The Room by Hubert Selby Jr. Read Free Book Online Page A

booked, sent upstairs to be interviewed by the medical department – if thats the proper phrase – and x-rayed, they sent me to the – what is their phrase again … o yes, the t.b. suspect ward.
Q . Why there?
A . I am not really certain. They said I had a spot on my lung. I told them that I had a slight touch of pleurisy many years previously and that it was just a scar from it. But they said they had to check it out. So I literally shrugged. I had no idea I was going to be put in solitary.
Q . They put you in solitary?
A . Well, no, not exactly. That is, it was not what the others refer to as the hole. But I was locked in a 9 x 6 cell in the t.b. suspect section of the jail.
Q . That sounds very uncomfortable.
A . To say the least (smiling) Its quite an experience to be locked up all by yourself in any size room, no less a little cell. But I managed to survive (looking around the room at the others) and here I am.
    He slowly opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling, still seeing the look of complete and absolute approval on the faces of Donald Preston and Stacey Lowry. He swung his body up and around and sat on the edge of the bed nodding his head slightly from time to time and feeling contented.
    He got up and went to the sink. He looked in the mirror and stretched the skin around the pimple. He squeezed it gently then touched it with the tip of a finger. It seemed to be a little more tender than the last time he touched it. But it still wasnt ready. He went back to the bed. He stared at the wall creating images with the cracks. He lay on his back and shielded his eyes from the light with his arm.
    He was indignant when the cops put him in the car and demanded to be allowed to call his attorney as soon as they arrived at the police station. He called Stacey and told him what had happened and then refused to say a word until Stacey arrived. They conferred briefly then Stacey went to the Captains office and demanded that his client – friend – be released immediately. The Captain told him he couldnt do that, that only the courts could release him. And anyway, I dont even know what the situation is or why the man has been brought in. Stacey told him he did not care what the Captain knew or did not know about the circumstances, that he was a friend of Staceys for many years and he knew he was an honest man and that it was ridiculous to arrest him on suspicion for simply standing on a street corner. When the Captain repeated what he had previously stated, Stacey called the Police Commissioner and explained the situation. The commissioner spoke to the captain and in a few minutes they were in Staceys car.
    I am sorry I had to bother you Stace, but I did not know what else to do.
    That is perfectly all right. After all, that is what friends are for. I would have been highly insulted if you had not called.
    Well, anyway, thanks, slapping him lightly on the back.
    You know, I was really surprised to hear your voice. I thought you were not getting into town until tomorrow.
    Well, I did not expect to, but I got an early start and made good time. I got in town a few hours ago.
    Then you can come over the house tomorrow night for dinner.
    I am looking forward to it. It has been a long time.
    I bet the kids have grown.
    Grown? You will not recognize them.
    They both smiled and continued to his hotel.
    He stirred slightly, adjusting his body to a new position, smiling contentedly.
    After the commissioner ordered his release he conferred with Stace about having the 2 arresting officers reprimanded in some manner. You see Stace, it is not that I want to be vindictive, but I would like to see them be more careful in the future. It is not right to allow them to do such things. If they can do it to me they can do it to anyone – and probably have. You understand.
    Completely. You know how I have always been fighting injustices of all nature – just as yourself – and especially the misuse of authority.
    They went to the