THE NEW SIXTH SENSE #13

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE # 13 Doctor Johnathan Rhoades, medical doctor, and licensed psychiatrist. A man who DARES to look PAST the obvious, and discover what is at the HEART, of patients conditions. The following is case-file number 13, of Doctor Rhoades highly unusual approach to treatment, of mental disorders. "According to the file, sent to me, by Doctor Madsen, the case seemed quite baffling. In summary, a man, who was thirty years old, with a wife, and three children, had, for some, unknown, reason, regressed to his own childhood. The man claimed he was a grade-schooler, and has no, apparent, memory, of either being employed, or having a family. The enclosed note would state: "Doctor Rhoades, this facility is enlisting your assistance with a condition, which we are at a loss to understand. While it can be factually proven that injuries, to the head, may cause amnesia, the patient referred to, within, has been found to have no such injuries. In fact, our staff are at a loss, to explain the condition. This is why we have requested your intervention. Your work, with psychiatric patients, has yielded positive results. Results which, granted, are difficult to quantify, however, improvement, of patients conditions, are impossible to dispute." While Doctor Johnathan Rhoades would note "Until I meet the patient, I am un-sure, of the diagnosis, but the fact that a man does not recognize his own family, AND he believes that he is a grade-schooler, leads me to question what event might have lead to his condition. I will offer no conjecture, at this point. I have, only, agreed to review the patient, at the request of his attending physician." While the hospital facility had offered to send a "courtesy" car (limo), and driver, to collect Doctor Rhoades, at the local airport, Doctor Rhoades would decline this offer, stating "I will accept a rental car. Nothing fancy. Nothing flashy." Upon arrival, at the airport, Doctor Rhoades would appreciate the fact that the hospital had followed his directions. The rental car was ready, and the hospital had e-mailled directions, to the facility. (Doctor Rhoades preferred driving his own car, since, this way, if he wanted to make "side-trips", there would be no driver, to question the doctors intentions) Upon arrival, at a place which Doctor Rhoades thought resembled more of a public school, than a hospital, and would ask, at the front desk "Doctor Johnathan Rhoades. Am I in the right place?" The receptionist would say "Dont let the exterior fool you. This IS a hospital." After that, the woman would say "Doctor Rhoades, if you will follow me, please." As the two walked the corridor, Doctor Rhoades would be amazed at how closely this hospitals design did, in fact, match that, of a public school. Even down to the lockers, built into the walls, and the classroom doors. To Doctor Rhoades amazement, the receptionist stopped at a door where the word BIOLOGY had been, partially, covered by the name plaque, of the hospital director. After the receptionist announced Doctor Rhoades, then departed the room, it seems that the director observed as Doctor Rhoades watched the dooor, marked BIOLOGY LAB, close, on slow, soft, hydraulic, hinges. When the director would call out "I am certain that you are baffled, or confused, by these surroundings. At the start, so was I." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Is this a hospital, or a..." The administrator would say "I will admit that even I had a time, becoming accustomed, to these surroundings. You see, Doctor Rhoades, I attended high school, in this very building, many years ago. Coming back has brought back very bad memories, even for me." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Such as?" The director would say "Believe it or not, in my own, school, days, I was one of those who "Did not "fit". Since I refused to fight/kill, for what I wanted, I was driven OUT, just as many other people are driven OUT, of school, each year, by those who refuse to let students live in peace. Yes, I remember the times, when faculty turned backs, on student violence. Some, of my class-mates were "animals", in the truest sense of the word". When Doctor Rhoades would ask "If that is true, WHY did you return?" The director would say "Budget cuts. We HAD a regular hospital, then the decision was made, to begin cutting expenses. First, we tried cutting staff, but that was not enough, for the board. They wanted MORE reductions." When Doctor Rhoades would say "I am listening." The director would say "We made every reduction, possible, but it was not enough for the board. What even I did not know, until later, was that the board wanted to tear down the hospital, to build another casino." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why a public school?" The director would say "Simple. No one WANTED this land. The casino only wanted the hospital land. This is why we had to move patients, staff, and supplies, into this OLD building. Odd thing is, even when we installed the same security, which the board said was "too expensive", for the old place, the SAME board was willing to foot the entire bill, for this building." When Doctor Rhoades would say "I dont understand. I saw plenty of vacant land, on my way in. WHY did the board insist upon the hospital property?" The director would say "Not the boards decision. The casino WANTED our land." Doctor Rhoades would say "So you have to "make do", while gamblers make money." The director woulld say "To quote the city council, as closely as possible "Gambling means revenue. Plenty of revenue. Hospitals, not so much."" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Where is the patient you contacted me about?" The director would look at his watch, and say "Right now, he is in play-time." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Have you found any reason for his regression, of thirty years time?" The director would say "So far, all tests are negative. If I did not know better, I would suggest that he was/is trying to escape some-one, or some-thing. The question is: WHAT is it that drove a grown man back into his childhood?" Doctor Johnathan Rhoades would spend the next few weeks reviewing patient records, and interviewing people, in the mans life. According to the mans wife "I just cant understand it. Until recently, I thought everything was fine. Sure, we were not "rich", but we had what we needed. I THOUGHT we were happy. I just dont understand where my husband has gone." The same proved true, of his employer. "Sure the guy was human. He was, never, any trouble. Sometimes, AFTER work, he had a few drinks, with co-workers, but I dont recall him being drunk, even once. I just dont get how a man, who loved his job, and his family, could do this." Most of the patients friends agreed, as well. While no one would say that the man was an "angel", none had any really bad comments, either. The question, which Doctor Rhoades faced, at every turn, was "What/Why would a man turn, mentally, into a child?" Doctor Rhoades first "lead" would involve some women, who "visited" town, from time to time. While no one, really, SPOKE, of the women, atleast one source would suggest "If you want to know, more, about the girls, be at this location, at 1 a.m." (Then, the source handed the doctor a slip of paper.) That night, at 1 a.m., Doctor Rhoades, armed with a camcorder, would take video, of the "girls" giving the men hallucinagenic drugs. Once the men, un-knowingly, ingested the drugs, it allowed the girls to convince the men that the men had attacked, and raped, the girls. The one thing that the girls did not count upon was Doctor Rhoades. While the girls went off, drinking, to celebrate the fact that they had convinced a group, of men, that the men had raped the girls, and that the girls would only remain silent, if the men PAID, BIG time. Doctor Rhoades would deliver the video footage, to the police, who would, then , issue warrants, for the girls arrests. As a detective informed Doctor Rhoades "In MY opinion, the charge, of date-rape should NOT be restricted, to women. Just try to gain any backing, for that position. No one wants to think that women can attack men." Problem was that, breaking up this ring did nothing to solve the case that Doctor Rhoades had been asked to consult upon. The question of "What could make a man lose 30 years of his life?" When Doctor Rhoades would hypnotize the man, with his normal questions, Doctor Rhoades would be curious enough to ask both doctors, and the police, "WHAT is this place, called the "Haunted Woods"?" Everyone told the doctor "It is just an old, fire-side, story. Just a "once upon a time" story." When Doctor Rhoades would suggest "I would like to visit this place, IF it exists." To Doctor Rhoades astonishment, neither hospital workers, nor police, wanted to go anywhere near the "Haunted Woods". When Doctor Rhoades would bring up a map, on his laptop computer, a detective would say "I will show you where it is, BUT, only on your word, that you will not mention this, to anyone." Two hours later, with the sun just dusking the horizon, Doctor Rhoades would come to understand WHY locals called this place the "Haunted Woods". As the sun dipped low, to the horizon, Doctor Rhoades noticed how easily the woods began to take on "human" forms. Add in the normal sounds, of night creatures, coming out to play, and the doctor could understand why almost anyone could become afraid of this place. The "edge", that Doctor Rhoades had, was the fact that, with his medical, and psychological, training, the doctor was focused on finding FACTS, not fairy tales. This is why, when "things" began moving about the woods, Doctor Rhoades would peer, through his "third eye", to back up his normal eye-sight. The doctor had to suppress a laugh, atleast twice, when he THOUGHT he viewed two, nude, females, trapsing through the woods. (In towns, like this, being nude, in public, would be considered "sacriledge") The doctor, then, suprressed a smile, when he came upon a foot, in a shoe. (The smile was because the doctor had, recently, aided a family member, who wanted to find such a gimmick, for their own front yard, on Halloween.) Doctor Rhoades had assisted the family, in locating the prop, which was made out of plastic. The "blood" was just red paint. Now, in the dark, if a person were, already, scared, the foot would look real. Doctor Rhoades would have wondered how many more Halloween props he would find, in these woods, until he found what appeared to be a severed mans "shaft", still embedded inside a womans female part. While the prop would look convincing, to an un-trained observer, it took Doctor Rhoades just five minutes to confirm the fake. The "body parts" were made of rubber, and the "blood" was just wet paint. The same would be true when, later, the doctor would find a dis-membered female body, in a clearing. While Doctor Rhoades would find all of this humorous, he doubted that any of this would scare a grown man back, into his childhood. What, eventually, shook even the doctor, however, was the vision, of Satan. A tall, dark, double-horned, image, complete with blood red eyes, and clawed hands, like movie monsters. This image was the best, yet. While the doctor was certain that the "fog", around the base of the creature was from a fog machine, what impressed the doctor, most of all, was when the "creature" spewed flame, from its mouth. This, while, from somewhere, would come the dis-embodied voice, of a man, half-whispering "You will be MINE!" For some reason, at that moment, an image came into the doctors mind. An image, of demons, dancing around a fire-pit, while Satan watched over the proceedings. In less than a minute, Doctor Rhoades shrugged off the images, as he remembered Walt Disneys classic movie: Fantasia. The images, which the doctor was "viewing" were from the segment, labelled "Night on Bald Mountain". This is when Doctor Rhoades would rationalize "I saw the "creature", and it reminded me of the movie. Its as simple as that." With the vision cast aside, Doctor Rhoades would set off, in the direction, wher he had "seen" the "demon". Doctor Rhoades wanted to know WHO had accomplished such a task. And so life-like, as well. While Doctor Rhoades was certain that the mock-up was twenty feet tall, and seven feet wide, no matter how far he searched, the doctor could not find the prop. It was not until the doctor returned to the trail, that the "voices", finally came. The voices, which the patient had mentioned, under hypnosis. The voices others had mentioned. FINALLY, the voices were calling out, to the doctor. Was Doctor Rhoades "spooked", when the voices called him, by name? Why should he be. The town KNEW that he was a doctor, and in town, to treat a patient. When the "voices" would begin to say "You are MINE! You cannot escape." Doctor Rhoades would mention "IF you want to make an appointent, to TALK, with me, one-on-one, then call my office. I dont hold therapy sessions, in the woods." Even when the "voices" called out "Johnathan Rhoades, you have seen me. You belong to me, now. You cannot escape. Johnathan Rhoades, we KNOW that you have worked with us before." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Where? When? Who?" The "voice" would say "Johnathan Rhoades, you will, never, leave this place, alive." Doctor Rhoades would say "Oh, really. Watch me!". While the doctor was turned around, for a moment, when he activated his "third eye", this showed him the way back to his car. On the way back, to his car, Doctor Rhoades observed images, of such things as sex-orgies, and human sacrifice. The doctor, however, was tired, and wanted to return to his quarters, for a nights sleep. This is why he ignored all of the images. The next day, at a meeting, with the police, and the hospital director, Doctor Rhoades would point out both the creativity, and, increasingly, boring, nature, of the display. As Doctor Rhoades would state "After all, a few, dis-membered, body parts is one thing. Those orgies were a bit of overkill, and those voices. No doubt from hidden speakers. What I want to know is WHO came up with the idea, for that demon?" Annoyance had to be held, at bay, while those, around the doctor, semed to display a look of "What demon?" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Dont be dis-illusioned. I saw the demon. It was most impressive. About twenty feet tall, seven feet wide, fog, about its base, and those double horns. A real work of art, if you ask me. Just wondering "WHO pulled off that muzzle flame effect. That must have cost a LOT of money." When no one would admit to the demon, Doctor Rhoades was asked "IF you heard the voices, then WHY are you here, and calm as ever?" Doctor Rhoades would say "If you will remember, I am a trained psychiatrist. I KNOW a trick, when I hear it." When the chief of police would ask "What trick?" Doctor Rhoades would say "Come, now. Let us be reasonable. There are speakers, in the woods. Either wired to a sound system, or by wireless conrtol. Does not matter. That part about "You will not escape", and "You are MINE!" I think that was a bit over-the-top, dont you?" When the others looked un-certain, Doctor Rhoades would say "You can trust me. I am a doctor. Confidentiality is my "stock-and-trade"." When no one would come forth, during the meeting, Doctor Rhoades went on his OWN search. This time, for special effects equipment, and weather-proof speakers. When local stores reported no such sales, Doctor Rhoades would have an internet partner do a discreet search. Doctor Rhoades wanted to know WHO came up with that demon, and HOW were the speakers rigged. While waiting for the internet reply, Doctor Rhoades would investigate the area, by day. IF nothing else, he wanted to found out WHERE the speakers were mounted, and HOW the "demon" had been mounted, to the ground, for it to stand so erect. Doctor Rhoades felt certain that he would find SOME kind of base, or foundation, which the demon had stood upon. By the time a full days search yielded no more than the plastic/rubber body parts, Doctor Rhoades would wonder WHY, if the gag was so good, that the parts were removed, after his experience? By the evening, Doctor Rhoades would return to his quarters, only to find a message, saying that the internet search yielded no such sales, except to Hollywood, in recent years. No, whatever the doctor had seen, it was home-made. Still, it HAD been impressive. When Doctor Rhoades had suggested a search party, to enter the woods, after dark, he noticed that none, of the locals, would go near the place, from dusk to dawn. Since Doctor Rhoades was determined to PROVE that the "demon" was just a special effect", and that the voices were just speakers, he would collect a pair, of night-vision glasses, then return, to the "Haunted Woods", again, on his own. While the doctor was certain that the "voices" had emerged from a speaker system, an after-dark search yielded no better results than the daytime search had. When the voices DID come, what they had not planned for was for the doctor to be "armed" with acoustic detection equipment. Basically, a hand-held meter, which would lead the doctor to the source, of any sound, which the meter detected. What baffled Doctor Rhoades was how, everytime he came close, to the source, of the sounds, they changed position. The doctor wondered how this could be possible, UNLESS the operator had one of those switching devices. As expensive as the devices were, this lead to the question of "WHY spend so much money trying to make a place appear haunted?" After spending hours, chasing the voices, Doctor Rhoades would call out "I am taking a dinner break. If you want to join me, just bring your own snacks." Being a professional psychiatrist, Doctor Rhoades knew which sounds to block out, as he sat to eat his meal. So far, though, he had tracked the voices, to seventeen, different, locations, yet found no speakers. Maybe an hour, before sun-rise, the doctor would just be preparing to pack his gear, and call it "quits", when the demon decided to appear. When the device called out "Calling it quits, so easily? My, I had hoped you would be better at this." When Doctor Rhoades would say "Whoever you are, it has been a LONG night. I am going home, to rest. If you want to play this game, meet me, here, at sun-set." To Doctor Rhoades surprise, the "demon" blew a wall, of fire, in front of the doctor, then, when the doctor turned back to the creature, he noticed it had its clawed hands at its side. While Doctor Rhoades would say "Most impressive. You must be very popular, especially at childrens parties." The doctor was surprised when the creature would say "I am prohibited, from preying on children. I am sure that you know the rule. Children are under "God's" protection, until the age of twelve." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "IS THAT why you have been preying on adults? Robbing them of thier lives, and memories?" The demon would say "That is correct. Adults have no such protection. Their actions are under their control." With dawn approaching, Doctor Rhoades would ask "WHY did you rob my patient of thirty years of his life?" To Doctor Rhoades surprise, the demon looked at the coming dawn, saying "Mortal, if it is answers you seek, meet me, here, at nightfall." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why nightfall? Why not now?" Doctor Rhoades realized the reason when, to his dis-belief, as the sun rose, the demon would dissolve into the mist, of dawn. Not one shred, of evidence, left behind. What some might call even more "bizzarre" was the fact that the "wall", of flames, which had cut off the doctors exit, from the woods, dissolved, just as the demon dissolved. When Doctor Rhoades looked behind himself, he saw two, police, officers, looking stunned, even as Doctor Rhoades would notice that, what HAD been flaming wood, now showed NO signs, of fire, at all. The woods were back to normal, and the junior officer was left to ask the senior "How do we report this, sir?" Doctor Rhoades was not one bit surprised when the senior officer would ask "Report what?" With morning now upon the three, the officers would drive Doctor Rhoades back to his car, then return to police headquarters. (This, after all three had agreed "Without any PROOF, we have nothing to file a report on.") In Doctor Rhoades own notes, he referred to the creature as an "un-indentified source". Later, that day, Doctor Rhoades would ask the patient "When you were in the woods, did the voices say "You are MINE!", and "There is no escape"? When the patient looked at the doctor, Doctor Rhoades KNEW what the answer was. It was not until the doctor put the man into a deep trance, that more information was made available. It would seem that the man HAD heard the voices, AND seen the "demon". As the patient said, under hypnosis: "I remembered that the only time, in life, when one is safe, from evil, is during childhood. This is where I chose to be safe." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What of your family? What will become, of them, without you?" The patient actually wept as he said "I just dont know. What am I to do?" Over the next couple of hours, Doctor Rhoades would bring the man, slowly, back to the present. When the man asked "What can I do? The demon said I belong to it." Doctor Rhoades would say "Thats funny. The voices, and the demon, said the same thing, to ME, yet here I am, in our session." When the patient would ask "HOW did YOU escape it?" Doctor Rhoades would explain "It is not so much what people SAY, which matters. It is what you BELIEVE, that matters. Since I do not believe that the demon can harm me, it is powerless, against me." When the patient would ask "Can you teach ME this skill?" Doctor Rhoades would ask "What is the most important thing, in your life?" When the patient did not even skip a heart-beat, saying "My family." Doctor Rhoades would say "Then focus on THEM. Let nothing else be more important than taking care of them." Since Doctor Rhoades KNEW it would take a few moments, for this information to "sink in", he sat, silent, as the man stood, walked to a window, looked at the outside world, then looked at the doctor, saying "I am ready to face my demons." That evening, after dinner, doctor, and patient, took a drive, to the "Haunted Woods". (A police car would travel just behind, in case of "trouble") Doctor Rhoades was relieved when the "demon" kept its promise, and appearred, just as night fell, on the woods. Doctor Rhoades could not help but feel impressed by how much this "demon" resembled the dragon, from "Sleeping Beauty". (That is, except for the double set of horns.) It is when the demon pointed at the patient, saying "You are MINE!", that the man remained silent, as Doctor Rhoades would ask "What claim do you lay, upon this person?" When the demon would growl "You are, BOTH, MINE!" Doctor Rhoades would, again, ask "Under what LAW do you make this claim?" When the demon would spout flame, and some of the woods seemed to catch fire, Doctor Rhoades would say "Nice, special effect. It, still, does not answer my question." This is when the patient would join in, asking "Yeah, big and ugly. What claim DO you lay, upon us?" When the demon would ask "You DARE challenge me?", the men would, as one, say "We dare." In what seemed like a very LONG, and extended, moment, the demon seemed to rub a clawed hand across its "chin", then make an "um" sound, before saying "You know, I dont think the two of you are WORTH my effort. I have other, more obedient, creatures, to deal with." With this, the demon would stretch out its wings, and take flight. As it did, the flames, of the forest, dissolved, and left the men standing in the dark, of night. Soon, after this, and like puffs of smoke, large and small, whisps began rising from the ground, flying/floating, into the sky. This action put Doctor Johnathan Rhoades, into remembrance, of the cartoon feature. The one where, after the party is concluded, and with dawn approaching, the spirits returned to their graves. (The only thing missing was the classic, Disney, music). When the man would ask "Doc, do you think its over?" Doctor Rhoades would say "As long as you have your priorities, I forsee no more problem." After two more weeks, of "observation", the man was ruled "safe". Doctor Rhoades would remain long enough to see the family re-united. In concluding his case-file notes, Doctor Rhoades would state "It continues to astonish me how WE, as people, create our own, worst, nightmares. We fear the dark, for the same reason why we fear mountains, rivers, and so on. We FEAR what we do not control. It is only when patients are empowered, to re-take control, of their lives, that "progress" is made. A man, who thought his only defense, against "evil", was the defense, of childhood, has been re-united with his family, and his community. Only time will tell if the therapy is, truly, lasting.

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE # 12

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE # 11 Doctor Johnathan Rhoades, medical doctor, and licensed psychiatrist. A man who DARES to look PAST the obvious, and discover what is at the HEART, of patients conditions. The following is case-file number 12, of Doctor Rhoades highly unusual approach to treatment, of mental disorders. "In what I can only describe as a "vision", I find my spirit interacting with a mans spirit. In this "other realm", I find that this man, who is, obviously, distressed, is almost begging me to prove that his friend killed him. Motive: The spirit insists that the killer wanted his wife for himself. A woman whom, according to the spirit, would not consider the man, as a lover, while her husband lived. How much of this is FACT, I have no clue. All that I know is that the mans spirit is determined not to let his friend take his wife, over his corpse. Upon awakening, I have checked with a collegue, who has been treating the woman, for the distress, of being a widow. My collegue has invited me to review the case. While I am un-certain how much relief I can provide a spirit, I am hopeful that my services might aid the widow, with her grief. As I review the case-file, I have noticed that, while the widow is in distress, she has NOT entered a psychiatric observation ward. In fact, according to her attending physician, the widow, a woman, named Tracey, is "Handling her mourning with a great deal of restraint. She seems to be on the path of "LIfe goes on". Not un-reasonable for a spouse, who handled finances, during a spouses life." Doctor Rhoades would remain relieved that, when he arrived, in town, that the widows doctor met Doctor Rhoades, at the airport, and made formal introductions, when the two doctors reached Tracey's home. Not that the home was elegant. It was, actually, more of a large condominium, than anything else. My first observation was that the home seemed "middle class", all the way. NO fancy chandeliers, cut crystal, or imported china. My second observation was that, while her husband is deceased, it does not seem to be a pressing issue, for the widow to remove the couples photo's from the home. Their wedding photo's, as well as other photos, remained on display. My third observation was that the widow had, yet, to remove her wedding ring. My forth observation, was the fact that, more often than not, Tracey spoke of her husband in the flesh-and-blood present tense, only to correct herself, when asked. Once Tracey's doctor had made the introductions, and some, polite conversation, his beeper went off, and he used Tracey's phone to call in. It was after the doctor departed that Tracey asked me "Has Steve been to see you, as well?" When I would mention "Yes, he has. What has he said, to you?" Tracey would say "When he appears to me, he makes wild accusations, about his friend, Peter." When I would ask "What accusations?" Tracey would ask "This is confidential, isn't it?" When I would mention "Absolutely." Tracey would say "I dated Peter, for a short while, before marrying Steve. Steve remained suspicious, of Peter, even after we were married." When I would ask "Why was that?" Tracey would say "There was one time, when Peter was having a hard time. After I left him, he took up, with another woman. When this woman not only broke up, with him, but she took all, of his possessions, she could carry, to pawn." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What happened?" Tracey would say "Peter needed a friend, to talk to. I mean, there we were, on the COUCH. Not even in bed. One moment, we were talking and, the next, his hands were inside my top, as we shared a kiss. I admit that I was thinking of the past. This is when my husband walked in, and found us." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What did Steve do?" Tracey would say "He ordered Peter out of the house, and never to come near me, or our home, again." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How did Peter take this?" Tracey would say "He looked more confused, than anything. He did obey Steve's demand, to leave our home, though." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What happened, then?" Tracey would say "My husband did the oddest thing. He told me that I had to CHOOSE between him, and Peter. Can you believe that?" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What happened to Peter?" Tracey would say "I saw him, downtown, at the mall. While he told me that he was not one bit sorry, for "feeling me up, or kissing me", he did admit that his timing was off. He told me he should have waited until my husband was away." When Doctor Rhoades asked "Did Peter give you any reason, for this?" Tracey would say "Peter told me that, while he would NOT apologize, for wanting me, that his real reason, for calling on me, was to find out how a woman would act, with things she stole, from a man." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What did you tell him?" Tracey would say "While I did NOT mention his actions, I DID tell him of a fence, who handled stolen merchandise." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "May I ask..." Tracey would say "I am no more an "angel" than the next woman. This is why I told Peter that, IF a woman took his stuff, it had been fenced and that, by the time he asked me, about it, his property would be across state lines, and un-trace-able." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How did the meeting end?" Tracey would say "For all of Peters faults, including drugs, and alcohol, his carress, and kiss, when sober, were the stuff of my dreams. This is why, when he embraced me, and kissed me, I did not resist." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "I thought you were married." Tracey would say "Married: Yes. A "prisoner": No. I believe in the concept, of marriage, as a bond, NOT as shackles, between a man and woman." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How did Steve feel about this?" Tracey would say "He HAD to know. We discussed it, before we married. I wanted to make certain that my new husband was okay with my "having other men", in my life." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Did Peter visit your home, again?" Tracey would say "While my husband kept suggesting it, I will tell you, right now. Peter NEVER entered our home, again." Doctor Rhoades considered asking Tracey if she had been to Peters home, but decided not to. This since, similar to another, past, patient, who had dated one man, then married another, had informed Doctor Rhoades, in confidence, "Ofcourse, I visited his home. I TOLD you. We DATED." That seemed a womans standard defense, when asked about visiting men. If the woman had "visited" the man, there would be D.N.A. placing her at the scene. Not WHEN she had been at the scene. Just that she had been there. Doctor Rhoades had seen this, before. While, on television, it was claimed that D.N.A. could tell everything from when the last time was, that a person had sex, to what position they referred sex in, real life was much different. In REAL life, all that D.N.A. could prove was that someone had been present, at SOME point. The only way to prove that D.N.A. was recent, was if it remained moist. Once it had been absorbed, into fabric, all it could "tell" was that a person had visited. Sure, FRESH D.N.A. could give a persons "signature", just as well as a finger-print. The problem was that the sample HAD to be FRESH. Even Doctor Rhoades knew of people, who "got off", on various charges, due to the fact that, while their D.N.A. was found, at crime scenes, if the D.N.A. was not "fresh", it was not allowed in court. This is why Doctor Rhoades did not bother asking Tracey about visiting Peters place. Tracey would add "Just so you know, doctor, I checked Peters "alibi". He was out, on a date, with a woman. Credit card receipts put the couple at a drive-thru window, at the time when Steve was, supposedly, killed." Tracey would, then add "Just so we understand one another. After Steve died, Peter only contacted me ONE time. His suggestion was that we keep more than our usual distance, until Steve's killer is found." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How did you respond?" Tracey said "While Peter and I remain FRIENDS, I agreed to his deal." When Doctor Rhoades would ask Tracey "just HOW does Steve come to you? Dreams? Spirits?" Tracey would say "Both. He is just so annoying." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "In what way?" Tracey would say "While Steve continues to insist that Peter killed him, so I could be with Peter, what really annoys me are the times when Steve "looks" me right in the face, saying "You ARE having SEX with him, now, aren't you." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How do you respond to this accusation?" Tracey would say "This will sound stupid. Maybe even insane, but, a few times, I have, actually, tried to slap his face." When Doctor Rhoades would say "Doesn't sound crazy. You said Sometimes. What do you do, at other times?" Tracey would smile as she said "Doc, would you believe it. When I get mad enough, I ask him "If you dont believe me, why dont you divorce me?" Then I have to think about the fact that I am talking to something, not human. I mean, CAN a ghost get a divorce?" Doctor Rhoades would say "As far as I know, the wedding vows say "Till DEATH do us part. I THINK that means that, now that he is dead, you are "free"." Tracey would be quick to say "Not as long as the investigation remains open. Until the police captured the person, who did this. I just dont understand WHY Steve INSISTS the it was Peter." The day after Doctor Rhoades met with Tracey, a neighbor e-mailled Tracey a newspaper article, which showed Peter leaving a motel. The pictured showed him with a woman who seemed very similar to Tracey. The accompanying message read: I thought you were going to bed, last night. What were you doing out, with Peter? While Tracey e-mailled her neighbor, saying "I have no idea who that woman is. Why dont you try asking Peter WHO he was with?" Tracey found herself growing annoyed, when the police stopped by, to ask HER whereabouts, the previous night. This, since the police were neither the first, nor the last, to ask Tracey these questions. Tracey DID notice that, when Peter was asked, on television, about the woman, Peter, flatly, denied it was Tracey. "Tracey was the wife of a friend. Until his murder is solved, my FRIEND, and I, have agreed to keep our distance. The woman, I was with, was NOT Tracey." As for Doctor Rhoades, his research was showing that none, of the three, had been "angels". Early in life, they had been no different from any other teens. Tracey had the "cleanest", criminal, record, of the three. While Tracey had, in fact, used drugs, during youth, she only use when offered. There were NO records of her purchasing. Her only convictions were for "possession". Steve's record was not quite so "perfect". Five convictions, for "possession", and two, for purchasing. He had been sentenced to "youth detox", then to a state work-camp. This, for breaking into homes, while home owners were gone. (He had not been smart enough to wipe away his finger-prints, from things he touched.) Doctor Rhoades could see why Tracey left Peter, for Steve. Peter had a record which, if he was brought into court, and convicted, even on a misdemeanor, he was in for life-without parole, under "Three Strikes and your OUT!" law. Peters record included "possession", purchasing, breaking-and-entering, as well as assault. Peter had been willing to do anything, even killing, for his habit. He did not "wise up", and clean up, until three months after he got sober, only to find that Tracey had left him, and married Steve. While the record showed that Steve had chased Peter away, from the couples residence, with a baseball bat, the record, also, showed that, while awaiting his hearing, when Tracey answered his request, for an audience, Peter had asked Tracey "IF I had not been an addict, would we, still, be together?" Tracey is recorded as having said "We cannot change the past." After visiting Peter, in his cell, and having the police ask the same question, Tracey had said "IF he had sought help, BEFORE, who knows. I might be HIS wife, now." When Doctor Rhoades reflected upon this, he realized "Still not a motive, for murder. WHY is Steve so insistent that Peter killed him?" When Doctor Rhoades next saw Steve's spirit (and the spirit DEMANDED that Peter had murdered him, just to lay claim to Tracey), Doctor Rhoades would ask the spirit "How can you be so sure? Did you see his FACE? Did you recognize his voice? After Shave? Tell me, HOW do you KNOW it was Peter?" When Steve would say "Now that I am a spirit, there is nothing to stop Peter from "moving in", on Tracey." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Based upon what?" Steve's spirit would insist "I SAW them, making out, in public. I SAW them!" When Doctor Rhoades corrected the spirit, asking "How do you know that the couple was not just sharing a "Thank You" moment?" Steve's spirit would growl "I SAW them!" Realizing that Steve's spirit had made its decision, regardless of available information, Doctor Rhoades would visit Peter (whom, Doctor Rhoades found, WAS under investigation, in regards to Steve's death). Doctor Rhoades would learn of police interest, in Peter, when the doctor checked in, for any additional information, on the death of Steve. When a detective would mention "We have had Peter under surveillance, since the death of Steve." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "May I ask the connection?" The detective would say "We found Tracey's D.N.A. at Peter's place." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Fresh D.N.A.?" The detective would say "Forensics is analyzing it as we speak." When Doctor Rhoades would change tacts, asking "Detective, how much trouble was there, between Steve and Peter?" When the detective would ask "How do you mean?" Doctor Rhoades would ask "I mean, after Peter found out that his woman left him, for a "sober" man. How much trouble did the men have, over Tracey?" When the detective would say "If you mean police calls, there were none." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "IF there is no history?" The detective cautioned the doctor "I SAID there were no disturbance calls. I, never, said there was no trouble." When Doctor Rhoades would say "I am confused." The detective would say "After Tracey married Steve, she was SEEN, with Peter, in public, more than once." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Doing what?" The detective would ask "DO I have to spell it out, doc? They were seen, in PUBLIC." When Doctor Rhoades would say "With apologies, detective, I am afraid that, in this case, you WILL have to "spell it out", for me." When the detective would say "They were SEEN, together." Doctor Rhoades would ask "Are you implying that the two people were viewed going into, and/or out of, a motel?" The detective would say "I WISH it were that simple. If that were the case, Peter would be on his way, to a life sentence, by now." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Detective, just what are you IMPLYING?" The detective would say "We have dozens of witnesses, including myself, who have SEEN the two, at the local mall, in the time since Steve's death." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "In a SHOPPING MALL?" The detective would say "Thats right. Caught them, in the act." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "The act of what? Having sex?" The detective would say "For a brainy man, doc, you sure are a bit slow." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How am I "slow". About what?" The detective would say "A widow is seen, with a boyfriend, right after her husband is killed? Coincidence? I think not." When Doctor Rhoades would suggest that it was an ex-friend, talking to a ex-friend, the detective would say "What about that KISS? Sure didn't seem too brotherly, to me." After Doctor Rhoades had enough of this detectives supposition (and remembering his conversation, with Tracey), Doctor Rhoades would travel to Peter's house, to find out Peter's side of the story. According to Peter "What Tracey told you is the truth. I lost her, due to my addiction. I took up, with another woman, trying to get my life back together. I accept that Tracey said it was, atleast in part, my own fault. After all, if I had not gotten boozed into a "coma", I MIGHT have heard the woman, taking off." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why did you go to Tracey, to ask about the theft? Why not go to the fence, who handled your own stolen merchandise?" Peter would say "I thught Tracey, being a woman, would know how a woman would react. Would a woman sell the stuff, right away? Would she hold it, until the heat was off?" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "And the kiss/moment? What was that about?" Peter would say "A more personal form of "Thank You", than the words. That, and foor taking the time, to see, and talk to, me." Doctor Rhoades would be especially sensitive, with his next question. "Since Steve's death, how often do you see Tracey?" Peter agreed with Tracey's story. Both, independently, told the same story. Peter had contacted Tracey just long enough to say to keep their distance until Steve's murder was solved. When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Would you happen to know the reason why Steve is convinced that you murdered him?" Peter would say "All I know is that, since his death, Steve has filled my nights with dreams, which show how he THINKS I killed him." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "WHY is Steve so determined to prove that YOU killed him?" Peter would say "Thats easy enough. Its because, for high school proms, I beat him, to asking Tracey out." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Are you saying that this is revenge, from high school days?" Peter would ask "Why not? For awhile, Tracey and I were a regular couple. Steve was envious. It seems that every plan he came up with, I had, already thought of." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "About the nightmares, how often do they come?" Peter would stand up, pick up a pill bottle, and, passing it to Doctor Rhoades, would say "Often enough that I need THAT, to sleep." After Doctor Rhoades would accept the name, of the mans doctor, and drive to the clinic, where the man was being seen, Peter's doctor would agree that Peter was having problems sleeping. When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Is it possible, that someone is tampering with Peter's sleep?" The doctor would say "Either that, OR a guilty conscience." When Doctor Rhoades would ask the doctor "Just HOW is Peter "linked" to Steve's death?" The doctor would, only, say "The police are not releasing that information. I think they just want Peter to confess." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What if Peter did NOT murder Steve? What happens, then?" The doctor would say "In that case, someone gets away with murder." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What about Peter's sleep problem?" The doctor would say "We just continue treatment, until we cure the affliction." (Just what Doctor Rhoades expected the doctor to say). While Doctor Rhoades would be busy, trying to figure out what REALLY happened, to Steve, eveen as he worked on treating Tracey, as well, it would seem that Steve's spirit was not happy with the "progress", to date. Both Peter, and Tracey, began, independently, reporting nightmares. Not just of Peter's allegedly murdering Steve, but Steve was adding a new component. He was giving Tracey, and Peter, nightmares, of Peter having sex, with Tracey, while Steve was bound-and-gagged, nearby. Both patients reported that the act seemed more like RAPE, than sex. What neither could understand was why, after the sex, Peter was depicted beating on Tracey, leaving her bloody enough to, almost, need plastic surgery. Only after this, did Peter kill Steve. After both reported, to Doctor Rhoades, Doctor Rhoades visited the local hospital, asking to see Tracey's medical records. Try as he might, Doctor Rhoades could find no evidence, of Tracey's having suffered any, such, injuries. This tied in, with Tracey, and Peter, saying that neither remembered this, either. In fact, other than regular, womens, physicals, Tracey had, almost, no record (outside of drug use), for medical treatment. At this point, Doctor Rhoades began to wonder if Steve was trying to "set up" Peter. The question was "WHY?" WHO was Steve trying to protect? A more thorough search, of Steve's own background, turned up one, possible, answer. In the past, Steve had spent five years, on a juvenile sex offenders list, since he, allegedly, had under-age sex, with two, teenage, baby-sitters. The reports listed that, when the girls primary rides could not pick them up, from jobs, that Steve picked each one up. Instead of delivering them to their homes, as promised, Steve took the girls on a roundabout route. Sex followed, then Steve drove the girls home. The only "flaw", in Steve's plan, had been not knowing that, the very next day, in high school, the principal had all, female, students, tested for D.N.A. While Steve had "twice the fun", the night before, his D.N.A. was found, in his victims. Steve had been listed as a "sex offender", until his 21st birthday. The day when a boys, juvenile, record, is sealed. On the day of his release, the judge had warned Steve "From this day, forward, any crimes you commit, will be a part of your permanent, adult, criminal, record." If Steve's death had been retaliation, for a rape, the time-line just did not fit. Most retaliatory deaths, due to rape, happen right after the fact. In almost all cases, that Doctor Rhoades knew of, such retaliation was boasted, by the killer, as "justice, for the victim". No, Steve's death had another message tied to it. Doctor Rhoades just wasn't seeing it, yet. It would not be until Doctor Rhoades was comparing notes, on meetings, with the two, that Doctor Rhoades would ask, first Tracey, then Peter, if they recognized the LOCATION, where the events took place, in the nightmare. While Tracey admitted that she DID recognize the place, it would be Peter who would ask "Doctor Rhoades, if you will drive me, there, I will show you the place." When Doctor Rhoades asked "Whats wrong with YOUR truck?" Peter would say "Nothing. I'm just afraid to be behind the wheel. If I freak out, in your car, you can keep control." Doctor Rhoades would calmly, say "My car, it is." Driving out, just past the edge, of town, Peter would point out the location. As Peter would point out "While the place has been closed, for years, it is, not exactly, "deserted". If you know what I mean." While Peter showed Doctor Rhoades the "entrance", when Doctor Rhoades asked "Aren't you coming?" The doctor saw the FEAR, in Peter's eyes. The man was terrified of this place. It was only inside the structure, that Doctor Rhoades found what he hoped to find. When he felt the despair, the lonliness, the emotional suffering, this is when the doctor closed his eyes, and envisioned what those souls were trying to tell him. In Doctor Rhoades "third eye", he visualized the vacant building disappearing, as if dissolving. When the doctor could see, clearly, again, the image began to make sense. In the image, Steve's, prone, begging, form was replaced with the vision, of other gamblers, all of whom wanted MORE credit, for the gambling tables. Peter's form, standing over Steve, dissolved, replaced with some kind of "collections specialist". A man, whose job was to exact payment, from debtors. Soon, in ANOTHER part, of the vision, Doctor Rhoades came to understand the reason WHY the spirit had added the sex to the vision. If what the "other dimension" was showing Doctor Rhoades was correct, Steve's "debt" was NOT from gambling. Even while married to Tracey, Steve, still, needed to "prove" his manhood. This, he did, by getting laid, as often as possible, at the casino. He WANTED other women to know him as a "King Stud". With his eyes closed, to the outside world, Doctor Rhoades would witness when the casino's "collectors" told Steve to "PAY UP", or else. Steve found out what "or else" meant, when he was taken out, of the casino, and beaten to death. The vision also showed that, to make their "point" as clear as possible, the casino staff had driven two rail spikes, through Steve's shaft, after he was gagged, to prevent his screams from travelling. Now, Doctor Rhoades understood why the police did not want the body to be viewed. Still, this left Doctor Rhoades wondering: WHY was Steve determined to pin his death on Peter? As Doctor Rhoades would find out, later, when Steve's spirit decided to appear, to the doctor, Steve would say "You have it all wrong, doc. So have Tracey, and Peter." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "In that case, point me in the correct direction." The spirit would say "I was HOPING that, if I gave Peter enough "clues", that he would pursue the case, and FIND the answers, which you found. I was trying to "nudge" him." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Your widow? Whats up with that?" The spirit would say "I was TRYING to tell her to stay CLOSE to Peter. In school, I watched him protect her, more than once. I HOPED he would continue, after I was gone." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Just how much debt DID you run up, at the casino, before they killed you?" Steve would promise "I never gambled one cent. I only went there, for sex. I wanted to prove that, despite marriage, that I remained a fully functional man." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How much, of this debt, will Tracey have to pay off?" Steve would say "Relax. Only about $25,000". After a conversation, about responsibility, with the spirit, Doctor Rhoades would speak to Tracey, and Peter, together. When Tracey would ask "How am I to pay off this debt?" Peter would say "Dont worry, I will help you." When Tracey would say "Just remember, Peter. Just because I, still, love you, that does NOT mean that you can lay claim to me. IF we, eventually, marry, it will be on combined terms." While Doctor Rhoades offered to attend the meeting, with the couple, Peter was the one to say "THIS is OUR problem." After the meeting, Doctor Rhoades would be surprised to hear that the casino had "written off" the debt. The execution was the TALK, of the place. Gamblers understood what would happen, if they failed to pay bills. As for the couples next plans, while Peter suggested a nice restaurant, then some entertainment, Tracey over-ruled this, saying "I would prefer to fix dinner, myself. Some soft music, dancing, then a night, of relaxation." Tracey smiled when both men said "Sounds like a winner, to me." Final case-file note: While authorities did, eventually, release Steve's body, for burial, I can, fully, understand why the condition was that the service be CLOSED casket. Both patients have reported that all nightmares have ended. The one thing no one is certain of is which "way" Steve went. Up, or down. The casino, however, would face no charges, since Steve had a bill, which he refused to pay. A bill, which was written off. To my knowledge, both Peter, and Tracey, are back to living normal lives. If anyone is annoyed, at the turn, of events, it would be Peter's doctor. A doctor who had HOPED to be able to prescribe a $2,000 per dose pill, which was designed to "suppress the psyche".

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE #11

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE # 11 Doctor Johnathan Rhoades, medical doctor, and licensed psychiatrist. A man who DARES to look PAST the obvious, and discover what is at the HEART, of patients conditions. The following is case-file number 11, of Doctor Rhoades highly unusual approach to treatment, of mental disorders. "In what I can only describe as either a "vision", or, perhaps, a "prophecy", I find my sleeping spirit roaming the halls of a grand, old, plantation, house. I see wood panelling, covering the walls, as well as landscape paintings. While I hear what sound like muffled voices, the "vision" is just not focused, enough, for me to be able to understand what is being said. What I DO know is that the rich, thick, red, carpeting, which is beneath my bare feet, is thick, soft, and luxurious, to the touch. The only time, when I am certain, that this is not the waking world, is when a woman, dressed in a flowing, brown, dress, walks past me, almost as if she is "gliding" down the hallway. What I note is odd, about the woman, is that her head seems to fluctuate, between being a solid mass, and being nothing more than a cloud of mist. I am certain that this is only a dream since, when the woman notices that I notice her, this woman, whom I have, never, met, addresses me as "Johnathan Rhoades, I need your help. Evil deeds are afoot, and I need the asistance, of the living, to set things right." When I would ask "How is it that you know my name? Have we met?" The woman would say "How I know OF you is NOT of primary concern, at this point. I must warn you..." And this is when my alarm clock would remind me that morning had come, again. While I would make some official notes, of the vision, since I could not be certain that it was real, I would list the notes under "Miscellanious". After this, it was time for breakfast, transit, to my next appointment, and on with work (which pays the bills, if nothing else). The doctors current case involved an adult, who lived on disability, and would, never, leave home. According to the case-file, the man refused to depart his residence, with-out sufficient "escort", since he believed that there were "monsters", and "demons", waiting to pounce on him, the moment he stepped outdoors. I was being asked to consult, on this case, since the mans closest relatives (who had been caring for the man, to date), were moving to another city (in order to retain employment). I, also, knew the law, about families providing care. Even if family was providing "round-the-clock" care, the fact that ALL shared the same NAME meant that family would NOT be paid, for rendering services. This, for some reason, was statutory law. Now, if the care-givers had a DIFFERENT name, such as in-laws, or partners, using different surnames, then the law allowed payment for services. In the case of the man in question, it would seem that his extended family was providing his care, until recently. I knew the reason, for this, as well. While most state governments, vehemently DENY this, the fact is that most state governments hire only the hard-core un-emloyed, or even ex-convicts, to provide home services. The un-fortunate result, of this, far too often, was that these "applicants", too often, have records, for stealing, then pawning, clients property. In my own practice, I have seen this happen. It would seem that THIS is part of the reason why the family had called upon me. The hope is that I can either cure the mans phobia, OR that I may assist in the choice, of a QUALITY care-giver. My hope is that, with proper therapy, I can cure the phobia. What struck me as odd, from the very start, was that, while the address, which I was given, was inside a city, that the actual, family, address, was one of the oldest, and LARGEST, addresses, in town. It was easy to locate, as well. This is because of the fact that, as I was told, on my approach, the families land had the oldest, and TALLEST, tree's, in the city. Tree's, which could be spotted, from any point, in town. It was only as I approached the "estate" that I phoned the family, asking about the front gate. A few minutes later, and a teen appeared, and opened the gate, for me. Once I was inside, the teen closed the gate, then entered my car, asking "Mind if I ride back, to the house, with you?" After I agreed, I asked the teen "Why does this property have a gate? Problems with theives?" The teen would say "Dont know. The gates have been there, since I can remember. Maybe, grandpa can tell you, more." At the front door, first a teenage girl met me, then a middle-aged woman joined us, telling me "Father is waiting for you, in the library." When I asked "Any particular reason for the library?" Both bother and daughter, would say "It is his favorite room, in the house. Spends all his time in there, reading." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Reading what?", hoping for a clue, to the mans condition, based upon his choice, of reading materials. All the women could say was "Everything, from mysteries, to the daily paper. He just LOVES to read." While the doctor, and the women, proceeded, down the hallway, Doctor Rhoades was, first, surprised by the care the family was taking, in maintaining the house. The, Doctor Rhoades heard a mans voice call out "Blast it, girls, dont keep the doctor waiting. Get him in here. I am sure he has other patients waiting." The women would "sing" "Right away". When I first saw the patient, I would not have thought him a mental case, at all. In fact, I would have taken the man to be a tradesman. Carpenter, or plumber, for sure. He had that kind of build. When the man invited me into his library, I noticed how he did not hesitate to say "Names Rosenberg. Thomas Rosenberg." When Doctor Rhoades would introduce himself, Thomas would say "Lets get down to business. I am certain you have patients, whom you can, really, help." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Thomas, WHY do you think that I cant help you?" Thomas would say "Because my problem aint mental. Its spirit, type. What I mean is that I KNOW WHO the ghost is." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Would you mind telling me who the ghost is?" Thomas would say "Only if you are respectful, to her." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How do you know the ghost is a female?" Thomas would say "Because, doc, it is the ghost of my late wife. Grand woman she was. So tragic, her death was." When Doctor Rhoades would go into "interview mode" asking "Would you tell me about her?" Doctor Rhoades watched, as yet another patient fell back into the memories, of times, long past. Thomas would start out with "While neither Stella, nor I, built this place, Stella grew up, here. In fact, as far as I can learn, her family has been on this land, practically since Columbus sailed to America. Ofcourse, it has changed, some, over the years. I kept the place, and moved in, with Stella, as a condition of her agreeing to marry me." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "She loved the place, THAT much?" Thomas would say "She would not even agree to marry me, until I agreed to move onto the land. And why NOT? The place was paid for, maybe a century, or more, ago. No mortgage payments, and plenty of room. Didn't take any brains to figure that one out." When Doctor Rhoades would suggest "You must have been very happy, to remain here all these years." Thomas would say "It weren't no "paradise", if thats what you are thinkin. Stella and I just worked at it. Ups and downs. Like every married couple. We just agreed that it was worth the effort." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "With a property this size, Stella must have come from a large family." Thomas would say "Just five kids, in total. My guess is that, when the family bought the place, it was at "bargain prices". Maybe fifty cents per acre." When Doctor Rhoades would mention "In pioneer days, the penny could buy MUCH MORE than it can, today. I read, somewhere, where, in pioneer days, a family could buy a home, for just $10.00." Thomas would add "Just remember that, in those days, most jobs paid only ten cents per day. A hotel room, in town, would cost $1.50 per week." It was when the men agreed "Those were the days", that Thomas returned to the topic, of Stella's family. Thomas would say "Its too bad that Stella's own family moved on, to other places. With the size, of this place, we could have had plenty of space, for everyone." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why did they move on?" Thomas would say "After high school, they just didn't see any future, in this town. They gone off, to jobs, in other cities. Oh, dont get me wrong. They still CALL Stella, from time to time. Keep in touch. Its just that they got their OWN families, as well." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How many children do you, and Stella, have?" Thomas would say "The good Lord blessed us only with three. Not that they are "angels", but they aint no hoodlums, either." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How can only five people maintain this property?" Thomas would add "My wife has even more friends then I, once, had. Her friends come around, when they have time. We trade them property work, for meals." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "About this spirit you say is your wife, HOW..." Thomas would ask "How do I know its my OWN wife? How does anyone know their own spouse, and children." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How do you know she is present?" Thomas would ask "What would you say if I told you I SEE her, at times. Other times, we TALK." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Talk, about what?" Thomas would say "Stella tells me hoow much she misses me, and the kids. Sometimes, I remind her that our "kids" is grown. Got kids of their own." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Any other ways you know about her?" Thomas would say "I can tell, by the way she walks the place. She is sad. I just dont know how to tell her that the family is fine." This is when Doctor Rhoades would ask the pressing question: "WHY do you feel that you cannot leave this property?" Thomas would say "Dont ask me how she did it, but my beloved SHOWED me what lies in wait, for me, beyond the property." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "WHAT has she shown you?" Thomas would ask "What if I was to tell you that I done something, in my past, and that marrying Stella only protected me, from my past, while she was alive?" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What DID you do?" Thomas would say "Try as I might, I just dont remember doing anything really evil." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Then, why are you afraid?" Thomas would say "Stella promises to protect me, as long as I remain on the property. She says she can protect me, if I leave." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "When, and How, does she say this?" Thomas would say "Mostly, late at night. She appears, in her favorite, brown, dress, her hair, flowing, as she glides down the hallway." This is when Doctor Rhoades would watch as a strong, well-built, man would turn into a frightened child, as he would add "Doc, I know this sounds crazy, but, sometimes, when I see her, she does not have her head." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "When you see her, do you ask her WHERE she puts her head?" Thomas would ask "Are you crazy? Ask a ghost where their head is?" Doctor Rhoades would try another tact, asking "When you speak to Stella, do you ask her what it means, specifically, about not leaving the property?" Thomas would ask "You want ME to question my wifes spirit?" Doctor Rhoades would suggest "Not question. Just ask for clarity." Doctor Rhoades was not the least surprised when Thomas would say "If you want to question her, do it, YOURSELF!" When Doctor Rhades would say "Very well. Just tell me where I am to set up." This is when Thomas would call out "Cindy!". When the teen would appear, asking "Yes, grrandpa?" Thomas would say "Be a dear, and show the doctor to the guest bedrooms. He will be staying, atleast for a short while." After Cindy would say "Yes, grandpa", Thomas would remind Doctor Rhoades "Cindy is a good girl. You can trust her." Doctor Rhoades would say "I am certain." Over the next three weeks, while even Doctor Rhoades spotted the spirit, in the headless form, walking the halls, the doctor noticed that the family showed no fear, of the spirit. In fact, the family talked, warmly, of how they enjoyed the presense. In fact, on three, seperate, occassions, Doctor Rhoades noticed that Thomas made no effort to deny seeing the spirit. Doctor Rhoades was just impresssed that the man still bowed, in a gentlemanly way, when he passed the spirit. Doctor Rhoades had, also, used the three weeks, to read up on what was known, abut Stella. While she may NOT have been a nun, or a Roman-Catholic, the woman (and her family), followed what they believed was the SPIRIT, if not the WORD, of the Bible. Actually, according to local sources, inlcuding the newspapers, both Stella, and Thomas, were well-respected, in this town. It would seem that, before Stella's death, she, Thomas, and their family, were willing to contribute time, and energy, to almost any cause, which aided locals. This is when Doctor Rhoades found the "starting point", of Thomases severe phobia. According to the media, Stella had been found, be-headed, across town from the nearest workshop. When Doctor Rhoades investigated the autopsy report, he had to agree, with the local doctor. Someone had removed Stella's head, using a circular saw. The pattern, of the cut, made this clear. What remained UN-clear was the motive. What did Stella have, that someone felt was worth killing for? Even when the family brought neighbors, and friends, to visit, and speak, with the doctor, Doctor Rhoades remained without any clue, as to who, or why, Stella had been murdered. IF Thomas had been the murderer, then WHY had he not just divorced Stella? If her children wanted her dead, some drain cleaner, in her drink, would have been far less messy. No, the killer had to be someone who was determined to seperate the womans head, from her body. The question was: "WHY?" Over those three weeks, there had been atleast five times, when Stella had come, to the doctor, in his dreams. While the two had "conversed", for hours, during his sleep, the doctor was just moving the spirit towards telling him WHO had killed her, when his alarm clock went off. During his stay, at the family property, Doctor Rhoades noticed why the family said that the library was Thomas's favorite room, in the house. By morning, and afternoon, Thomas might work on the property, in a variety of ways, yet, after dinner, each night, Thomas retreated to his library. While other men drank booze, and smoked, after dinner, it seems that Thomas was the type of man, who enjoyed a good book, after dinner. Let the kids have the television. Thomas wanted his books. Three weeks, into the assignment, when Doctor Rhoades saw the spirit, with head attached, and approached her, asking "May I have a conversation, with you?" Doctor Rhoades would be surprised when the woman would say "Why, certainly. I have been hoping we could speak, for months, now." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Excuse me?" Stella's spirit would say "I have been trying to contact you, nearly as long as I have, my own family." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "May I ask why?" Stella would say "Surely, by now, you have figured it out." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Excuse me?" Stella would say "Johnathan, regardless of what mortals WANT to believe, we spirits are not "chained" to a property. I have watched you researching my demise. What have you learned, so far?" Doctor Rhoades could only say "It would appear that your head was removed, using a circular saw. What I have not figured out is the WHO, and the WHY." Stell would say "I wish I could aid your research, doctor. The problem is that I dont remember what hapened." When Doctor Rhoades would suggest "Why dont we start with what you remember, last." Stella would say "Lets see. I visited Mrs. Wiggans. Delivered some jam, which Mrs. Clark had made. I was on my way home when the world just went "dark". Thats the last I remember." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What about feelings, or sensations?" Stella would say "All I recall is a slight itching, around my neck." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "So, you didn't see WHO did this, or where?" Stella would say "Sorry, I dont even know WHY I am still here." When Doctor Rhoades would start his next inquiry, asking "Why have you warned Thomas never to leave this property. Why have you trapped your husband, on these premises?" Stella seemed shocked as she said "Trapped? I have never trapped anyone. I have been trying to tell my beloveed to be CAREFUL, when moving beyond the property. There remains a murderer, out there, on the loose. I dont want my grand-children to lose their grand-father the same way they lost me." When Doctor Rhoades woulld summarize, saying "You dont want your husband trapped, on the land. You want him to be careful." Stella would add "When he is OFF of this land, he MUST be careful." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why would someone want to kill your husband?" He should have expected what Stella said, in response: "Why would someone want to kill me?" Doctor Rhoades was not certain of when it had happened, but, sometime, during hiis interview, with Stella, it seems that Doctor Rhoades had fallen asleep. He did not even realize this, however, untill Cindy held a cup of coffee, under his nose, then asked "Why did you sleep, in grandma's room, instead of your own?" Doctor Rhoades did not even realize he had fallen asleep, until he rose, stretched, and realized he had slept in an old lounger. When Doctor Rhoades, and Cindy, joined the familly, for breakfast, Doctor Rhoades would correct Thomas's mis-understanding. This is when Cindy's mother would say "So it IS true, isn't it? Stella did NOT die, of suicide. She WAS killed." When Thomas would ask "Why would anyone WANT to kill my Stella? She, never, hurt no one." Doctor Rhoades would say "That is one of the reasons why Stella remains. To find her killer. That, AND she wants to find her head. Her REAL head. Not her ghostly one." Cindy's mom would want to smack the girl, when Cindy would ask "Where would we look for her head. I doubt the Yellow Pages has a listing for circular saw murderers." Doctor Rhoades would suggest "Our best starting point would be the rounds Stella made, that day. Maybe she saw something. Maybe HEARD something?" When Cindy would mention "Too bad we dont have those "follow the trail" potions, like they use, on "Once Upon A Time". Cindy's mom would remind the girl "Once Upon A Time" is a television show. The magic is just special effects." Cindy woulld add "Still, its too bad that Stella cant make her skull appear, or glow. Even knot a few tree's together. Just something, to mark where her head is." It was right when her mother was getting ready to say "Cindy, if you dont stop..." When Doctor Rhoades would say "Cindy, thats brilliant." When Cindys mom would ask "Whats brilliant?" Doctor Rhoades would say "In every case I have worked on, where a patient harmed a victim, the attacker, ALWAYS, leave a marker." When Thomas would ask "What for?" Doctor Rhoades would say "In one case, a thief planned to use "temporary insanity", to be released, early. His plan was to hide his victims valuables, then return for them, later. He was clever, though, in the fact that he choose the fork, in two rivers, as his marker." When Thomas woulld ask "Any others?" Doctor Rhoades woulld say "I recall one patient, who buried her loot, then tied tree limbs together, into what looked like a natural sculpture. Only SHE knew the truth." This is when Cindy would ask "Okay, so even though we KNOW people can be creative, HOW does this help us find grandma's head?" Doctor Rhoades would ask "Has anyone noticed any changes, to the scenery, since Stella died?" While the family seemed lost, the town began talking, and people began looking for things which were "out of the ordinary". This search lead to, of all places, a church. A church, which had a "Hall of the Saints" collection. While the minister admitted that one, of the busts, had been removed, to a repair ship, after being vandalized by graffitti "artists", it did not take long for an acid wash solution to remove the shiny, stone, appearance, and show plaster, beneath. Once the plaster was soaked, it fell away, leaving behind what would turn out to be Stella's skull. When the minister would pray for forgiveness, for displaying a human skull, Doctor Rhoades would whisper, to the minister "It is not your fault. You had no way of knowing." Once the skull was cleaned, Stella's body was dug up, long enough to place her head on her shoulders. After that, the casket went back into the ground. (An All Points Bulletin would be sent out, on the sculptor, whom, the priest reported, seemed anxious to depart town, soon as the bust was finished). While it may never be known WHY the sculptor beheaded Stella, and hid her head, inside a church, what Doctor Rhoades COULD confirm was that Thomas's family had a final farewell gathering, with Stellas spirit, before she "moved on". Final case note: In the time, since Stellas actual message had reached her husband, Thomas has returned to being an active member, of the community. He, no-longer lives in fear, of what MIGHT happen. While his family has moved on with their new jobs, it seems that Thomas had not only taken on more help, but that he has another woman, in his household. Thomas feels certain that Stella will be happy, with his decision, since the couple WILL be living on the same property. His family, and myself, wish him well.

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE #10

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE # 10 Doctor Johnathan Rhoades, medical doctor, and licensed psychiatrist. A man who DARES to look PAST the obvious, and discover what is at the HEART, of patients conditions. The following is case-file number 10, of Doctor Rhoades highly unusual approach to treatment, of mental disorders. "To my surprise, this caseload has been recommended by none other than a group, of fellow physicians. As to the reason why the group is in need, of ANOTHER psychiatrist, this remains baffling, to me. What I DO know is that, while enroute, to the subject location, I have received an e-mail, from a collegue, with the subject line: "You forgot to ask for this". As for my destination, it is no secret that a medical group is running a private hospital, for the mentally impaired. Primarily, it seems to operate as a place, where mentally challenged children may learn the advanced skills, needed to survive in the general public. If my file is correct, however, it seems that the hospital has begun taking in more, young, adults. As to the reason why I am being called in, it seems that the hospital wants me to rid the patients of the delusion, that the hospital is "haunted". Upon entering the location, Doctor Rhoades would be surprised that a modern building could be built to look so "antique". In fact, instead of steel mesh, over the windows, this place had regular, iron, bars. It was soon after Doctor Rhoades entered the building that he saw how much different the inside was. While, outside, the place gave the look of being 17th, or 18th, century, on the inside, it was 20th century, atleast. Patients, in modern beds, and staff, in modern offices. In fact, if it had not been for a young woman, who was crying out, for attention, this place could be the ward, of any, modern, hospital. When Doctor Rhoades stopped, for a listen, at the agitated womans room, a nurse stepped out, whispering "I'm sorry. Only medical personnel are allowed, at this..." Then she stopped, when Doctor Rhoades showed her his credentials. While the nurse then went on, to bring in some heavy drugs, Doctor Rhoades would listen as the woman kept trying to tell staff "I SAW her! I KNOW I saw her." Only AFTER the woman was drugged into un-consciousness, did a doctor step out, to address Doctor Rhoades. Once introductions were made, the staff doctor would say "The chief administrator is waiting for you." adding, to a nurse, "Let me know if she regains consciousness, too soon." After the nurse said "Yes, doctor." The doctor asked Doctor Rhoades "Follow me. I am sure he is waiting for you." While Doctor Johnathan Rhoades, normally, HATED administrators, he held out the hope that, since this man had CALLED Doctor Rhoades in, that the doctor would be less hostile. This feeling, however, evaporated, quickly, as the administrator would inform Doctor Rhoades "I only agreed to call you in, since the board requested your services. Let me be perfectly CLEAR, about one thing, right now. There are NO ghosts, in this hospital. Just wild imaginations. That, and a few, careless, workers. People whom, I assure you, have been dismissed. You are here to verify that we have NO ghosts. If you try anything else, I will have you THROWN out the front door. Am I understood?" Doctor Rhoades would say "Perfectly. Now, if you dont mind, I would like to get set up." The administrator would, sternly, show Doctor Rhoades the door. As Doctor Rhoades would proceed to a nurses station, to have a guide show him to his office space, Doctor Rhoades would look in, on the sedated woman, and log her name, and bed number. After this, and when his guide arrived, Doctor Rhoades would ask the duty nurse "I would like to interview that patient, once she awakens, and before she is given any meds." Doctor Rhoades LIKED the way the nurse would say "Yes, doctor." When Doctor Rhoades would enter his temporary "office", he would pull the womans file, and begin reviewing its contents. One thing he found to be "enlightening", was the fact that this woman, like many, other, patients, ALL reported seeing the same nurse. The nurse was, reportedly, middle-aged, medium build, dark hair, and a very pleasant disposition. It seems that both patients, and their families, loved the nurse. For Doctor Rhoades, however, one, of the primary, mysteries, of this case, was the fact that the nurse, reportedly did not wear the normal, white, uniform, of the nursing trade. Every description, which the doctor read, stated that this nurse wore a pink-and-blue uniform. It was when Doctor Rhoades would ask himself, out loud, "Who would wear pink-and-blue uniforms, in a hospital?" That a womans soft voice would answer "Doctor Harding." When Doctor Rhoades looked up, and saw the woman, described by so many, asking "Who is Doctor Harding?" The woman would say "Not is, WAS." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Alright, who WAS he?" The nurse would say "He was the first maverick, to operate the hospital. He took over, when Doctor Gooding became too old, and fragile, for the job." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why do you say that Doctor Harding was a "maverick"?" The nurse would say "Because, Doctor Harding was much like you. He did not want patients to feel confined. He wanted them to be PART of life. For those he felt were most stable, these patients were offered work, within the hospital." When Doctor Rhoades would check the files, then say "I'm sorry. I just dont see Doctor Harding listed, on the hospital staff." The nurse would say "That, doctor, is because the volume, which you are handling, is the volume of the current hospital. You wont find Doctor Harding listed in that volume." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Where would I find him registered?" The nurse would say "In the Restricted Files, from the OLD hospital." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How many hospitals have there been?" The nurse would say "Relax. There have been only two. The original one, and this one." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why would Doctor Harding be listed under "Restricted Files"?" The nurse would say "For the same reason you would be. As I said, he was a "maverick", just like you". When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What, eventually, became of Doctor Harding?" The nurse would say "As I recall, when some administrator visited, and found conditions, here, not restrictive enough, the administrator filed charges, saying that Doctor Harding was allowing patients to "run wild". How preposterous!" When Doctor Rhoades woulld ask "I take it, you did not agree?" The nurse would say "The patients were under observation, at all times. I will, also, add that some of them, even among the so-called "real-loonies", performed duties just as well as any sane person. In my opinion, Doctor Harding did more GOOD, for the hospital, than any other administrator, that I worked for." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What happened after he was reported? Who replaced him?" The nurse would say "A real TYRANT. Named Bearnstein. The man ordered a return, to complete lock-down, for all inmates. He un-did, in days, what Doctor Harding worked, for YEARS, to create." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What, eventually, happened?" The nurse would say "When Bearnstein began grabbing control, some of the patients took keys, un-locked cabinets, and began mixing chemicals." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What did Bearnstein do?" The nurse would say "For the life of me, I will never understand why, but Bearnstein issued assault rifles, to guards, and issued an order of "Shoot to KILL"." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "I am sure that the patients died, but what of the hospital. HOW did it cease to exist?" The nurse would say "Just coming to that. When Bearnstein ordered the patients shot on sight, it seems that the rifle rounds touched off, the chemicals. The explosion, My GOD!" When Doctor Rhoades would say "I understand how painful this must be, but I need to ask "How MUCH, of the hospital went up, in the primary blast?" The nurse would say "Wings 3 and 4 went up like loaded with TNT. Wings 1 and 2 went up, within the hour." When Doctor Rhoades would, mistakenly, suggest "With local fire equipment available, and an hour, to respond, wings 1 and 2..." The nurse would say "The place went up, and the locks melted shut. We couldn't get them out. Add in the poison vapor cloud, from the chemicals, and only a handful survived." When Doctor Rhoades asked "When did this happen?" Thinking it was recently. The nurse would say "1887." The town was several miles away. By the time anyone knew the hospital was on fire, the building was consumed, by flames." This would be when Doctor Rhoades realized just how haunted this place might be. It had burned to the ground, in the days, when fire departments were staffed by volunteers. The days, when many buildings burned, to the ground, while fire fighters gathered clothes, and rushed to fire houses, for horse-drawn pumps, and gardening hoses. Doctor Rhoades was not-at-all surprised when the nurse would say "I am only sad that Bearnstein made a point of running out of the building, after the first explosion. He CLAIMED that he was trying to coordinate activities. My fanny. He was just making sure that HE was outside, and survived the fire." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Would you know what happened, to him, after the fire?" The nurse would say "He was PROMOTED. The swine! He had friends, in high places. He used them to secure a post, in a more urban hospital." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How long, after the fire, was the hospital re-built?" The nurse would say "I have something, far more important, to discuss with you." When Doctor Rhoades would say "Proceed." The nurse would say "That, young, woman. The one you saw, on your way in. The one being sedated." Doctor Rhoades would say "Yes, I remember her. She was saying..." "Yes", The spirit would say "She tried to convince staff that she saw me." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What is the matter with that?" The spirit would say "Only that I have been dead for, what is it, 85 years?" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why were you trying to communicate, with the young woman?" The spirit would say "I was TRYING to tell her that she is NOT imagining seeing her grand-mother." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "So, WHY is her grand-mother trying to communicate?" The spirit would say "Her grand-mother wants the woman to know that there is an object, of great value, on a property, about 70 miles from here. If the young woman can "Get it together", as you say, in the modern day, she has an inheritance coming. One which will rid her of debts." This is when Doctor Rhoades would ask "Whats the "condition", of the inheritance?" The spirit would say "The holder must be of SOUND MIND, as well as BODY. In her current state, the woman does not stand a chance, at the inheritance." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What do you want, of me?" The spirit would say "Bring her down to Earth. I have SEEN your work. You know how to REACH people. Prove that she is worthy, of her inheritance." When Doctor Rhoades would agree, saying "Alright, but I have a question, for you, as well." Having sensed the coming question, the spirit would say "Doctor Harding decided to do away with the hospital white uniforms. We tried pink-and-blue, since this is what most children grow up with. Doctor Harding felt it would have a calming effect, on patients." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Did it?" The nurse would say "More than we dared imagine." When Doctor Rhoades would mention "Some, of the modern day patients, say that they hear singing, in the evenings. Is there any truth to this?" The spirit would say "Another, of Doctor Hardings idea's. For the evening shift, he recruited members, of local church choirs, to do evening rounds. He had the idea that, if infants drift off, to the sound of music, then why not let patients enjoy the same priviledge." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "You had SINGING nurses?" The spirit would say "Why not? Seems the patients enjoyed the sound of the music." When Doctor Rhoades would say "It sure sounds like this Doctor Harding was a real "progressive". No wonder the medical board wanted him out." This is when the nurse would caution the doctor "While the young woman needs your assistance, first, and foremost, there are other patients, in need of your talents. May I inform the resident spirits that you will perform your duty, as per request?" Doctor Rhoades would say "As long as the administration allows. Remember that I am here, only on retainer." The nurse would surprise the doctor when she would say "Let ME worry about that. You just see to the patients." Two days after Doctor Rhoades arrival, the doctor would end up in a debate, with another doctor, over the sedated patient. While the staff doctor would insist "We MUST keep her under heavy sedation, until she loses this belief that "ghosts" are trying to speak to her." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "HOW will heavy sedation help the patient recover?" The staff doctor would say "We have proof that, in many cases, if a patient is kept sedated, long enough, then nightmares become nothing more than "bad dreams". When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Do the patients REALLY recover, or do they just lose memories?" The staff doctor would say "Whose to say? All we know is that, when patients enter the hospital, most are, highly agitated, yet, when they leave, they are calm." Doctor Rhoades would suggest "You mean, they are drugged." The staff doctor would ask "Whats the difference?" Doctor Johnathan Rhoades KNEW the difference. He had WATCHED, as patients were drugged, into a near coma situation, just because the people were "excited", over what they did not understand. Hospitals, then, kept patients in the near-coma, until patients no-longer understood the difference between reality, and fantasy. Once patients were in this "altered reality", staff could convince patients of anything, from "Ghosts are not "real"", to "The sky is pink, and the ground is black". Doctor Rhoades favorite example, of how "wrong" this practice was, involved his first case. A patient, who was kept, heavily, drugged, due to his extreme fear of fire. By doing what no ethical psychiatrist would do. Namely, walking the patient through the events, which caused his condition, the patient had been cured, of his fear (and his need, of heavy doses of drugs). Now, Doctor Rhoades was in another "fight". While Doctor Rhoades wanted to bring the woman OUT of her drug-induced haze, the staff doctors were "resistant", to say the least. Sure, it was confirmed, that the patient had resorted to stabbing herself, before being committed, but Doctor Rhoades had his own theory, about this. The problem was that the doctor needed the patient awake, and aware, for their conversation. Her chart listed the woman as "Violently Erratic", and "UN-stable". Doctor Rhoades just could not believe how many forms he had to complete, for hospital approval. In fact, Doctor Rhoades was not even presented, with the forms, until he reminded the hospitals board of directors "Ladies, and Gentlemen, remember that is was YOU who request MY services. If you want my help, I need your cooperation." When the administrator would say "ONLY with no less than TWO guards, present." Doctor Rhoades had said "NO deal. I do this MY way." After ten minutes of argument, Doctor Rhoades played his "ace", saying "Fine. You ask for my assistance, yet you will not let me do my job." As Doctor Rhoades would grab his coat, he would tell the board "Let me know if you change your minds." When a female, board, member would ask Doctor Rhoades. HOW do you intend to control so many patients? With your good looks?" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What are you talking about?" When a male, board, member, would suggest "The report, which this board has received, suggests that you intend to take on as many patients as possible. Just how many, of these patients, do you think you can control?" Doctor Rhoades would look at the administrator as he said "I dont know where this information came from, however, I do NOT plan to set an entire ward loose, if thats what you mean. I, always, work, one-on-one, with each patient." When the female board member would ask "Then, you are NOT looking for "free run" of the entire ward?" Doctor Rhoades would smile as he said "Ofcourse not. I work with one patient at a time." When another, male, board, member, would ask "What is your primary interest, in the first patient, whom you have requested to interview?" It was only AFTER Doctor Rhoades had given his clinical definition, that he had been approved, for patient access. The hospital, even, agreed to allow the guards to wait OUT-side the room. Doctor Rhoades noticed how surprised the woman looked when the doctors first inquiry was regarding her childhood. She wondered why this doctor was not heckling her, as the others did, asking "Seen any "ghosts", today?" Doctor Rhoades noticed how the woman calmed, even more, as she discussed thoose she remembered, from childhood, and how the others had gone on, to "bigger and better". When Doctor Rhoades had asked "Why did you not move on, as well?" The woman had said "Un-like my friends, who want very fancy, and expensive, things, in life, all I wanted was to live my life, in the town, where I grew up." When Doctor Rhoades would suggest "You feel safe, here, dont you?" The woman would say "I guess you could call it that." When Doctor Rhoades would suggest "It really is a big, scary, world, out there, beyond this town." The woman shrugged, as she said "Not really. I just like the fact that I KNOW people, here. If I need help, I KNOW who to call." Doctor Rhoades would say "I see. Outside this town, you would have to start, all over again." The woman would say "We moved, twice, while I was a child. Had to meet new people, find new friends. Learn everything, from scratch. I know that other people enjoy such "adventures". Not me. I like having a regular, normal, life. I KNOW the people, around me." While Doctor Rhoades noticed that the woman had no problem, with discussing either her mother, or grand-mother, the woman would mention "I DO think mom was wrong in one thing." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What was that?" The woman would say "Kicking dad out of the house, just because she THOUGHT he was spending too much time, at another womans house." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What WAS your father doing, at the friends house?" The woman would say "My friend told me that her own dad would not do any repairs, to the house. After my mom mentioned that my dad was good, at fixing things, her friend asked if she could "borrow" my father." Doctor Rhoades would ask "What happened?" the woman would say "A few times, dad had to take things apart, and put them back together. It took hours." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Where were you, at these times?" The woman would say "When dad let me, I watched as he did some repairs. Other times, he said it was "dangerous". These were the times, when dad had mom's friend send us outside, to play." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What happened, to make your mother suspect your father?" The woman would say "Its so silly. Dad cut himself, a few times, while making the repairs. Mom insisted that, everytime dad was cut, that he sleep on the sofa. Mom insisted that the cuts were from a woman, digging her nails, into a mans body, "during the act". When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What do YOU think?" The woman would say "Based on the stuff dad was fixing, I have no doubt he was injured, doing repairs." When Doctor Rhoades would say "Your mom did NOT agree, I take it." The woman would say "You can say that, again. Mom even charged the two, face-to-face." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What happened?" The woman would say "While moms friend would admit that dad was attractive, that all he was doing was repairs." The woman would add "Soon, after this, mom filed for divorce. Even though her only "evidence" was dads visits to her friends place." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "You said you hated to move. Was there a reason why you had to move?" The woman would say "Yes, both times. We had to move, from our first home, when dad lost his job. He was working in a plant, and the company moved to where they could get cheaper labor." Doctor Rhoades would suggest "When your father lost his job, and his income." The woman would say "He couldn't afford to cover the bills, so we were evicted." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What happened, with your second home?" The woman would say "When dad lucked into a new job, mom had him ordered to pay support." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Didn't he WANT to pay, for his children?" The woman would say "Mom insisted that dad could pay MORE than he was paying. When dad petitioned his boss, for more wages, he lost this job." Doctor Rhoades would say "You were evicted, again." The woman would say "Right. The worst part, of all, was the fact that, when we moved, this time, since mom had to apply for aid, to help with moving expenses, we were ORDERED to each take only ONE carton, to the next place." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Did anyone tell you WHY this was?" The woman would say "A worker came by the house, saying "We are NOT a moving company. Anything you have, which does NOT fit, in a single carton, you LEAVE behind. Got me?"" When moms reply was to have dad placed under a court order, to pay a specified amount, of support, we ended up spending the rest of our childhood on welfare. Doctor Rhoades would suggest "No one would hire your father, for the amount your mother wanted?" The woman would say "Thats right." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What about your grand mother?" The woman would say "While Grandpa left her set, for her own life, even his job did not pay enough to cover both HER costs, and ours. Still, grandma did what she could. You know, I even heard rumor that grandma left us kids some kind of surprise." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Any idea what it was?" The woman would say "You know, I, never, even asked. I figured it was just some old, family, albums." She would, then add "Doc, you want to hear something funny?" When Doctor Rhoades would say "Sure, I could use a good laugh." The woman would say "I dont remember seeing grandma's ghost until I found some old pictures, from some of the times we spent at grandma's place. Isn't that odd?" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why do you say that? I know of many people, who only remember things, when they see "ancient" objects." The woman would say "Dont ask me why, but, when I found the old pictures, I recalled the days, when the pictures were taken. Tell you how long ago that was. Digital camera's did not even exist, yet." By the time the interview was concluded, Doctor Rhoades revised the womans chart from "delusional", to "retrospective". Even the guards, who walked the woman, back to her room, were surprised at how calm she was. One guard reported "It is as if she is at peace, with something." It would be another, two, weeks, of sessions, before hospital administrators would allow Doctor Rhoades to remove the woman from the hospital, and take her for a ride (to the site the spirit nurse had suggested). When the woman would say "So, we are at grandma's house. What do we do, now?" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What became of your grandmother?" The woman would say "Relax, doc. Old age. That, and children, and grand-children. What more does it take to drive any parent into an early grave?" Doctor Rhoades could sense something, about the property. Something, which was "calling out". He just hoped for a "third eye" vision, before the duo had to leave. When Doctor Rhoades would ask the woman for a "tour" of the grounds, he wondered if the woman were just re-living old memories, or if her smile was of a person, re-visiting happier days. When the woman pulled some weeds, awaay from a swing-set, the two sat, as the woman said "Boy, the days, and nights, we spent, on these swings. Everything from boys, to camping, and just lying on the ground, looking at the stars." Then she added "You know, doc. After we watched repeates, of Star Trek, on television, we lay, on the ground, wondering if there actually ARE Kilgons, and Romulans, out there. Funny, isn't it?" Doctor Rhoades would suggest "I dont know about that. Star Trek launched many a young person on career paths, headed for the stars. Some people actually hoped to meet the Organians. Others hoped that the Vulcans could help Earth's people live in peace." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What did your grand-mother think, about this?" The woman would smile as she said "Grandma, keppt saying "There is treasure, right here, on Earth. No need reach for the stars." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Any idea what she meant?" The woman would say "With grandma, "treasure" could mean anything. She called family photo's "treasure"." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "In some families, photo's are treasure. Memories, of the past." The woman would say "Thats grandma alright." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Did any, of the children ASK grand-mother WHAT she meant, by treasure, here on Earth?" The woman would say "I guess that I did. The day we were weeding the garden. I was just kidding.. I think she was, too." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What did she say?" The woman would smile as she said "Grandma claimed the treasure was buried beneath an outhouse." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What?" The woman would say "Grandma was a BIG fan, of "Little House on the Prairie". She, even, claimed that, at one time, there was an old outhouse, on this property. Right over there, somewhere." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Did she say what happened, to the outhouse?" The woman would say "Grandma wanted to leave the place standing, as a reminder of our past. The city, though, asked grandpa to remove it after some kid got caught in it. City inspectors said tests showed the place was full of "bad things". Grandpa obeyed. I just wished he had taken some pictures, first. I guess that why, after that, grandma was, always, asking granda "Do you have film in the camera?" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Would you show me the area, where the shed sat?" When the woman said "Sure, come with me." As the pair aproached the location, Doctor Rhoades was the first to "vision" the womans grand-mother. When the woman caught a glimpse, moments later, and began to freak, Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why are you afraid?" The woman would say "She CANT be here. We buried her. I swear it!". When Doctor Rhoades would use his calming voice, to explain "Yes, you buried her body. What we see is her soul, or spirit, if you want." When the woman would ask "If you see her, as well, tell me What is she wearing?" In his "vision", Doctor Rhoades would smile, as the spirit did a 360, showing him her outfit. When Doctor Rhoades would mention "You say she liked gardening?" The woman would say "She looved it." Doctor Rhoades would say "That explains her work-clothes." After Doctor Rhoades described what HE saw, the woman would ask "Why is she standing so close to the outhouse? Does she think I might not use a toilet?" This is when Doctor Rhoades would, telepathically, "hear" the womans voice, saying "Young man. I want my grand-daughter to dig, HERE. On THIS spot." When Doctor Rhoades would, telepathically, ask "Why?" The womans spirit would project "The secret lies beneath this point." When Doctor Rhoades would inform the patient "Your gand-mother says that some secret lies buried, here. Any idea what that means?" The patient would, only, say "Only one way to find out." After digging up some pieces, of flat, cover, stones, the duo would dig up an old, jewelry, box. Doctor Rhoades estimated even the boxes value to be exceptional. When the spirit would say "Open the box." Doctor Rhoades would, gently, open the container, to find some very old papers. While he did his best, to read them, he decided to let an expert "authenticate" them. When the woman looked upon her grand-mother, and Doctor Rhoades would whisper "She is just as real as your memories, of her." The women smiled, at one another, then, as gentle as a breeze, grand-mother faded away. Doctor Rhoades knew that the woman was, now, happy. She had accomplished what she set out to do. Now, she could rest-in-peace. As for the "official" report, to the hospital, both doctor, and patient, would agree that they had visited the grand-parents place, and that the woman had found peace, in reliving the old memories. As Doctor Rhoades reported "There is NOTHING WRONG, with remembering the past. As long as we LIVE, in the present." When Doctor Rhoades next encountered the spirit nurse, he was amazed when SHE thanked HIM for helping the patient. Grand-mother was at peace, and the revenue, from the sale, of the documents, would set the young woman up, until she was able to return to work. When Doctor Rhoades would ask the spirit nurse "Whom do you want me to deal with, next?" He was surprised when the nurse said "All in good time. For now, there is other work, to be done." This, "other work", which the spirit spoke of, would be a challenge, in itself. According to county records, the spirit was correct. THIS hospital had been built over the remains of the former hospital. While an excavation had produced no human remains, the spirit nurse would caution the doctor "They only dug down, eighteen inches, and called that "sufficient"." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How FAr down do they need to dig?" The spirit would say "Another two feet should be enough." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What will happen, to the current hospital, IF human remains are found?" The spirit would say "From what I remember, of mortal law, the hospital would be closed, and the patients moved, to another hospital, until ALL the remains are collected." When the board of directors learned of Doctor Rhoades request, for a more in-depth excavation, below the hospital, the president, of the board, would ask Doctor Rhoades "Are you mad? If we dig, under this building, we will lose revenue, from insurance billing. Not to mention the cost, of shoring up." When Doctor Rhoades would promise "I am not talking of digging the whole place up, at once. I am talking about digging small patches, then filling them, before moving on." It was the PASSION, of the way the chairman of the board, would say "Request DENIED! You will NOT dig up this hospital. It is needed." Doctor Rhoades was left to wonder "WHO needed it?" What was the board so afraid would be found, under the foundations? It was when Doctor Rhoades finished packing his car, to depart, that the spirits, of the nurse, several, of her co-workers, and, even, some of the patients, appearred, to say farewell, to Doctor Rhoades. All of them agreed: "You did the best you could, doc. We could not have asked for more." After Doctor Rhoades would say "Thank you, all." The doctor never ceased to be amazed at how gently spirits, actually, faded away. Like puffs of wind.