Arresting Attraction: How To Create A Criminal

Chapter Thirteen

I hadn't left my office in days.

I'd spent every day palming off my responsibilities onto other nurses, other doctors, other people. Instead, I sat at my desk, and typed up reports, wrote up research notes. I'd also managed to rewrite a letter of resignation four times over, each rewrite ending the same way: an illusion to the connection I'd somewhat developed with Charlie and how much I didn't want to jeopardise anyone else.

Every now and again, a nurse or doctor would enter and ask something of me. It was usually something about the patients, or, drug administration, or simply to ask how I was. Each time, I would reply with an appropriate comment and turn my attention back to my work, hoping whoever it was would just leave.

My job was beginning to get draining.

I'd missed four of Charlie and I's appointments, and from the sounds of it, there wasn't any progress.

But, I wasn't sure if I could keep seeing him. Every meeting we had was draining for me, every encounter made me feel sorry for him. I had long ago, stopped treating him like a criminal, and praised him as a victim. I'd completely overlooked all the horrible things he had done.

A portion of my research was spent finding out more about the trouble Charlie had caused. I needed to see him as insane.

At the beginning, it was hard. I was trying to put perspective on everything. I'd often thing about the things running through his head, causing his reaction. I spent days justifying what he did.

But, that all faded the more I looked into everything.

The account that got me was a case of a little boy. The details were sketchy, but every article detailed the same thing. Charlie was owed money. He snuck into the house, demanded it. And, when he didn't get it. He shot the boy. Charlie said he saved the child, but I wasn't so sure.

I had managed to disengage myself from him and his insanity, and I was hoping it was enough.

There were a couple of days where Black joined me, seeking refuge from his responsibilities. He usually sat across from me, and didn't say much. He was on his phone, or on his laptop most the time. I think it was his way of being comforting.

The only time we really spoke was when Black asked for my opinion on something, or asked me how my research was going. I was polite but distant.

But, then again, that's what the job did to you. It was the only way you could remain strong against anything.

I'd spent the entirety of the morning researching more and more about Charlie's past, finding information about his relationship, his friendships, and connections. He had run-ins with a few other inmates, but whether or not he remembered or acknowledged them was a different story.

Ultimately, I just wanted to learn whether or not Charlie knew Jess. There were no notes, or evidence even remotely suggesting it, which confused me. The two of them were so friendly, it was eerie. Or, maybe they were just kindred spirits.

As I pulled up another google article tab, there was a knock at my door. I switched my screen over, to my report list.

"Doors open," I said, eyes firm on the screen.

A heavily armed Amy opened my door, stepping into the room before shutting it behind him.

"Black wants you on yard duty," she stated.

I nodded, "And, I swapped my yard shift with one of the temps."

"Black sent her home."

I rolled my eyes. Of course he did.