Chapter Text
“Good morning, terribly sorry for the wait. I was a bit wrapped up in an emergency.”
“I’m sure.”
“I trust you found my office alright? I know the halls can be difficult to navigate.”
A beat.
“Well then, I can tell you aren’t in any mood for pleasantries. I think I might know why you’re really here, Mr. Lanyon-“
“It’s doctor.”
“Of course, my apologies.”
“You damn well better know what I’m here for. You should consider yourself lucky I don’t have a lawyer with me.”
“There’s no need for that, everything being done here is perfectly legal. The treatment and care of the mentally ill is our top priority.”
“And I’m a unicorn.”
Sigh.
“Dr. Lanyon, if this meeting can’t go civilly I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to come at a later date or, better yet, not at all. I have many patients that require my attention. The only reason we’re having this discussion now is both out of professional courtesy and that of your father.”
“Oh is that all-“
“This sort of meeting is meant exclusively for family members and spouses of the patient. You’re here as an exception, Dr. Lanyon. One that can easily be changed.”
“I should be written on his list of relations.”
Paper.
“The only name written here is ‘Edward Hyde’.”
Shock.
“That- despicable wretch-“
“My time is of the essence, Doctor.”
A breath.
“Under what accusations has he been admitted for?”
“As we’ve been over numerous times before, the authorities were made aware of his condition by an informant who wishes to remain anonymous. We took him in and after further evaluation of his character, found multiple behavioral anomalies that reached the qualifications for admission. Seeing as he is in no condition to make decisions himself and that he has no living relatives to speak of , the board has taken his situation into our capable hands.”
“‘Behavioral anomalies’, what rubbish is that? He’s not crazy like the raving lunatics you have roped down in your basement, he’s just tired. He doesn’t need to be locked in a cage like some animal and poked in the face with tools, he needs to rest! He has to come home and sleep in his own bed.This was all some terrible mistake…”
“The witness claimed he was talking to himself, having entire conversations, responding and receiving answers from no one. He was also described as ‘paranoid, skittish, and increasingly hysterical’ and ‘reacted strongly, as if threatened, by thin air’. When we brought him in, he looked a breath away from fainting, you understand.”
“He’s been stressed about the Society. He tries to manage everything on his own, he’s so stubborn sometimes to the point of idiocy.”
“He mentioned that.”
“You’ve spoken to him?”
“Of course! We had an evaluation, but as it went on it became clear that ‘sleep-deprivation’ and ‘stress’ were not the only things behind his behavior. I actually have a few questions for you, Dr. Lanyon. You are the co-founder, you’ve known him the longest, spent the most time with him?”
“Yes… But not much in these past few weeks. He’s been busy, he’s not come to a stop since the month started.”
“Mmm. Does he have a history of missing sleep?”
“He was a restless sleeper when we were in school. I don’t know precisely how he is now, but I assumed it only got worse.”
“Does he have a history of fits?”
“Fits? What does that mean, fits?”
“He was quite hysterical when we brought him in for an evaluation-“
“Of course he was! Any sane person would be panicked if he were dragged to this hell hole against his will!”
“Dr. Lanyon, please don’t raise your voice, some patients find it upsetting.”
“I’ll tell you what’s upsetting; what’s upsetting is my best friend has been admitted against his will and everyone else’s into Bethlam on the word of some- some unknown sod who jumped to conclusions?
“Who’s done this?! It sure as hell can’t be anybody we know! You’re just going to take the word of someone who doesn’t know Henry, or worse, hates him?”
“I am not at liberty to share that information.”
“You will once the lawyer arrives.”
“Dr Lanyon, there’s really no need for that.”
“If I wanted your opinion, Doctor Silk, I would have asked.”
A beat.
“Well, if that’s all you came to say, Dr Lanyon... I’m sorry, but I have a new patient that needs tending to.”
Silence.
Someone down the hall starts screaming. Lanyon’s hand grips tightly to his own knee.
“Where is he?”
“In his room.”
“Can I see him?”
Silence.
“Please.”
“He’s with the nurses right now, he won’t be available for a few hours-”
“I can wait.”
“... Of course. You’re welcome to remain in my office until then. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”