Discovering the Secrets of a Murderer

Chapter 2

Stepping out of the carriage, Alexander looked upon the establishment. It looks plain and dark as if it has also acquired the state of the people inside it.

Yvess and Co. Asylum

It was nonsensical why he had to travel all the way to Amarus just for a case in which he, even as a doctor, is doubtful and finds it utterly hopeless. Though he shouldn't judge beforehand and professionalism should be practiced.

He walked his way to the building and the whiff of the odor swiftly entered his nose. It is overall a mixture of smells: sweat, blood, metal, and medicines. He is used to it. With so many years in the field of treating various mental illnesses, Alexander had been immune to the smell and the horrendous sight that goes along with it.

An untamed woman was running down the hallway, laughing and screaming at the same time. Though she is restrained by her clothing, she is still uncontrollable. Two men were after her and when they reached her, they turned her down to the ground for good. Her voice turned muffled but she is struggling from their hold—a sign that she is still not done with her episode.

He looked away and proceeds with his walk. Only to be welcomed with yet another (and more) patients. He quietly observed.

An elderly man was constantly smacking his head on the wall. Even when blood was already all over his face, he wasn't stopping. Meanwhile, a woman sitting in one corner was talking in a language he cannot understand. More and more patients scattered around the place, each delicate with their condition.

"She is evil and she doesn't deserve anyone's sympathy."

His eyes flew to a woman sitting erect, holding her cane with both of her hands. Her skin is all wrinkled and her hair thinning with age. But what actually caught his attention more are her eyes. They were plain white and yet she stares directly at him. He also noticed that she is not the same as the others, different in a way that she can wear a gown while the others are clothed in the asylum's common attire.

"There is nothing you can do to save her. She is already a lost hope."

He stared longer than usual—which is rude and ungentlemanly—but he cannot look away when the woman stares back as if she can see everything about him. When clearly, from the state of her eyes, she is blind.

He tapped his foot before bowing to the woman and resumed his walk, not minding the woman's statements. He moved past more patients until he finally reached the second landing. A woman standing by the edge of the stairs bowed slightly to him.

"You must be Doctor Fersen," she said.

"Yes."

"Pardon me for not meeting you by the entrance. As you can see, we are quite occupied by the patients. They are out of their rooms at this time of day," the woman explained. "This way please." He followed her until they reached a room. "Mr. Laversi will be with you in a while," the woman said after he had settled in the Director's office. "May I get you anything, Doctor?"

He looked up at her and seeing that she looks like she has no plans on going, he smiled. "Tea and biscuits will do, ma'am."

The woman's smile wavered, wasn't expecting that he is in need more of the refreshments than a woman's company. "Right away, Doctor," she said then left.

Alexander looked around the office. It is spacious and bright with all the windows open and curtains parted. Books filled every shelf and some are even stacked atop tables. Illustrations of the human mind are plastered on every wall with schedules and notes. Felix Laversi might not be a doctor but he is passionate about managing the asylum.

"So you are Doctor Fersen."

He stood up from his seat as Felix entered the room. "Mr. Laversi—" he held a hand—"I am delighted to meet your acquaintance."

Felix took it and shook with enthusiasm. "A delight, indeed. Please take a seat."

Alexander settled back while Felix rummaged on his desk's cabinet.

"Do you mind?" Felix asked, pertaining to tobacco.

He shook his head.

"Do you want some?"

He smiled and answered, "I don't smoke."

"Very well." Lighting his cigarette, Felix eyed Alexander from behind.

A whirl of smoke came out from his mouth and nose as he puffs. Felix is assured now that Alexander is here. He puts his faith in him. Alexander's reputation is of a clean slate. He has treated people he failed to count, and most importantly, he is a fine-looking man. Felix cannot help but nod with delight.

Before they could start, the woman from a while ago entered with a tray of biscuits and tea.

"Go back to your post," Felix said after the woman finished setting down the snacks on the table.

"Yes, Mr. Laversi." After bowing, the woman walked out, stealing a glance at Alexander.

"Have you read the case?" Felix asked.

Alexander opened his handbag and fished for the document. "Amelia Vernice."

"Interesting, isn't it? Murdered people which increases the number every month because of recent findings that linked towards her."

Alexander eyed the folder. "Do you think she did it?"

"Don't be deceived by her beauty, Doctor Fersen. She is a devil, personified."

Alexander shook his head. "Everybody has their own demons, Mr. Laversi. Problem with her, she did not handle it well."

"Yes, I agree." Felix puffs again.

"May I ask why the government allowed to let her go from the asylum when her case is very dangerous?"

"Money, of course," Felix said with contempt. "She was about to be hanged—actually she was already hanged for her crimes. But then, merely a second, she was saved by a bloody letter from the owner of this asylum saying that she has a mental illness. They should not even meddle, they do not have the power. However, they got a backup. She was immediately excused from her criminal case and brought here. And merely a few months, she was released."

"And may I ask why?"

"The damn b***h has a connection and he is Thomas Ruccie."

Alexander chuckled. "Sir Thomas Ruccie? You mean the Duke of Kraneford's cousin."

"You know him?"

"He was talked about from where I came from. He had a fascinating background and series of stories tail on him."

Felix nodded. "I know how dirty he could get just to get whatever he wants. At first, I didn't know how they could acquire such a letter and how fast she was released from the asylum—free from her crimes. But now, I know and I didn't like it. It's unfair that she is out while others struggle for proper justice."

Alexander shifted from his seat. "So what do you want me to do?"

Felix's face darkened and a mischievous smile formed on his lips. "Find out if she indeed has a mental illness. Because if she does, she belongs here. Or if not then she had to be in prison and be hanged. Either way will do good but never the outside world. She shouldn't be free. Don't you agree, Doctor?"

Alexander just smiled, taking his tea and sips.