Small sneak peek, I guess! Keep in mind that this is a rather rough draft, and some or all of what I put here could get changed, possibly in a drastic way :x Either way, enjoy!
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______“Some light reading?” Kat asked, noting the large file underneath the officer’s arm, pinched at the side of her torso.
______“You could say that,” Portinari said, opening and leafing through the hefty file. “This is everything I’ve been able to find regarding the incident from six months ago.”
______“Oh man, I bet there’s lots of great bullsh!t in there,” Dante said sourly, continuing to eat his pizza.
______“Some accident reports, missing person cases, and one very particular personal record…” Portinari said, glancing at Dante at the end of her sentence.
______“Sweet…” Dante muttered as he stopped chewing, a mouth still full of faux-Italian cuisine.
______“Dante hasn’t done anything wrong,” Kat reflexively defended.
______“Lately,” Dante quipped.
______“Not helping, Dante,” Kat snapped.
______“Lapis Manalis Asylum for the Betterment of Psychiatric Health; Young Offenders Rehabilitation Program: Subject number 644-32B…” Portinari read.
______Dante’s heart beat jumped, pounding faster. He could hear a gruff voice, deep in his soul.
______“Day 1 - Subject was brought in late last night in Limbo City Police custody. Having been charged with assault, but unwilling to cooperate with police, the subject was sent to our facility for psychological evaluation to see if he is fit to stand trial in a juvenile court. Subject has been silent, refusing to answer questions or participate in discussions with staff and patients,” Portinari continued.
______The voice inside him continued, despite Dante’s response of silence.
______“Day 4 - Subject has become increasingly erratic over the past few days, instigating fist fights with orderlies. For his own safety, and that of the staff, subject has been confined to an isolated room, and is under constant surveillance by video.” Portinari recited lines from the file as she began to pace in front of the desk.
______Dante’s heartbeat was like a machine gun, and the deafening voice unrelentingly demanded an answer to its question. He could feel a sinking sensation as an unbridled anger welled up inside, flowing like lava through his veins.
______“Day 10 - Subject continues to become aggressive, particularly to selective staff members, as if he carries a personal grudge against them. Subject has begun refusing to eat.”
______What. Is. Your. Name? The voice asked, booming in Dante’s mind.
______“What the f#ck is your
point?” Dante asked angrily, interrupting both Portinari and the voice scratching inside his skull like a dull, rusted knife.
______Kat looked back, wanting to calm her friend, but relenting for a moment when she saw his eyes burning red like brimstone. Portinari didn’t quite notice, with her pacing back and forth while reading the file.