The Devil Walks Among Us; Book l - Completed 4/21/22

The Shape of Haddonfield

Mia Harris impatiently clicked her fine-tipped pen on the oak desk awaiting Dr. Sartain's arrival as he sounded eager over the phone at his request for her assistance. She doodled lazily on the notes margin of her planner, drawing a little dog holding its own leash, ignoring the overstuffed Pendaflex file folder with the label reading A-2201; M. Myers.

The alarm of a security buzzer sounded just down the office corridor, indicating that an authorized person was walking the hall. With a soft click, an old man entered the room, his energy radiating nothing but eagerness. "Ms. Harris, so lovely for you to be here. I've been waiting for this day!" He gleamed, reaching out to shake her fragile hand. "Dr. Ranbir Sartain. I know, I sounded younger on the phone."

Mia's brow furrowed at his appearance as her thoughts about him were unclear as she titled him, for the time being, an overbearing antagonist. Shaking his hand, she flashed him a weak smile, "Nice to meet you too. Mia Harr-"

"Harris. I've been doing my research on you," He explained as he walked around his heavy oak desk to sit in front of her, leaning back in his leather chair. "I've been studying heavily on Michael's case for years, since the passing of Dr. Loomis after he had handed me the reins from his work before his death. I've been wanting to change things with his case. For years, I've tried to get into his mind, but it's been difficult since he chooses to be mute. He completely isolates himself into his own mind, but I think it's due to the lack of female attention-"

"What are you trying to say? That you want me around to study him, but also use me as bait?-"

"No, that's not it at all. What I think is that he has lacked female attention since losing his mother. All he has been through is countless sessions of either shock therapy or constant questions asking him why this and why that. There needs to be a change and I think you're the one for the job."

"I appreciate that, but I have one request." She sighed.

"What's that?"

"When I start my studies on him, I do things my way, the way I think they should be done. When I go and observe him the first time, I don't need you leering over my shoulder. All that does is put pressure on him that's not necessary. There's already enough pressure alone in this place."

"Then what do you suggest you do?"

"...Things my way." She repeated.

"Need I remind you that Michael is very dangerous. He needs restraints every time his door opens. I cannot be responsible for something happening to you by his hands."

"And don't you think that's why he's as reluctant around you when you have sessions with him by constantly not giving him an inch of comfort or freedom that he already can't get?"

"I'm not quite sure I follow you, Ms. Have you even looked at his file?"

"Just glanced. Enough to see the photos of him when he first arrived in sixty-three and his mask. That was enough."

"He murdered five people. He mustn't have sympathy."

"Who said I was giving him sympathy? All I'm suggesting is to treat him like any other person or criminal, but need I remind you, he's a patient, not a prisoner."

Dr. Sartain hesitated an agreeing head nod, "I understand. Shall we proceed? The state is wanting to transfer him on the thirtieth of this month as they are no longer interested in finding out what drives him."

"Sure," Mia nodded. "But when is his next scheduled session?"

"Tomorrow."

"Then I'll see you tomorrow."