Diseased | #wattys2016

Chapter 7

The creaking of the locks at the other end of the hall seemed to be substituting for Riley's alarm clock nowadays. Although this time, the intent was completely different.

"You don't understand! I need to see her! I have complete authority!" The rushed words seemed to be ricoshading off the empty walls, grabbing Riley's attention.

"Sir, sir, you have no right-"

"But I do! In Act 18, Code 3265 clearly states that I, as her attorney, is allowed to use anything in my power to be able to have direct communications with my client and how you have no right to sustain her from me."

Little did the guard know that Act 18, Code 3265 is actually a law on the releasement of a prisoner. Having low grades, he did little to no pay attention in class, much less the specifics of laws.

But the way this man was speaking with such confidence made him unsure of what to do next.

"Um, but sir, I don't think-"

"According to-"

"Whats going on here?" Another guard shouted, directing their attention on the new figure in the room.

"Well, this man wants to speak to a patient 647 outside her ward, and according to Act 18 Code 32 uhhhh 65, he can-" "wait, isn't that law to do with prisoners?" "With all do respect sir, but-" "technically, these patients aren't to be considered 'prisoners'. So if you want us to let you continue upon request, you're going to have to talk to the boss."

Riley's lawyer mustered as much confidence and authority he can manage in his voice, desperate now "excuse me sir, but have you studied law? First, your facts are wrong. Second, it doesn't matter what you call this place. Institution, mental hospital, asylum or however else you'd like to sugar coat it. It will never change what it is. If someone is locked in here for some crime they have done, whilst others try to make them 'sane' and to not continue on forth with their actions, isn't that mostly the same thing in a prison? Wouldn't you be in the same category as the rest? So please, I wont ask nicely next time. Let me speak to my client."

The guards were a bit shaken up by the seeming intelligent lawyer in front of them. So, like two idiots, they followed the lawyers request without anymore protests.

As they opened Riley's door, the loud bolts jolting Jack awake, the guards handcuff Riley then escort her and her lawyer out of Section 5.

All alone, Jack sits on the mattress, more weirded out from this place then before.

***
Riley sits in a chair, opposite to her lawyer, patiently awaiting his news he brought with him.

She clamps her hands together, resting them on the table.

Her lawyer looked quite nervous, constantly pulling and loosening his tie, pushing his glasses up afterward.

"U-um, I'd like to start off by apologizing for you being stuck in your cell more often now. A nurse informed me that your restrictions are very limited, mostly in your cell... Pardon me... W-ward all day... Says it's because they want to have the slim the risks of Jack hurting anyone or having any mean of escaping..." He chuckles nervously while clicking his perfect teeth.

Riley still sits there silently, intently watching the bead of sweat falling down his temple. She knows nothing for the reason of his behaviour, or why he constantly keeps looking around the room, not being watched really, but having someone eavesdropping on the conversation they're about to have.

"I also want to say how sorry I am for how long you were - and still are- in here for. I said I could get you out in three weeks tops," at that Riley scoffs, but her lawyer continues in "with the paper work waiting for you to be released, but you've already been in here for over a month."

He fidgets in his seat, clearing his throat loudly. He then leans closer to her, his voice lowering down to a faint whisper.

"This case seems to be more complicated then I thought. The other lawyer claims to have some hard copy footage of yourself committing crimes, but I don't know for sure. Theres also been some similar killings about three weeks ago, but the medias mostly tried eliminating the story... I believe someone may be hiding something, but I cant know anything for sure...

There may also have been one case split in two or something. Who knows, there are countless possibilities."

"So basically, you haven't gotten anywhere and they have hard evidence to lock me up in here for a life time."

"Well, um, not exactly-"

"Let me guess, a possibility is that the killer's roaming in these halls or something like a cheesy mystery/horror book?" She laughs.

At this, her lawyer turns chalk white, petrified of her words.

The timer rang, a kind guard saying they have seconds to rap up their conversation, which patients don't normally have.

"I-I can't tell you anything. Ive already said too much. I also don't want to get your hopes up or you to be fixated or caught up on a detail that doesn't truly exist. Thats all I can say. I'm sorry. I have to go."

He makes a dash for the door, trying to scurry out of the room.

"No!" Riley briskly tries to stand up, stuck by her handcuffs being chained to the table. She tries to step towards him, but she only hurts her small wrists even more. "Please! You can't just leave it to that! Tell me more! I need to know!" She starts screaming now, her calm features suddenly being replaced by frantic ones.

I'm sorry, he mouths before getting escorted from an unknown guard out of the institute.

"No, no, no, please" she sinks to the ground, appalled by her sudden thoughts and knowledge. She felt like her lawyer only made things worse by his visit.

"Miss, I'm here to bring you back"

Riley's features went blank as her body went limp. She allowed her new guard to lead her back without protest, with little movement.

Her eyes held nothing, and her emotions were flat. Riley couldn't even feel her own heartbeat.

Whats the point of escape, when I'm already gone?