, My G.o.d, she's lovely. What idiot said that pregnant women weren't beautiful? My G.o.d, she's lovely. What idiot said that pregnant women weren't beautiful?
Sandra said excitedly, ”The baby kicked again today.” She took David's hand and put it on her belly. ”Can you feel him?”
After a few moments, David said, ”No. He's a stubborn little devil.”
”By the way, Mr. Crowther called.”
”Crowther?”
”The real estate broker. The papers are ready to be signed.”
David felt a sudden sinking feeling. ”Oh.”
”I want to show you something,” Sandra said eagerly. ”Don't go away.”
David watched her hurry into the bedroom and thought, What am I going to do? I have to make a decision. What am I going to do? I have to make a decision.
Sandra came back into the room holding up several samples of blue wallpaper. ”We're doing the nursery in blue, and we'll do the living room of the apartment in blue and white, your favorite colors. Which color wallpaper do you like, the lighter shade or the darker?”
David forced himself to concentrate. ”The lighter looks good.”
”I like it, too. The only problem is that the rug is going to be a dark blue. Do you think they should match?”
I can't give up the partners.h.i.+p. I've worked too hard for it. It means too much.
”David. Do you think they should match?”
He looked at her. ”What? Oh. Yes. Whatever you think, honey.”
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