CHAPTER 11
Davis heard Kevin yelling that it was breakfast. Davis was tired, not sleeping well, had really done a toll on his body. He didn’t even want to get up for breakfast. He lay there, until James came to his door and yelled from the other side.
“Hey someone is going to eat your tray, if you don’t get up to get it.” James said.
“Go ahead man, it’s all yours.” Davis replied.
“Right on, bro.” James said as he ran downstairs. “That’s my tray sucka; go get your own food.”
Davis kind of giggled as he drifted off into a heavy slumber. He was awakened again by the door of his room clicking continuously. He opened his eyes. At first, he didn’t understand what was happening. Finally, he forced himself up and walked over to his door and peeked out into the foyer. An orderly who he had never seen, was motioning for him to come downstairs. He swung open the door and proceeded down the stairs to find out what all the commotion was about.
“Davis Stiles?” Bill the orderly asked.
“Yeah.” Davis groaned in a hoarse voice.
“Pack up your belongings. You will be leaving in an hour.” Bill said.
“I don’t have any belongings.” Davis replied.
“Here are the clothes you came in with. You can change and then hang out down here until I come back to get you.” Bill said.
“Okay.” Davis said, still a little surprised by the fast paced turn of events.
Davis grabbed his clothes and ran upstairs to change. He ran in his room and changed clothes in such a hurry that it would have put Superman to shame. He finished up and then looked down at the nightstand, there laid the Alcoholics Anonymous book. He went to reach for it but then decided not to take it. Besides it was the facility’s book after all. He could get another one when he got out. Davis had every intention of going to meetings and not drinking. He felt he truly was finished with that part of his life. When he walked out of the psych ward, nothing was going to make him return.
Davis headed downstairs and plopped down on the couch. “What was an hour?” He thought to himself.
“Hey fucko!” Christian gritted out.
Davis turned around to see Christian standing on the upper tier. He didn’t look well. Christian slowly started to head downstairs toward where Davis was sitting. Davis knew that this was not looking good.
“Look man, no hard feelings. I am gone in less than an hour. You don’t want no trouble, and neither do I. If you were me, then you would let me leave here without any trouble.” Davis tried to rationalize the situation to Christian.
“But I’m not you, and I will be comatose, by the end of that hour. Get my drift. Bitch.” Christian hissed as he neared Davis.
Davis noticed that Christian was holding a bic pen in his right hand. He gripped it so tight that his veins were popping out of his thumb. Davis could see the beats of Christian heart in those small veins. Christian lunged at Davis, but he was quick enough to move out of the way. He tried to double back to the security door, hoping he could get some passing orderly’s attention. Davis realized that he had cornered himself. The only place to go was the small cafeteria. “I should have locked myself in my room.” He thought.
“Yeah, buddy, one of us is dead today.” Christian said.
“You would kill me and go to prison.” Davis tried to reason again.
“Sorry man, I’m crazzzzzy!” Christian said.
Davis was at a loss. He knew he could take this kid, but that would mean no freedom. He was not about to jeopardize that for Christian. He went to the other side of the cafeteria, hoping he could duck back and forth in between the four tables. Christian just jumped on top of the tables. That is when Davis realized that he had underestimated Christian’s ability to fight. What Davis was seeing was a hard core punk with a serious grudge to fix.
“Come over and take it like a man.” Christian giggled.
Davis tried to go for the opening between Christian and the wall, when he ducked, Christian leaped off the table onto Davis’ back. Christian immediately tried to stab Davis in the neck. Davis threw Christian off of him. Christian slid into the wall feet first, like he was sliding into second base. He sprung up and grabbed the pen off of the floor, all in one motion.
Davis had finally had enough. The pen had scraped across his neck, and he felt the burn from the scratch. He grabbed his neck and tried to control his anger. That’s when the whole situation came about full force in his brain. Beth was gone, his life was empty, and this little punk was trying to take away his manhood. Davis took his hand from his neck. The pain felt good. It felt good to feel again.
“Okay, you want some, you got some.” Davis yelled.
“Let’s rock and roll, BITCH!” Christian bellowed.
Davis stepped to Christian and threw a jab. It caught Christian in the nose. His nose started bleeding immediately. The shot did nothing to faze the kid. Christian tried to stab Davis in the stomach. Davis grabbed his wrist and twisted it until Christian dropped the pen.
“Ow. Fucker. Kevin, hit the button.” Christian yelled.
“I did, man.” Kevin yelled from the other side of the wall where the facilitator’s desk, was hidden behind.
Davis couldn’t figure out what was going on. Then it dawned on him. He had been set-up. The memories flooded in his brain, he remembered Kevin and Christian plotting something after lunch yesterday. Then James saying “Watch your back.” “Where was James?” Davis thought.
Davis immediately let Christian go. Two seconds later, Christian lunged at him and took him down to the floor like it was a high school wrestling match. The security door flew open and four orderlies came through the door. Two were holding syringes, and the other two ran straight for Davis and Christian. Within thirty seconds, Davis was feeling really good from whatever they stuck in him. He watched the lights go by, like he was on the expressway in the middle of the night. The lights passed overhead, “1, 1000, 2, 1000, 3, 1000, 4, 1…..” Then there was darkness.
The sleep was heavy and undisturbed. Davis awoke naked and strapped down to another bed. He was a little more aware this time, and a lot more angry. He kicked and screamed. Nobody came. The day dragged on forever. He couldn’t get comfortable, and the dope the orderly stuck him with, was wearing off with bad side effects. His head starting pounding, and his neck hurt from where Christian tried to stab him. His mind raced and then there was a moment of clarity. For once, he had tried to hurt another human being and he was sober. The whole fight, he recollected in his head, and not once could he remember ever wanting to hurt Christian. His main objective was to disarm him and defend himself. He laid there and finally relaxed.
“I guess you ain’t leaving after all, you dumb fuck.” Davis laughed to himself.
Davis figured humor was all that he had left. If he couldn’t laugh at himself and his actions, then who could he laugh at? He calmed down by night fall. The orderly came in and fed him some tomato soup through a straw. He also gave him his favorite, chocolate milk, to wash it down. He tried to ask questions, but he never even got a response. He started praying Jerry was working the second shift. At least Jerry could answer some of his questions. Or so he hoped.
Davis had no concept of time. Minutes felt like hours and hours felt like days. The door opened and Davis looked up hoping it was Jerry with some answers to his questions. Instead it was a face Davis had since forgotten.
“Davis, Davis, man what happened?” Trevor asked.
“Trevor, I am so glad to see a familiar face. I don’t know what the hell is going on with me anymore.” Davis said.
Trevor pulled the chair up to the bed. It was the only other piece of furniture in the room besides the bed. He looked at Davis and just shook his head in a disgusted manner. Davis was feeling pretty low already, but looking at his lawyer in his fancy suit and his freedom, made Davis feel even worse.
“Look, you got to do something right here. I mean the orders from your last court date had to do with the rehab. Now you are in a psychiatric facility. This doesn’t look good.” Trevor said as Davis cut in.
“I know, but…” Davis tried to speak.
“Quiet, you need to listen, and then we will figure out all this mess. First off, Beth called me. She wanted me to tell you she is fine, and that she loves you no matter what kind of person you have become.” Trevor said, holding up his hand realizing that the sound of Beth’s name made Davis want to talk. “I don’t know where she is, but she wanted me to make sure you get to court. I went to your house, and this was on the door.”
Trevor showed Davis the eviction notice. It was dated two days ago. That gave Davis three days to move out. Under the circumstances, that would be a real tough feat to accomplish.
“Now, your court date is next week. Beth paid my fees, so you won’t owe me anything. However, I am responsible to Beth to get you there. So I am going to pick you up here, and they will release you for court into my custody. But you will be returning here after court until they feel you can walk on your own two feet, which by the looks of you, is not going to be any time soon.” Trevor finished giving Davis time to ask all those burning questions that Trevor knew he wanted to ask.
“You don’t know where Beth is?” Davis asked. Trevor just nodded “no.” “Okay and they are going to let me out of here to go to court?” Trevor nodded “yes.”
“Finally, there are two things I need from my house. Everything else they can clean out themselves. There is a picture of Beth and I on the nightstand. I need that. Also, I need some clothes, maybe a weeks worth. I could care less about the rest of the crap. It never felt like my house anyway. That is Beth’s stuff, and I was in jail while she made it her home. I think that might have been one of my problems. Anyway, what do you think is going to happen in court?” Davis finished.
‘I truly don’t know. I could have gotten you off if you would have stayed at that rehab. But now, I am clueless. The maximum sentence is a year in the county, which you would have to do six months of. But I can get you a better deal, if you want to cop out. I suggest we plead not guilty, get the case continued for the next six months, and then take it to trial. If you lose, then you do the time. If you win, well you win. But the time in between now and then, you could fix your life as best as you can. This way we will have some sort of defense for the jury. So, I am going to ask for a six week continuance. That will put us in September sometime. Hopefully, you can get out of here by then.” Trevor said.
Davis and Trevor talked for a couple of hours. Trevor reassured Davis that the future was going to be better than his recent past. Davis tried to believe him, but that was kind of hard to do considering the circumstances. Trevor told Davis he would go get some of his things from the house. Trevor had Davis sign over his power of attorney to Trevor. Since Davis was in a psych ward, it would be easy for the doctor’s to manipulate the amount of time he would have to be there. But with the power of attorney in place, then Trevor at least would be notified first and foremost of any changes. This made Davis relaxed a little bit more. Trevor felt good about their little talk. They had covered a lot and it gave Trevor a better understanding about what he had to do for Davis’ next court date.
“Okay, I’ll see you on Thursday. Get some rest, and try to get back into the population. This naked crap is degrading.” Trevor said with a smile.
“That’s funny, what? You don’t like my equipment? It’s all God gave me.” Davis said laughing out loud.
Trevor made his exit. Davis immediately wished he would have asked what time it was. At least that way, he could have counted the minutes. It would have given him something to do. Instead of lying there, waiting for someone to open the door.
“Davis!” Jerry yelled.
Davis opened his eyes and saw Jerry standing in the doorway. Davis woke up from his daydream. He wasn’t sure if he was dreaming, but it sure seemed real.
“Jerry?” Davis said as he squinted trying to adjust his eyes to light.
‘Yeah.” Jerry said. “So I read the reports. You were getting out of here. What happened?”
“That kid Christian set me up because I got him in trouble in group.” Davis replied. He actually laughed at himself, because it sounded unreal.
“Yeah, you ain’t the first. Anyway, I am working a double shift, 11-7 and then 7-3. So if you need anything just holler. The doctor will be in here to see you around 8 a.m.” Jerry said.
“What time is it?” Davis asked.
“It’s almost 12:30 in the morning.” Jerry said.
“Damn, it sure has been a long day.” Davis replied.
“Can I do anything for you besides getting you out of here?” Jerry asked.
“Yeah, could you turn the light off? It sure is a pain in the ass to try and sleep with that thing on.” Davis politely asked.
“For a few hours I can, but when the doctors start rolling in around seven, I have turn ‘em back on. Alright.” Jerry said.
“Thanks God.” Davis thankfully said.
“No problem. Get some rest; Dr. Fellows will be here bright and early to fuck with you.” Jerry chuckled.
“I can’t wait.” Davis chuckled back.
Jerry turned off the light and Davis tried to get comfortable. It was a lot easier trying to sleep without the bright fluorescent lights shining through his closed eyelids. Davis thought about Beth, and all the possible places she could be at that very moment. “Could she be with another man already?” Davis asked himself. With a quick answer he said, “NO.” His voice echoed in the room and he shut his eyes hoping tomorrow would be better than today.
CHAPTER 12
Davis laid there and collected his thoughts. He had been restrained for three days. His muscles ached from no activity. The days ticked by so slowly, he would not have been able to tell if it was day or night if it wasn’t for the window. Many hours passed with Davis looking out that window and wondering what Beth was doing. He imagined her bathing on a beach somewhere, with a smile he never wanted to forget. Her memory was still strong. One of his biggest fears would be for her not to return and for him to forget what she looked like. He would focus for hours on the things he could remember. Of course, those happen to be the memories of when he was sober. He couldn’t recall much when he was drunk. This brought on fits of depression and self-loathing. He needed to remember all the bad times in order to keep himself from wanting to get drunk again.
The door opened and in walked Dr. Fellows. He had on his usual doctor outfit, and his tie today was made of silk and had a dark design. This was unusual, since the doctor had been wearing all sorts of neurotic ties. Everyday, the doctor would come in and see how Davis was doing. Their conversations were extraordinarily polite. This made Davis comfortable to share some of his thoughts on his drinking and of Beth. This seemed to make the doctor happy, so Davis kept up the routine.
“How are we doing today?” Dr. Fellows asked.
“Not bad Doc.” Davis replied.
“Good. Are you still wallowing in self-pity?” Dr. Fellows asked.
“Just re-living the good times.” Davis answered.
“Good, good, because I don’t want you to believe you can’t change your thinking.” Dr. Fellows said with a smile. “Well, it looks like you have a big day ahead of you. “
“When is my lawyer coming?” Davis asked.
“He should be here in about an hour, which is why I came in extra early today. I have written up a letter for your judge. I am going to talk to your lawyer when he gets here, and hopefully all will be well in your life. Temporarily that is.” Dr. Fellows finished.
“What kind of letter?” Davis asked suspiciously.
“Well, it says you are under my care and that you will be until we deem you fit to be a part of society without causing any further harm to anyone else or yourself.” Dr. Fellows answered. “Now, I told the orderly to get you a hot shower and your clothes. I hope that you will be okay for today’s events. When you return this afternoon, I have scheduled you to go back to the same unit you were on. We have talked about this, and you and Christian are going to have to work this thing out. If you can’t and something else happens, then I will be forced to put you on a higher dosage of medication and keep you from any contact with anyone. You understand, don’t you?”
“Yeah, Doc, I understand. It is kind of hard not too, when you and I have been talking about it for three days now.” Davis muttered back.
Dr. Fellows smiled and got up. He was satisfied with Davis’ behavior, and had no problem allowing him to be released from the “safe room.” Dr. Fellows had determined that if Davis was going to get better he had to learn how to deal with life on life’s terms. This was going to be a long journey, but the doctor knew that it would be worth it in the end.
The orderly came in and released Davis from the restraints. This time it was not like before. Davis had a hard time sitting up on his own. Every muscle in his body ached, and it took a long time for the pins and needles to stop in his legs and feet. It took a good ten minutes before Davis was ready to stand on his own two feet again. He finally felt well enough to stand up and get on with fixing his life as best as he could. He was allowed to shower just like the doctor had said. When he was finished getting dressed the orderly came in and told him that his lawyer was waiting. The clock on the wall said it was 7:30 a.m. It had been a long time since Davis was up at this hour and wide awake. As a matter of fact it felt like years ago, but Davis remembered the last time very clearly. It was the day he got kicked out of rehab. That day started differently, though. He didn’t want to get out of bed, today; he was all for leaving the mattress behind.
Davis went out to meet Trevor. There; Trevor stood with his starched and pressed suit. It overpowered Davis mentally. Davis looked down at what he was wearing and realized that the suit looked much nicer than his faded blue jeans, white sneakers, and t-shirt. Davis quickly got over it and moved on. He walked up and shook Trevor’s hand.
“How’s it going? I got some great news for you my boy. I’ll fill you in on the drive down to 26th and Cal. Now how do I get this guy out of your evil clutches with the least amount of hassle?” Trevor smiled at the orderly.
Trevor was told about the sign out log at the front desk by the main entrance. Trevor and Davis walked through the three corridors that connected the facility’s buildings. They finally arrived at the front entrance five minutes later. Trevor signed out Davis with authority. In Trevor’s mind, that is what lawyer’s were for, to help their clients out of the problems of life. Trevor was used to this; this was the kind of stuff that bought him his brand new Cadillac, his new mansion, and of course, his beautiful wife. This was something that Trevor was not naïve about. His wife was bought and paid for, just like all the other toys in his life. He knew that if he was disbarred; everything would be gone in a matter of time. That included his wife.
Davis and Trevor walked over to Trevor’s Cadillac and they drove out of Davis’ prison. Davis realized he was leaving a mental prison on his way to a physical one. Davis listened to Trevor’s grandiose plans for him and his case. Davis was hoping for more information on Beth, but Trevor kept saying he didn’t know anything more than what he already told him. This didn’t anger Davis as much as it frustrated him. The frustration was distracting his thoughts from listening and understanding Trevor’s plans. Finally, Davis stopped daydreaming and realized the car was silent. Trevor had stopped rambling, and Davis was unsure if Trevor had asked him a question. Davis looked over at Trevor, and then realized that he was waiting for an answer.
“Aw, screw it; I like R&B anyway. So WGCI is good.” Trevor obviously didn’t even care whether Davis was going to answer him.
Davis heard the new R. Kelly song about making love to his woman over the stove. Davis kind of laughed at himself when he realized that is how he imagined him and Beth in their marriage. He suddenly found humor in the things he had done to himself. Life really wasn’t all that bad. The music blared, Davis continued on thinking, and Trevor grooved to the music the rest of the ride to the courthouse.
Davis tried to keep up with Trevor throughout the entry way to the courthouse, but Trevor was so smooth in this environment. Davis knew that this was Trevor’s stomping ground and it showed. Davis watched Trevor glide past the rows and rows of people going about their business. He was like invisible. The whole time Davis watched him, he never even touched another person. His jacket never even brushed against anybody. He looked almost not human. Davis laughed that thought away as quickly as it had come. He finally caught up to Trevor at the door of his courtroom. Trevor was barely winded. Davis, however, was having a hard time catching his breath. Davis flew past Trevor, obviously not wanting another man to see his weaknesses.
Trevor walked around the room and greeted all his colleagues. Davis grabbed the nearest empty seat he could. He watched Trevor, and was amazed at how many people he actually knew. Davis sat there, and listened for his name as court started. The names of defendants went by with a blur. Finally, Davis heard his full name called and stood up to approach the Judge’s bench. Trevor gracefully met him at the bench and immediately rambled off his name and who he was defending. Davis stood there with his hands behind his back and listened to all the legal talk that went well beyond his comprehension.
“Mr. Stiles, what is your plea?” Judge Macintosh asked.
“Not guilty.” Davis replied.
“I have read over Judge Mayer’s documentation from your bond hearing, and I see that you were supposed to go to rehab. Your lawyer has informed the court that is what happened and you were unable to complete the treatment’s recommendations. Is this correct?” The Judge asked.
“Yes, your Honor.” Davis replied.
“Well, you have pleaded not guilty, so I have no authority over your personal affairs. I have no authority to tell you what to do about your drinking. However, if this court finds you guilty of the crimes you have been charged with, then I will have the authority. Do you understand?” Judge Macintosh said.
“Yes.” Davis replied.
“Good. I will continue your case for four weeks from today. Please be present, Mr. Stiles, I would hate to have to send the Sheriffs to find you.” Judge Macintosh said. “Your next court date will be August 24th at 9:00 a.m. Next case!”
Davis followed Trevor out of the courtroom. He never even realized that Danny was sitting in the second row, taking notes on all that was said during the hearing. Danny had a big smile on his face, “That guy is making me rich.” Danny had grown a beard and had taken up some research on the effects alcohol does to the body when consumed in large quantities.
Trevor tried to fill Davis in on what was probably going to happen at the next court date. Trevor told Davis how important it was for him to stay in the psych ward until this all blows over. At least there, Davis would be out of harm’s way, and not get into anymore trouble.
The ride back to Read was uneventful. Trevor had stopped at Burger King, so Davis could eat some real food. Trevor could only imagine what the cuisine must be like for the “crazies.”
When they finally reached Read, it was about 1:30 in the afternoon. The sun was shining bright and weather was a humid ninety degrees. Davis opened the car to get out, when Trevor grabbed his arm and kept him from leaving.
Davis turned to see why Trevor was holding him from going inside. Trevor kept a firm grip on Davis’ bicep, and continued talking on his cell-phone without even being aware that Davis was getting antsy. Finally, Trevor ended his call, and turned to Davis who was anticipating the reason for the hold-up.
“Here, this is what you asked for.” Trevor said as he handed Davis the picture of him and Beth on their wedding night. “Your clothes are in the trunk.”
“Thanks Trevor, if Beth hadn’t paid you, I don’t know what would have happened.” Davis gritted out, with his head hung low.
“Don’t sweat it, Beth has paid me in full, and I will see this through, which will probably not turn out to bad. However, if things go south you will be the first to know. Ha, ha.” Trevor laughed trying to be coy.
Davis looked into Trevor’s eyes and a man with no emotion. Usually men who have no emotion or conscience end up with everything. The reason being they are not afraid to go out and take what the world has to offer. Davis knew the look, because he had seen it so many times every morning in his own eyes, those same eyes staring at him from his reflection in the mirror. He used to be the guy who sat back and waited to receive what the world owed him, but somewhere he changed. He became the guy who took from the world what he thought he was owed.
Trevor opened the trunk so Davis could get his clothes. He escorted Davis to the front desk and signed him back in. Trevor looked at Davis, told him he would be in touch, and then waltzed out of the psych ward because he could. Trevor obviously enjoyed his freedom and he sure as hell showed it in his walk, talk, and actions.
Davis turned to the orderly, and smiled. What a day, he was having. Waking up restrained to a bed not knowing what the future holds. Then, he had gotten a little field trip from his miserable existence. The funny thing was that Davis knew court was a paperweight for some, yet for him it was a little freedom from his cursed reality. He bellowed out a laugh, which made the orderly look at him, like he was crazy. Davis smiled again, and followed him down two different corridors. Davis was learning the ins and outs of Read. He was beginning to get adjusted to all the corridors and what buildings were where. The orderly took him back to his old unit. The door clicked and Davis pushed on it. Davis went in and there sitting on the couches, were some old faces he wasn’t sure if he wanted to see.
“Hey, jail bird, how was the vacation?” James asked.
“Not bad.” Davis said with a smile.
“Yeah, man, you are looking rested.” Kevin said, as if he were talking to a deaf person.
Christian stood up from the couch he was sitting on, and walked past Davis without as much as a glance his way. Just when Davis was about to open his mouth, a familiar voice beckoned from the orderly’s desk.
“Now, don’t go starting any trouble you two. It’s because of you guys that we got to have someone on the tier at all times.” Jerry said.
Davis looked over to see Jerry smiling from behind his desk. Davis didn’t even give Christian a second glance, instead walked over to shake Jerry’s hand. The funny thing was that Davis actually enjoyed these guys. They were all nuts, including Jerry. He finally felt comfortable in his own skin. He was surrounded by guys who had problems just like him. Davis turned around and saw Christian closing his bedroom door behind him. Davis realized that Christian was probably the one guy who was most like him. Angry at the world and sure as hell wasn’t going to lie down and quit.
“So, how did court go?” Jerry asked.
“Continuance.” Davis replied.
“Yeah, it happens all the time.” James said, thinking Davis was in court to try to get out of this place.
“Sorry man, about the whole ordeal, I guess I was just jealous that you and Harvey were leaving.” Kevin said.
“Don’t sweat it kid, it made me see that I truly need to be here for a little while longer.” Davis said.
“Hell, none of us need to be here a little while longer.” James yelled out.
“Speak for yourself.” Davis said with a grin.
Davis sat down with James and Kevin to play three handed dominoes. Davis heard about how Steve had freaked out and they put him on another tier better able to suit his medication needs. Jon got angry at one of the orderlies for not allowing him to keep his snack from his dinner tray. The orderly went to the hospital for a fractured skull. Jon had apparently hit him in the head with a hard cover book. That was the reason hard cover books were not allowed. Jon had been hiding it in his waistline the whole time. The thing that made Davis laugh was it was book on how to lose weight. Nobody believed he was reading it, instead everyone speculated on him using it to hold his belly in place so it looked like he was losing weight. Davis laughed at the irony of the situation.
Davis played dominoes and liked being able to catch up on the tier’s happenings. It made him feel like this was home and he had really been on vacation from it. The bottom line was that there were only four guys left, and two of them were the reason he was still here. Davis was unsure if he should be angry or elated, about the way things happened. He did know one thing though, while he was in psych ward, he might as well get some free counseling. Davis knew he needed it, and God always knew he was going to need it sometime. Davis had twenty eight days until his next court date. That gave him twenty eight days to figure out exactly how he had become who he was.
