The Insane Train by Sheldon Russell Read Free Book Online Page B

the looks of them, and diplomas hung on the wall behind the desk. A small bronze of Einstein sat on the table under the window. Hook took another look, decided it wasn’t Einstein but Sigmund Freud instead.
    â€œSorry to keep you waiting,” Baldwin said. “I’ve sent for Nurse Andrea Delven to show you around the institution. Perhaps it will give you a better idea of what we are dealing with here.”
    â€œDoctor Baldwin, before we get into this thing too far, you and I should talk about some practical matters.”
    â€œFor example?”
    â€œThis move you’re proposing is a high-risk venture at best. I have serious doubts we can come up with a special train in time for your needs. There’s a shortage of equipment.
    â€œAnd then there’s the matter of security. This is a particular problem since firearms can’t be used. As for men, I doubt seriously if we could come up with enough. Even if we did, they would be untrained in dealing with mental patients.”
    He looked up at Baldwin, who hadn’t moved. “Frankly, my best advice is for you to reconsider this whole plan.”
    Baldwin took his glasses off and rubbed at his face. “I appreciate your advice, Mr. Runyon. I suspect that you consider me to be a little naïve, but let me assure you that’s not the case. I’ve a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and my experience in these matters is considerable.
    â€œAs a young doctor, I spent three years in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, a state institution, where I worked with some very challenging patients. From there, I worked as a psychiatrist with the Texas Department of Corrections. I’ve seen the worst this world has to offer. But I believe in what I am doing, and I believe I make a difference.
    â€œIn short, I have no intentions of giving up here. If you can’t help me, I’ll find another way.”
    Hook laid his prosthesis across his lap. Dust had gathered on the hinge where he had dripped the oil. The damn thing looked like the tie rods on a junked car. Taking out his handkerchief, he wiped it away.
    â€œDoctor Baldwin,” he said, “have you considered the possibility that the fire here might have been arson?”
    Baldwin’s brows lifted. “No matches or flammable materials of any kind are permitted on the wards. The wiring in these old buildings is quite inadequate. It’s pretty clear the fire started in the wall of the orderly’s room. Unfortunately, it effectively cut the inmates off from escape.”
    â€œThere was no other egress?” Hook asked.
    â€œEven though we are not a prison, we have to maintain tight security. Too many exits lead to problems.”
    â€œThen shouldn’t an orderly be on duty at all times, Doctor Baldwin?”
    â€œFrankie Yager was on duty, but he also made rounds downstairs, where the less troublesome inmates were housed. This never took more than a few minutes.”
    â€œOne orderly for two floors?” Hook asked.
    â€œHelp is very difficult to come by out here, Mr. Runyon, and then with the war. In any case, most people are frightened by mental illness.”
    Hook rose and walked to the window. From there he could see the burned-out building and the fresh grave up on the hill. He could see the young nurse working her way toward the office.
    Baldwin had nailed it. There was something frightening about the mentally ill. With criminals he always knew where he stood. They were the enemy. They wished him harm. He watched his back, and he trusted no one. But here, the rules weren’t clear. These people were not the enemy, though they could be just as dangerous.
    He turned. “Alright, Doctor Baldwin,” he said. “I’ll do what I can, but there are no guarantees.”
    â€œThank you, Mr. Runyon. In my business, I’m accustomed to no guarantees.
    â€œOh, here’s Nurse Delven now.”
    She smiled at Hook as she came