𝘼𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡 | ✓

2 - Face to Face

VALENTINA'S POV

After spending a whole night researching Francis, I felt like I needed a break from work, but I couldn't weasel out of this position now.

He needed help and I wanted to be the one to provide it for him. He needs to have someone to be able to talk to and trust so I will be that person for him.

Too tired to walk this morning, I took the bus and as I was getting off, I could see Keisha standing in front of the main door, waiting for me and fidgeting, even more so when she saw me, she had a worried look on her face and questioning eyes. As I reached her she blurted out so many questions I had to interrupt her.

"Why did you even agree to be his psychologist, V? For all we could know he could hurt you; why take the risk? You know what- why did you even become a psychologist in the first place? Don't you know how-"

Well, someone had a change of heart.

"Keisha!" I interrupted suddenly, making her stop in her tracks and look at me with guilty eyes "I'm aware of what I agreed to. And I will be careful and I know what he's done and that's why I'm doing this" I answered, moving to hold both of her hands.

She looks down at her feet, shading her face from me "I'm just scared for you" she mumbled making me smile.

"Don't worry," I said. "I will talk to you right after the session. And I'm sure he won't try anything," That made her smile a bit which even made me feel better.

As we entered our office quarters, I walked to my desk to see Chris waiting for me. As we exchanged glances, we smiled at each other until I got close enough for him to start talking.

"Hey Val, I just wanted to talk to you about the protocol for Francis today," he said, I wanted to say that I didn't need to be taught like a kid how to do this but I listened to him.

"Okay so under no circumstances can you take all his wing restraints and ankle cuffs off, he has a straitjacket so don't worry about hands. For the first few sessions, we will have guards stationed inside the room. You never know what he could do to you and trust me- if he could do something, he would. Also don't be surprised in the first few days, if he doesn't cooperate- weeks even," he said.

I just nodded, a bit dazed. I always got the keys for any type of restraint that the criminal is wearing, sooner or later, so I wasn't worried about the first thing but the rest I zoned out on. But everyone has a bit of humanity in them, so I'm sure that Francis did too.

As I collected files and booklets, Chris and I walked to my designated room for the day and parted so he could get my patient.

As I sat down I started wondering what we should work on.

Should I ask him about how he got his wings? Or would that be too sensitive for him? I could just start building trust with him. Or-

My thoughts were interrupted by a loud crash and yelling. The heavy door burst open, and I saw him.

Francis Whitelock in the flesh.

My eyes travelled his body instantly. His build was tall and slim- but still slightly muscular- and his skin was pale. He had short black hair and streaks of dried blood in it, and strands of hair laying over his face. I looked down, my gaze trailing along the tattoos that peaked from his strait jacket, and if I were to guess his arms and chest were probably coated in ink. To top it off, these amazing gold eyes, that gleamed at the dash of sun beaming into the room.

And then his wings. Oh, his wings. They were enclosed in thick two chains but the shine of the feathers made them look elegant. The span of them must've been huge judging by the size of the closed wingspan. Though, they looked to be in pain with their position.