Sacrifices of the Soul, Chapter 83
by SIPort

Eve, TC and Whitney were on the Crane Jet. They were silent.

The steward came into the cabin. “ Dr. Russell, Mr. Russell, may I get you something to drink?”

TC and Whitney shook their heads, but Eve spoke up. “ I’ll take some tea, thank you.”

The steward left, and Eve commented, “ we have to think positive.”

“ Don’t tell me what to think!”, TC replied.

Eve went to sit next to Whitney. “ You know, I’ve had all the bullshit from you that I’m going to take. If what’s coming out of your mouth is going to be foul, then you need to shut up. Don’t say anything to me Whitney. I’m not tolerating your tantrums. AFTER Simone is well, MAYBE I’ll be in the mood to humor you. But NOW is not the time.”

Eve didn’t even wait for a response from Whitney, getting up from the couch, leaving her fuming.

Chad and Keyes got out of the limo. Chad followed Keyes who went over to another car with two people in it. When they saw Keyes, they got out of the car.

“ Hello, Keyes.”

” Rustin, Shapiro, good to see you. Chad, these are Doctors Spencer Rustin and Benjamin Shapiro. Two of the best psychiatrists in the country. Spense, did you bring the papers?”

” Absolutely. All is needed is a couple of signatures from her doctors here, and once we get inside, I’ll call for the ambulance to take her.”

” Take her? Take her where?”, Chad asked.

” Doctor Rustin is head of psychiatry at Columbia University’s Hospital. The first step to getting your sister out of the ‘ system’ is to get her into treatment at one of the main private hospitals in the area. From there, it will be far easier for her to get released to her parents once they get here. Gentlemen, shall we go?”

Once inside, they all got badges, and were shown to an office. They had been there for awhile when the door opened and a woman walked in.

“ Yes, this is her. Her name’s Simone, you say?”

” Yes.”

” Well, she hasn’t said anything to anyone since being brought in here. She will sleep at night, only after we’ve strapped her into the bed. “

“ YOU USE STRAPS ON HER?”, Chad asked.

” And you are?”, the doctor inquired.

” My name is Chad Harris CRANE, and Simone is my sister. And if you have hurt her, your days of practicing medicine are numbered.”

“ Are you threatening me?”

Dr. Rustin stepped up. “ Dr. Carson, I’m sure your care of Simone has been excellent. Mr. Crane, of course, is concerned about his sister. As soon as you sign the papers for release to my care, then you’ll be out of the picture.”

” I don’t know if I can do that. How do I know I won’t be part of some big lawsuit?”

“ Lady, if you don’t sign those papers, a lawsuit is truly the least of your concerns.”, Chad replied.

” I don’t like your attitude.”

” Tough. You don’t have to like my ‘ attitude’. All you have to do is sign the damn papers, cause I’m not leaving here without my sister.”

” The law says that I can keep her here. You’re not even the legal guardian.”

“ I’m leaving the room right now. Someone in here better explain to the good doctor that she’s 2 inches from losing her CAREER.” Chad slammed the door on his way out. Chad walked up and down the hallway, getting more frantic and furious with every step. After a few minutes, they all walked out of the office. Keyes came over to Chad.

” We’re going to get your sister. “

” She signed the papers.”

“ She signed the papers.”

They all went to Simone’s room.

Dr. Carson turned to Chad. “ I have to warn you. She’ll probably not respond. Once she’s untied from the bed, she crouches in the corner of her room all day long.”

Dr. Carson opened the door, and Chad went in. “ Give me some time alone.” Chad saw her, crouched in the corner. Staring into space. Just like Eve was when he found her in the sanitarium. Chad sat on the floor next to Simone. “ Hey Simone. It’s me. Chad. Your big brother. Simone, it’s ok. I’m here. I’m here.” Chad reached his hand out to hers. When she didn’t pull away, he stroked it. “ I’m here. You can trust me, Simone. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I’m here to protect you.  I promise. You should come with me now. So that we can get you somewhere safe.” Chad’s hand moved up to her face, and he stroked it. After a few minutes, Simone stopped looking off into space, and looked into Chad’s face. She looked at him as if she were studying every inch of his face. He let her stare at him. After awhile, Chad stood up and put his hand out for Simone to take it. When she didn’t, he stooped down and picked Simone up in his arms. She put her arms around his neck and held on for dear life.

” She’s not going in any ambulance.”

Keyes knew better than to argue with him. They got outside, and Chad settled with Simone in the limo. Simone was right by his side, holding his hand, but saying nothing. Keyes spoke with the other doctors then got inside.

Chad gave Keyes his cellphone. “ Select ‘Mama’, and tell her the hospital where we’re going.”

Keyes dialed the cellphone. “ Dr. Russell? It’s Mr. Keyes, the attorney. We’ve got Simone, and we’re on our way to the hospital at Columbia University. Psychiatry is on the seventh floor. By the time you arrive, hopefully Chad will have Simone settled in. See you soon. “

Chad kissed Simone on the forehead. “ It’ll be alright, baby sister. I promise.”