Entwined Read Free

always does that, or hides food in her pocket," retorted Anne Marie.
    "She seemed very frightened."
    "She's always frightened, frightened of doctors, frightened of anyone in a white coat. They are going to hypnotize her, this time!" Anne Marie added.
    Hilda placed the bloodstained towels into a laundry bag.
    "Have you worked for them long?" she asked Anne Marie.
    "Five years. I think I'm number thirteen…unlucky! Not many stay long: When she's nice, she's very very nice, but when she's bad…she can be very dangerous…I was told not to tell you, but you should know, especially since she has taken a liking to you. Don't trust her, these violent moods of hers come on without warning; she simply goes crazy, and she'll go for you like an animal. So be prepared."
    Hilda pursed her lips and continued to tidy the room. Anne Marie drew the curtains. "I used to like her; she was the kindest, sweetest woman I had ever met. I also felt deeply sorry for her." She turned to Hilda. "She was exceptionally kind to me and my little daughter."
    Anne Marie let the drapes fall back. "But she can be so hurtful, say such terrible things, things you cannot forget, or forgive. She can be evil, and she is very strong. So be warned, when she turns, get out—just run away from her. All the others did, but I need the money."
    Anne Marie sipped the orange juice, looking at the small pellets of bread.
      
    ♦ ♦ ♦
      
    The Mercedes moved slowly through a group of cheering students. It was almost time for the celebrations to begin, marking the one-year anniversary since the wall had been torn down. Vebekka sat between Helen and the baron, clasping and unclasping her gloved hands. Her husband took her hand and held it tightly. "It'll be all right…no one is going to hurt you."
    When she replied, her voice was almost inaudible. "It's close Louis, it feels so close, I can feel it. You should take me away from this place, please, I've never felt it so close to me before, I'm so scared."
    Helen glanced at the baron, and then turned to look out of the window. Vebekka's small gloved hand reaching for hers took her by surprise. They each held one hand, as if she were a child, and they both felt her tremble.

Chapter 2
    Dr. Franks' s waiting room was comfortable, with deep sofas and thick pile carpeting. The friendly receptionist offered coffee and tea, trying to put the visitors at ease.
    Dr. Franks walked into the reception room in a sweater and shirt, his hands stuffed into a pair of corduroy trousers. He had been told that the baroness had a deep distrust of anyone wearing a white coat. He was sixty-nine years old. His craggy face and gnarled hands belied his sharpness; he had a warm smile and a penetrating gaze.
    The baron shook Dr. Franks's hand, while Helen embraced her mentor. Dr. Franks sat beside Vebekka, and took her hand and kissed it.
    "Your mustn't be afraid. Today I will spend most of my time with your husband. You will chat with my nurse and my assistant. Maybe tomorrow you and I will spend some time together. Would you like coffee? or tea?"
    Vebekka kept her head down and withdrew her hand; she said nothing.
    "Helen, do you want to join us?" asked Franks.
    Helen bent her head to try to meet Vebekka's eyes. "Would you like me to stay with you? Vebekka?"
    The baroness looked up, and her wide amber eyes met Doctor Franks's.
    "I am quite capable of being left on my own, thank you."
    Dr. Franks noticed the way she recoiled from Helen, as if she did not want her to touch her. He gestured to Maja, his assistant, to stay with the patient, but Vebekka did not notice. Nor did she see Maja switch on a tape machine; she was watching Dr. Franks, the baron, and Helen leave the room. Their conversation would be recorded, so that Dr. Franks could listen to it before he began his formal session with Vebekka.
    There was a worn storybook on the table for the younger patients; Vebekka leaned over and slipped it under her coat. Maja pretended not to see. She