Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 2

gleaming surface. "I can see why Oberon wants to meet him. I would be intrigued as well. I take it he's well-endowed enough to satisfy you. I could also prescribe certain procedures to help things along, if there's any trouble. After all, these quarterly visits with Oberon can hardly satisfy such a virile young man as yourself, Constable. And rest assured, Oberon will never leave here except in a box."
    Sam stiffened. If he didn't turn this conversation, the rest of this meeting was absolutely going to disintegrate into chaos. He turned to Bobby. "Set the hatbox on Dr. Rustenberg's desk, please. Let's show him the gift we've brought him."
    He saw Rustenberg's pale eyes light up with avariciousness. How could any man such as him be of help to the men incarcerated down here? It seemed to Sam that the good alienist was just as mad as his charges. Perhaps more so.
    Rustenberg got unsteadily to his feet. He untied the ribbons on the box and lifted the lid. His eyes seemed to glow as he stared at the items inside. He reached inside to stroke the contents, circling around the top hat. "Lovely. Quite lovely." He glanced over at Sam. "You've been very generous."
    "As have you, Doctor. The special request to allow my companion to accompany me is most appreciated. And the privacy you've assured as well."
    "Oh yes… yes. Any time, if this is the reward for such… generosity."
    Sam nodded in acknowledgment.
    Rustenberg put the top back on the box and then set the box on the floor next to his chair. He glanced up at the door as a loud rap against the metal echoed loudly. The alienist smiled. "I believe Dr. Ophelian is ready for your visit, Constable. You will have until the chimes ring four bells. Then, as usual, you will leave promptly."
    "Of course. I'm fully aware of the rules."
    "Good. Oh, the boy's papers. You have them for me? He won't be able to accompany you farther without them. He could stay here and keep me company, of course."
    "Hardly necessary, Doctor." Sam pulled the packet of forged documents from the inside pocket of his coat. He held them out to Dr. Rustenberg. Rustenberg untied the folder and spread the papers out upon his desk. He picked up the spectacles and affixed them to the bridge of his nose, winding the slender curved-wire frame to curl around his ears, and then he closely scanned the papers. Perhaps he was not quite so inept as Sam surmised.
    Rustenberg nodded. "Yes, all seems in order. Though I would have enjoyed visiting with the boy."
    "Bobby comes with me."
    Rustenberg carefully removed his glasses and set them on top of the papers. He then eyed Sam. He laughed. "Not what you think, Constable. I've been incapable of that for quite some time. Too much fondness for some of the medical equipment, and drugs, used to contain our patients. It has rendered me quite incapable of either performing or enjoying that sort of… communion. I simply would enjoy having an opportunity to peek into his psyche. It's been a long time since I've had an opportunity to converse with a man of sane mental processes. It would provide something of a change."
    "My apologies, Dr. Rustenberg. I believe Dr. Ophelian has waited impatiently to meet Bobby. I wouldn't want to make him wait longer than necessary."
    "Of course. Again, enjoy your visit. I hope the three of you find it more than satisfactory."
    Sam grabbed Bobby by the arm and exited Dr. Rustenberg's office. He couldn't get out of there fast enough for his peace of mind. They followed the guard to the very dredges of the facility. Oberon was kept under very tight security. As they arrived at the door, Sam reached into the deep pocket of his coat and pulled out another package of dope. He handed it to the guard.
    "As usual. Privacy."
    "There's one more of you," the guard said. In other words, he expected more than the usual payment of dope.
    Sam grinned. "You'll find double your usual asking price inside the sack."
    The guard grinned toothlessly. "That's more like it. We oughtta have more visitors like you, Constable. You make it a real pleasure doing business. Most haggle over the price. But not you. You're a real gentleman about the situation. Knowing you so good, we tried not to be too hard on the mad doc, but enthusiasm does tend to get the better of us sometimes. It may take a bit to get him going right and settle him down after his… therapy."
    Inside, Sam was fuming. Terrible thoughts ran through his head. Knowing he had to get Oberon out of here, but, on the