Chapter 13 - THE CORRUPT VISITOR
The next morning,
a sleek black sedan pulled into the driveway,
its engine idling quietly.
A man wearing a expensive suit and carrying a leather briefcase stepped out,
looking around nervously.
This was Dr. Sergio,
the private psychiatrist Renata had hired to finalize the commitment papers.
Renata rushed to the front door,
welcoming him inside with an eager,
almost desperate energy.
Andrés stepped out of the living room,
his tall frame dominating the hallway as he greeted the visitor.
Dr. Sergio,
thank you for coming on such short notice,
Andrés said,
offering a firm handshake that made the doctor flinch.
I am Captain Robles,
and I am very interested in hearing your professional diagnosis of my mother.
The doctor cleared his throat,
adjusting his glasses as he looked toward Renata for silent support.
Yes,
well,
Captain,
your wife has kept me well informed of the situation,
the doctor stammered.
From what she describes,
Mrs. Teresa is suffering from an advanced,
irreversible psychotic break.
She represents a clear danger to herself,
and institutionalization is the only logical course of action.
Andrés smiled,
a cold,
predatory expression that made the doctor’s posture stiffen.
I see,
doctor,
and have you actually examined her yourself,
or are you basing this entirely on my wife’s words,
he asked.
Because as an investigator,
I prefer to see primary evidence before signing my name to a permanent verdict.
Renata stepped between them,
her voice sharp with a sudden,
defensive anger.
Andrés,
how can you question a licensed specialist like Dr. Sergio,
she demanded.
I have spent months dealing with her madness while you were safe with your regiment.
Andrés did not look at her,
keeping his intense gaze locked entirely on the nervous doctor.
Let us go upstairs together,
doctor,
May you like
and see exactly what kind of madness we are dealing with today,
he suggested.
