I'll Help You Hide From Them

Dr. Illingworth

After a whole day of working on the case, I'm pulled aside by Laurence.

"Drew, I know you don't like opening up to new people but as your Captain, I need you to attend some sessions." He tells me as he walks me to the therapist's office.

"Laurence, this won't help and right now I've got a killer to catch." I groan.

"You're waiting on evidence analysis so I know that you should be free right now." Laurence points out.

"I don't need to do this. I'm fine." I sigh.

"Drew, officers who have been shot have gone to this man to talk through their fears. Even Ralph was seeing him after the stabbing incident. You were abducted, dismembered and heard someone devour your finger, that calls for at least one session with Dr. Illingworth." Laurence reminds me. "Otherwise, I can't let you keep your badge." He warns.

"What? That's not fair. My therapy is putting bad people just like that away." I whine.

"I've made an appointment for you, the least you could do is attend. It's either you attend or you turn in your badge." He sternly tells me.

After reaching into my pocket for my badge, I stop trying to go the other way. "Fine, I'll do it."

He knocks on the large wooden door, waiting for the answer of "Come in" before opening it.

I hesitate before stepping in.

The room is strangely decorated, with a mixture of artwork and historical heirlooms. On the wall there are dozens of high shelves to have a place to put everything. This leaves a sofa and an armchair separated by a polished wooden desk.

"Officer Woolnough, I was wondering when you'd turn up here after what happened to you. I'm very sorry to hear about what happened to Ralph. He was really making progress." A tall man with dark brown hair and a neatly groomed beard smiles softly at me.

Laurence closes the door behind me, trapping me in.

"Sorry, I can understand how being shut in an unfamiliar place could be unsettling for you after what you've just been through." He tries to reassure me.

"What will it take for me to get over this? Every second I spend here a killer evades justice!" I demand.

He only smiles like a primary school teacher. "I know this is making you feel helpless but you should downplay your pride for these sessions so progress can be made." He plainly points out.

"Stop telling me how I should feel!" I growl.

"I'm sorry about that, please, have a seat." He offers politely.

I carefully walk over to it and settle down, still feeling on edge around this strange man.

He notices my eyes drift to all of the items decorating his office. "They're actually gifts." He tells me. "I'm sure you can find which one's from your old partner."

I instantly spot a certain painting and recognise the signature in the corner. I almost chuckle when I see it's clearly a painting of one of his conquests. "He was talented."

"Indeed he was." The therapist replies with a smile. "Your record suggests that you are also very skilled with what you do."

I glare at him, angry that he can compare me with Ralph already.

"Usually I start with simple conversation. I'm not looking to appear as your enemy, after experiencing something so traumatic, it's in all of our best interest to have you healthy enough to continue working." He calmly tries. "Am I right?"