Thirteen West Read Online Free Page A

much as moved.
    "When we split Twelve West in two for the new ward, logic demanded that it should be Thirteen. I cannot countenance pandering to superstition." Dr. Fredericks' normally high-pitched voice rose shrilly. "We shall not!"
    He slapped his palms on the desk, making Sally jerk nervously.
    "To get on with the agenda," he continued, "you are a hand-picked crew, as is every person working every shift on Thirteen West. Starting to my right in the first row, we have Mr. Boyer, Psychiatric Technician I, who has just received a written commendation for his abilities. Next is Ms Reynolds, Registered Nurse, who will be our evening charge nurse. Ms Reynolds has shown a marked capability for dealing with the wide variety of problems occurring on the Admission Ward.
    "You've met Ms Goodrow, whose potential is unknown at present but who, I assume, is eager to learn. Mr. Alinosky, Psychiatric Technician I, is next, transferring from days where he has been working with adolescents most creditably. Seated behind, right to left, is Ms Dominguez—"
    "Mrs." The word was said quietly, with a trace of accent.
    "Of course, of course, Mrs. Dominguez, Psychiatric Technician I, a woman of principle, who has been working with our chronic cases compassionately—which sounds simple, but is not. Then Mr. Kent, Registered Nurse, who is evening supervisor for the entire hospital, a man of multiple talents. Next Ms Geibel, Psychiatric Technician I, a transfer from nights with expertise in retardation. And, on the end, Ms Young, who is joining us from a private psychiatric hospital and comes highly recommended. She is a licensed vocational nurse whose status here will be Psychiatric Technician II."
    There was a tap at the door and a man's head poked in. "Come in, Doctor," Dr. Fredericks ordered. "Glad you were able to join us."
    Sally stared at the average looking young man who entered, feeling a certain kinship with him as he stood by the superintendent's desk. Dr. Fredericks had made it sound as though she'd deliberately gotten ill just so she could screw up everyone's schedules and she was convinced he meant to make this doctor suffer for not being here at exactly three—correction, fifteen hundred—with the rest of them.
    "Dr. Jacobs will be the ward physician for Thirteen West," the superintendent said. "He is, of course, a fully qualified M.D., now receiving his psychiatric training here, and has volunteered for the position. A challenge—correct, Doctor?"
    Dr. Jacobs cleared his throat. "Yes. I see it that way."
    "Are there any words of wisdom for your new evening shift staff?"
    "Not at present." Dr. Jacobs shifted from one foot to the other, his eyes fixed over their heads. Sally's stomach tightened in sympathy.
    It wasn't so much what Dr. Fredericks said as the way he said it, seeming to put you down somehow, making you defensive. Or was she being unduly sensitive? Why would a psychiatrist who was superintendent of a state hospital behave as she was thinking he did?
    "I'm certain Thirteen West will prove to be a showcase ward with such unusually capable individuals staffing it," Dr. Fredericks said. "Thank you for coming in."
    End of ordeal, Sally thought, getting to her feet. She glanced at Ms Reynolds, next to her, who'd touched her hand so reassuringly. Charge nurse. As she followed her out the door she heard Dr. Fredericks say, "I'd like to talk to you, Barry, if you have a few minutes."
      Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Dr. Jacobs turn back toward the desk. Barry. She doubted that he got to call the superintendent Lionel.
    "Ever work in a psych hospital?" Ms Reynolds asked when they were walking along the corridor together.
    Sally shook her head.
    "You're being thrown in to sink or swim then. Hey, don't look so scared—it's all right. Old Nellie's bark is worse than his bite. Or so they say."
    Nellie? It took Sally a moment or two to make the connection. Lionel E. Fredericks—Nellie. She smiled.
    "That's better," Ms