Twisted Justice

By E. L. Jefferson

Dr. Brian Fields is a renowned psychiatrist with a hideous past and dark secrets. He is a man driven by an insatiable hunger and the need to manipulate others to do his bidding. Among his patients are some of the most deranged sociopaths our society has created. He cares for them and allows them to walk among us. He protects them as long as they play by his rules. Danielle Salley destroyed a woman's life by fire. Father Catelli is a Catholic priest whose pedophilia knows no boundaries. Coach Rogers conceals a personal life so shocking that he teeters on the brink of insanity every waking moment. These individuals have left a trail of broken bodies and devastated lives in their wake. Under Dr. Field's care, they will never be brought to trial to answer for their crimes, but their victims scream for justice, even if it's Twisted Justice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Jun 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483452319

Book preview

past.

Chapter 1

Friday, September 13, 2013

T he American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting was coming to an end. This year, the meeting was being held at the Regent Hotel in Las Vegas. The Regent was one of the newest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and one of the few properties that could have accommodated the twenty-five hundred participants attending this year’s convention. Most of the attendees were physicians, but some were nurses and counselors with advanced degrees in either psychology or psychiatry. Many of the last day’s sessions were letting out early, and the participants were either heading to their rooms to pack or going out to enjoy the many attractions Las Vegas had to offer. Quite a few chose to find the closest bar to have a drink and unwind.

Drs. Brian Fields and Douglas Carter, close friends and colleagues for many years, left their last session of the conference and agreed to find a place to have a drink. The two men walked through the vast hotel, greeting fellow doctors and new acquaintances as they moved farther away from the meeting rooms in search of a welcoming place to have a drink.

After many minutes of walking through the hotel, they approached one of the hotel’s massive gaming areas. Dr. Fields found the sight of so many people sitting in front of slot machines and gaming tables, voluntarily giving their money away, both exciting and foolish. As the two friends walked in search of a quiet place to relax, Dr. Fields had a curious thought. I wonder if these idiots realize that the only thing they’re doing is contributing to their own misery and this casino’s wealth as they gamble their hard-earned pennies away. I know a good use for that money.

Doug, where would you like to go get a drink? I’m getting tired of walking these floors.

I was looking through one of the hotel’s guides last night, and I saw an interesting place called Contemplation. I want to check it out. If I remember the floor plan, it’s not that far.

Contemplation, that’s a curious name for a bar, considering where we are and what goes on in this town. They both laughed and continued walking.

When I found out that this year’s conference was going to be held in Las Vegas, I thought that it had to be a joke, Brian said. I never would have thought that the association would choose a city like Las Vegas.

Why not Vegas? I get sick of going to the same boring cities every time I attend one of these conferences. That’s one reason I don’t attend every year, and I suspect that’s why attendance had dropped off over the years. Why not choose a fun city like Las Vegas? Look at how many doctors showed up this year. I don’t think we’ve ever had a conference here, Doug replied.

You might be right, Brian. I guess there’s nothing wrong with mixing business with a little fun. I know in a few of the sessions I attended, there were more and more empty seats as the week went on. They both laughed.

The two physicians continued their conversation as they walked and eventually had to ask for directions to their intended destination. The men took in the sights and sounds of the casino as they walked. All the people gambling appeared to be enjoying themselves as they willingly reached into their pockets and wallets to hand over their money for that one-in-a-million shot to hit the jackpot.

After a few more minutes of walking they arrived at the bar called Contemplation. They approached the bar entrance, which appeared to be an opening to a cave. As they went through the cave-like entrance and exited the other side. There they saw that the cave was just an entry way. The actual doors to the bar, towering glass doors framed by two waterfalls, were still a distance away.

The vista surrounding the doctors was a scene from a tropical rainforest with grass, trees, soil, rocks, and the soft, unnerving sounds of a jungle. It gave one the impression of hidden dangers lurking within the unknown. Even the air seemed warm and humid as they approached the bar’s doors, almost like a sauna. The long walk to the entrance allowed the visitors to take in their surroundings and to feel the atmosphere that was meticulously created to be eerie. As they approached the entrance, the doors silently slid open. The two moving panels went behind the waterfalls and when they closed again behind the two friends, the outside noises of the waterfalls and the tropical facade were silenced.

Contemplation was not a single bar; the enclosure held three distinct lounges, each with a different theme and décor. Even the names were unusual: Examination, Meditation, and Observation. They were all beautifully decorated, much like the entire hotel.

The soothing, neon blue glow of the Examination lounge caught the attention of both men, so they headed in that direction. Once inside, the atmosphere was relaxing. The comfortable, modern furnishings fit well with the soothing colors of the spacious room.

A gorgeous hostess appeared and asked the men if they wanted to sit at the main bar or at a table. Choosing the main bar, they followed slowly as she escorted them to their seats.

I’ve been in many bars in my time, but I have never seen anything quite like this. It’s amazing that anyone would take the time and money to design a place like this for people to consume alcohol. This place is awe-inspiring, Doug said with amazement as he took in their surroundings.

Well, we are in Las Vegas, at one of the largest hotels on the strip. It doesn’t surprise me that someone would come up with a novel bar concept based on psychology to sell alcohol. It is Sin City, Brian responded.

True, I’m just floored that the designers took into account principles that we use with patients and applied it to this setting. I would never have thought that such intricate planning would be necessary for a bar, a place where people willingly go to get drunk, Doug said.

I say again, take into account what city we are in. And look around you. Many of the faces in here should be somewhat familiar.

Doug looked around the crowded bar and seating area. Now that you mention it, I do recognize a lot of faces from the conference. I guess it’s true, like minds do think alike. While I don’t think this particular bar was created for just our profession, it drew many of us here like moths to a flame, probably out of curiosity.

Yeah, that and the impossible-to-miss electronic displays inviting all the doctors attending the conference to come appreciate a little Contemplation."

I swear, Brian, I didn’t notice any of those ads. Maybe it was subliminal on my part. In any event, we are here, so to hell with how we got here; let’s just enjoy a drink or two and relax. The friends laughed in agreement.

Just as the two friends were enjoying their laugh together, a bartender appeared in front of them. Hi, I’m Amber. Welcome to Contemplation, gentlemen. Are you familiar with our establishment?

When they shook their heads, she pointed out a button on the bar top and explained that they could use it to summon a bartender. They would not be disturbed unless they wanted something. After finishing, she asked, Can I bring you anything to drink or eat? Aside from a full range of beverages, we also offer a full range of menu items. She gave both men menus and waited patiently for them to place their orders.

I’ll have a double single-malt Scotch straight up. Brian, this round is on me. Tell the lady what you want.

Thank you, I’ll have the same. I’ll hold off on the food for a while.

Amber wrote down their orders and left them to their conversation.

So what’s your opinion of this year’s conference? Was it worth it this time? I know you haven’t attended one in a while, Doug asked his friend.

I enjoyed the sessions I attended and meeting other doctors from around the country. I didn’t find this one to be as stuffy as they have been in the past. It’s always interesting to meet other practitioners, but what I found more intriguing is how young many of the attendees seem. It almost made me feel like a dinosaur.

Hell, Brian, we are dinosaurs. You’ve been in practice now, what, thirty years? I’m right behind you at twenty-eight years in practice. Think back to when you first started practicing psychiatry. We were all new kids on the block at one time. We all had different ideas and strategies about how we would help people and change the world for the better. I, for one, am glad to see so many young, enthusiastic doctors on the way up. The world has changed a lot since we left med school.

I know. It’s just that I’m coming to the end of my career and I’ve been thinking about the last ten years of my practice and how violent our society has become. It leaves me wondering if anything I’ve ever done as a psychiatrist has made a bit of difference.

Before Doug could respond, the bartender returned with their drinks.

Two house double single-malt Scotches. Will you gentlemen be starting a tab?

Yes, we will, Amber. We’ll be here for a little while.

Amber placed a drink in front of each of them and asked if they’d like a complementary cigar.

I wasn’t aware smoking was allowed, Doug said.

I didn’t smell or see any smoke when we walked in, Brian added.

Yes, sir, smoking is allowed at the bar and the bar seating area. We have a filtration system for the smoking areas. It sucks up all the smoke within fifty feet of the bar.

Both men looked around the immediate area of the bar and noticed eight patrons smoking cigars.

I’m starting to like this place even more. Yes, Amber, I’ll have a cigar, Doug said.

We feature a different type each week. This week we have Dominicans. Would you like one also? she asked Brian. She opened a box of cigars and presented them.

Why not, I’ll give one a try.

They both thanked her as she struck a match and lit both men’s cigars.

So, Brian, you were saying you’re coming to the end of your career. Don’t start talking about retiring again. You still have a lot of years left in you and the work you’ve done has helped many people, Doug told his friend before puffing on his cigar.

It’s different now Brian responded after taking a drink. "I want to get out while I’m still sane. You work with children and teach at a university. My patients are violent adults, and many are highly disturbed. When I first started down this path, I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to cure people. I thought I could eradicate all mental illness. I know over the years I’ve helped many of my patients, with both counseling and drug therapy, but over the last few years, things have changed for me.

It’s not about the money. My practice has made me a wealthy man. It’s just that I’ve been doing this for a lot of years and I’m burning out. For the last few months now, my desire to retire has been reinforced every time I see a patient. I do what needs to be done to treat their conditions, but beyond that, I just don’t know anymore. I want to enjoy my life now without the pressures of my patients’ needs and leave the medicine to someone else, like the young doctors we mentioned earlier. I think I’ve earned a cozy retirement. Brian looked at his friend and took a drink before he continued.

I’ve done some questionable things during the course of my career, some of which I’m not proud of, all for the well-being of my patients. And my pocket, he thought. At least that’s what I like to tell myself. I just want to get out and put it all behind me. Brian picked up his drink, took a swallow, and then puffed on his cigar. Taking a look at the level of Scotch in the glass, Brian pushed the button to summon the bartender.

Doug, are you ready for another round?

Sure, this Scotch is awesome with the cigar. But back on topic, we’ve had this talk a few times. You can’t quit now. A lot of people out there need your help. I’m sure this casino is full of them. Both men laughed and took a drink.

Seriously though, Brian, there is nothing wrong with feeling like you want to retire and enjoy your life. We’ve both been at this a long time now. Why shouldn’t we accumulate wealth and reap the rewards that come with being successful physicians. We’ve both earned our wealth. I sure as hell don’t feel guilty about being wealthy.

Cutting in when his friend paused to smoke his cigar, Brian said, I don’t necessarily feel guilty. I’d rather be rich than broke any day.

We also agreed to accept the responsibility that came with our profession, but that can become a heavy load on any doctor. At some point, we know it’s time to let it all go and call it quits. As much as I like to kid you about it, buddy, if you’ve made your decision to retire, I’m happy for you. I don’t know how much longer I’m gonna hang around, but I’m still enjoying my work with children.

After I retire, you can hire me on as a consultant, Brian suggested with a grin.

I don’t know if I can afford you; your rates are pretty steep.

Hey, guys, you two ready for another round? Amber asked.

Yes, we’ll have two more Scotches.

Amber took away the empty glasses and replaced them with clean ones. She left momentarily to get the bottle and then poured both men a double of the Scotch they were drinking.

Amber, this is an excellent Scotch. What brand is it? Brian asked as he looked into her eyes. She is a stunning young woman.

This is McCallen. I’m not a Scotch drinker but everyone that tries it says they like it.

McCallen … Brian pondered aloud. I’ll have to get a few bottles of this when I get home.

We do sell liquor by the bottle if you want to buy it from us, Amber informed him.

I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.

Do you gentlemen need anything else right now?

No, I think we’re good for now. Unless you’d like to order some food, Doug?

No, I’m not ready to eat yet. I’m fine. Thank you, Doug replied.

Alright, just hit the buzzer when you’re ready, and I’ll be right over. She smiled and then left to check on other customers.

Noticing how his friend watched Amber as she walked away, Doug mischievously said, Brian, I do think you have a thing for our bartender.

She is a stunning young woman. I might be old, but I’m not blind. And, my friend, I’m not married anymore. Both men laughed.

Brian, I don’t consider sixty old. You’re in great shape for a guy your age. I think that our lovely young bartender would probably take you to the limit though.

I’d enjoy every second of it. They laughed harder and took a drink.

Brian, when you said you’d done some things in your career that you weren’t necessarily proud of, what did you mean? Is this the reason you want to retire so early?

I knew I shouldn’t have mentioned that to Doug. This is not a conversation I want to have with anyone. Let alone my best friend. Brian took a puff off his cigar and then responded to his friend.

It’s just that during the course of my career, I sometimes had to do things that were not pleasant, like having to sign commitment papers to institutionalize someone. Telling family members that a loved one would never be cured no matter what treatments were prescribed. Testifying in court to why someone should or should not be held responsible for the crimes they committed. Knowing that someone’s freedom depended on my testimony has become a horrible burden over the years. These are just a few of the issues that I’m tired of dealing with at this point in my life.

I understand how difficult that can be. As psychiatrists, we have to face that unpleasant reality. I’ve had to deal with those very same issues in my practice as well. It’s never easy. Although I don’t have the degree of experience you do with it, I certainly understand how you feel. I also have to say that doing what your profession requires of you is the responsible thing to do as a physician. Unfortunately, how we feel about a situation is beside the point. We have to do what’s right.

I know, but after a time it gets to you. And when it starts to affect your judgment, it’s time to call it quits, Brian said resolutely.

Nodding, Doug put his hand on his friend’s shoulder and said, Have you given any thought to exactly when you plan on retiring? Will it be this year or sometime next year?

I’m not exactly sure, but I do plan to take a long sabbatical soon. That will help me to put things in perspective. When I return, I’ll have a better idea of when I want to leave permanently, but it will likely be sometime next year. In the meantime, I need to find a qualified doctor to take over my practice when I go on sabbatical.

I’d offer to help you, buddy, but I’m not exactly qualified to deal with your patients, Doug said apologetically.

Don’t think I wasn’t going to ask for your help anyway. I know you’d take over for me if you could, but it would put a heavy burden on you and your own practice. I was hoping to meet a doctor here who could help me out. I went over the convention directory and saw a few names I’m familiar with that would be perfect. Some of them I’ve known for years but they practice in other parts of the country.

Well, my friend, I might be able to help you with your dilemma after all. A Dr. Savage gave a brilliant lecture in one of the seminars I attended on the first day of the conference. His focus is criminal psychiatry. He recently moved to Vegas and hasn’t set up his practice yet. We’ve talked a great deal since the first day of the conference and I think he’d be an excellent replacement for you while you’re on leave.

If he was invited to speak, we know the committee has already verified his credentials. The only problem is finding him now with the conference over. I guess I could use the attending physician directory to track him down. If you think he’s the man I need, I trust your judgment. Now I just have to locate him.

As it turns out, Brian, that won’t be necessary. Look to your right, over by that fountain. See the man sitting with the very attractive woman? That is Dr. Savage. I saw them when they came in.

Brian looked over at the couple. He looks a bit younger than I would have expected. I don’t recall seeing him, but there were so many doctors at the conference, there’s no way I could have met everyone. This could work out. What was his presentation on?

Criminal psychiatry as it relates to traumatic stressors occurring in adolescence. That’s a topic I’m sure you’re very familiar with. Like I said, his insights on the topic were fascinating. How about I send a couple drinks to his table as an introduction?

I think that’s a splendid idea; I wouldn’t want to disturb him and his lady friend. We could stop long enough to introduce ourselves and plan a meeting for a later date.

That sounds like a winner. I tell you, Brian, after you speak with him, you will be more than impressed. I’ll summon the bartender and have her take him whatever their drinking.

A few seconds after the button was pushed, Amber appeared in front of them. Hello, gentlemen, what can I do for you?

I know exactly what I’d like you to do for me, Amber. Brian burned with lust as he looked at Amber.

Amber, you see that couple at the table by the fountain? Doug asked as he discreetly pointed to them. I’d like to buy them a drink. You can tell him it’s from Dr. Carter.

No problem, I’ll take care of it right away.

After placing the order, Doug took one more swallow of his drink and then excused himself to go to the men’s room.

Brian took a puff of his cigar and could not help himself as he watched Amber walk away. Her beautifully rounded ass and curvy hips called to him. His mind filled with images of him and Amber engaging in all manner of sexual acts.

I do enjoy having sex with black women. I would love to spend the night with her. I wonder what it would take to get her to come to my room. She’s a bartender, so she can’t be making a great deal of money, and I have that in abundance. I wonder if that would be enough of an enticement for her. She seems pleasant enough, but I’m sure she’s just doing her job. She may not find old white men attractive, but I certainly find her very alluring. Amber is beautiful and young, but I wonder if she knows how to take care of a man. I wish it were possible for her to be with me now.

He felt himself starting to get hard as he thought about fucking Amber. Brian watched as Amber took Dr. Savage and his guest their drinks. His lust for her grew by the minute. When Amber pointed toward Brian at the bar, he acknowledged Dr. Savage by holding up his now empty glass. Dr. Savage responded by nodding in his direction.

A few seconds later Doug returned to the bar and sat next to his friend.

Doug, Amber has made first contact for us, Brian said and laughed.

Good, how about I go over and invite Dr. Savage to join us for a second? Just long enough to introduce you two.

Just as Doug finished his statement, Dr. Savage stood and walked toward them. When he stopped in front of Doug, he extended his hand and greeted both men.

Hello, Dr. Carter, I just wanted to come over and thank you for the drink.

Hello, Dr. Savage, you are very welcomed. Doctor, I’d like you to meet a good friend and colleague of many years. This is Dr. Brian Fields.

As the introduction was made, Brian stood and shook Dr. Savage’s hand. Good firm grip.

Dr. Savage took note of something he saw in Brian’s eyes when he looked at him. There was something disturbing about this man that he’d seen before.

Hello, Dr. Savage, I am very pleased to meet you. Doug has told me about the seminar you conducted earlier in the week. I must say I’m sorry now that I missed it.

"Please, call me Lou. This evening is a social occasion for us to relax. I’m tired of saying the word ‘doctor.’ All three men laughed, having heard the term enough times over the past week to last a lifetime.

That’s fair enough, and please call me Brian. Lou, we’d like you to join us for a second. I have a proposal I’d like to discuss with you, but I wouldn’t want to interrupt your evening with your guest, Brian stated.

Amber appeared at the bar. Seeing the three men standing together, she asked, Gentlemen, would you like to get a bigger table? I can bring your drinks to you if you’d like to sit somewhere else.

Give us one second, Amber, Brian replied.

She nodded and politely walked a few steps away.

Brian, let me speak with my fiancé for a second and I’ll be right back, Lou said. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind me joining you gentlemen for a bit. This will give her the opportunity to go shopping, which is what she wanted to do anyway. Lou laughed and walked away.

Hey, Brian, now that you two have been introduced, I’m gonna pay my tab and head to my room. I want to see a live Las Vegas show tonight and I have a few other things I need to get done. Why don’t you call me after you speak with Lou and you can join me later?

That sounds good. I’ll let you know how things go. This may work out just fine. And don’t worry, I’ll pick up this tab. You can get me back this evening.

The two friends shook hands and Doug walked away. On his way out, he went past Dr. Savage’s table and waved goodbye to the couple.

Brian sat down, smoked his cigar, and watched as Lou’s fiancée finished her wine. She stood and kissed Lou before leaving the lounge. Dr. Savage watched her reach the door before turning and joining Brian at the bar.

So, Brian, what did you think of this year’s conference? Lou asked.

I found it to be interesting. The seminars I attended were insightful, and as you know, new studies in our field come out every year. Some of which I was familiar with, some I hadn’t heard of. Nevertheless, it was well worth the time. I can’t say I didn’t take anything away from the conference, but I’ve been in this game a lot of years. You know, what I found particularly interesting this year is that the APA made the decision to hold this year’s conference here in Las Vegas.

I believe that was a topic of conversation on many of the breaks throughout the week. I, for one, am glad they did; we both know how dry these things can be. Why not change things up a little from the norm of out-of-the-way, stuffy cities people can’t wait to leave? I’m sure there was a worthwhile incentive for the APA committee to hold the conference here. I’m particularly glad they chose Vegas because I recently moved here. Lou lifted his glass and finished his drink.

On holding the conference here, I have to agree with you, Lou. Brian pushed the button on the bar to summon Amber. As she approached, Brian watched her intently.

Lou lit a cigarette and took note of how Brian gazed at the bartender. This old man is looking at her like he’d like