Walking Within The Shadows: Part V

By David Layman

In the final book of the series, Annabelle Jackson has decided to make a decision that she feels will help lend structure and discipline in her life, and also a concentration that will help to led her far away from her previous life of evil, sex and a penchant for sadism. Annabelle opts for the grueling and very intense curriculum of med school at Princeton University in New Jersey and then, she proceeds on to her residency at S.U.N.Y. (State University of New York). She continues and obtains her license in psychiatry, in part, she determines, to make some kind of attempt to understand some of her own psychological issues.

Now a psychiatrist, Dr. Annabelle Jackson finds herself lured once again back to South Beach, Florida with Delaney, her daughter, who is now nine years of age. Annabelle accepts a position with her former psychiatrist who had treated her and had become a close friend some years before. As she sets up her office with Dr. Leslie, she quickly realizes that the hours and the work load are most disagreeable with her. Coupled with that realization, Annabelle sees Dr. Leslie, who is now considering retirement, and her working over thirty five years and it strikes fear into her psyche. Annabelle sees in Dr. Leslie what she will become in, as Dr. Leslie had intimated, in no time at all! Now, Annabelle comes to the realization that she is going to have some rather serious issues with her aging, her growing older. She quickly decides that she is not going to accept Dr. Leslie's offer of taking control of her practice once Dr. Leslie decides on a final retirement date.

Delaney Jackson, Annabelle's young nine year old daughter also presents her mother with a number of very perplexing issues. As Delaney has grown, it is evident that she is much, much more than a child prodigy. She seems to possess great powers and a kind of extra-sensory perception. In time, Annabelle, her family and friends bear witness to a number of Delaney's remarkable qualities and they all quickly seem to reach the same assumption; Delaney is certainly not like anyone else they have ever known! She has the capacity to learn and digest information at a rate that seems impossible. She can teach herself the most complex of problems, even solving a most complex problem that her papa, her grandfather has from his work that he seemingly cannot solve. Delaney's uncanny and startling capabilities only heightens Annabelle's anxieties and insecurities. Annabelle states on many occasions that all she wanted for Delaney is to have an unencumbered, care-free childhood, very unlike the childhood Annabelle had experienced.

Through all the problems and complexities confronting Annabelle, she decides to conceive another child, adding insult upon injury as Annabelle's mental stability is none too secure or stable. Again, she cheats death in a near-drowning incident that has her family and friends most concerned about her. And, her pediatrician who is vacationing close by and on a short break from her practice, notifies her that she is in fact, pregnant. As Annabelle realizes when she hears from Delaney that her baby may in fact prove to possess her most evil side, she determines that nothing will ever be normal or without issues, that she has been relegated all her life to many kinds of abnormal and unsettling circumstances. Annabelle intuitively comes to the realization that Delaney now represents her more rational, virtuous side, while Kya, her just conceived baby, may possibly represent the evil, sinister side of her, the side that she had tried so diligently to banish from her troubled mind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Layman
• Release date: Nov 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301251414

David Layman

David Layman, born in Sandusky, Ohio, attended and earned both an undergraduate and graduate degree in history from Kent State University, Kent Ohio. After finishing his Ph.D courses, he chose to write novels and also completed two children's stories. His most current novel, DIRECT CONFLICT, focuses on the Vietnam War, the concentration of his academic studies. He is currently writing the sequel, and has written several other literary works.When David is not writing, he travels, engages in long-distance running, both on the beach and in the mountains. As a former Army Paratrooper and combat medic, David has taken an interest in veteran affairs and works with the Wounded Warrior project in Jacksonville, Florida. His newest endeavor is to master surfing, then to travel to Hawaii to surf the Bonzai Pipeline.David is currently working on the sequel to DIRECT CONFLICT, titled DIRECT CONTACT. Check back with us frequently for the release date.

Book preview

Walking Within The Shadows #5

David Layman

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 1

I sat in my office and read over the case file very carefully. I adjusted my glasses, needing them now to assist my vision, basically just to read. I sipped my wonderful Jamaican coffee, compliments of Jose Morales. He certainly had been my savior as he taught me his secret brew! Actually, I lived on that caffeine fix throughout med school.

It, well, med school actually, it about made me lose it, all the details, the seemingly endless classes, the exams, blah, blah, and everything. My med school experience at Princeton, it was tiresome and tedious, but I made it through and when I finally took my final exam, I was ecstatic.

Then, I was off to do my residency to obtain my medical license. I studied and worked at S.U.N.Y. Hospital. Once again, the hours were very grueling. I mean, oh, and I thought med school was a total pain in the ass! After finishing my residency, I then began to work on my degree in Psychiatry. I worked with Dr. Thomas Bennett, the same Dr. Bennett that had worked with Dr. Leslie in South Beach to study me after my so miserable, stupid attempt at suicide. He also joined the group of scientists in Key West who studied Delaney and me just like a lab rat; they determined that they were unsure of what or how or however to categorize me.

I sipped my coffee and I heard a slight rap on my door. Dr. Leslie opened the door sightly and peeked in, I thought I would see how you were coming along.

I set the case file down and smiled, Come in, please!

Dr. Leslie entered and sat across the desk from me. Well, this is something. When you told me that you would obtain your degrees and so forth, I was a little unsure. I mean, Annabelle, you have everything a young person could ever desire. I mean, fame, fortune and the world basically at your fingertips. And, with all the other going on, with your other testing we've done on you, it had to be all a bit overwhelming. And then, to tackle med school at Princeton? All the rest, your residency and so forth, obtaining your degree in Psychiatry. I must say, you are certainly a very determined, hard working young lady!

I thanked Dr. Leslie, Thank you Dr. Leslie, I feel it was what I wanted to do. I think I needed the structure and the focus, it helped me immensely.

Call me Jennifer, please, Dr. Leslie said.

I smiled, Okay, Jennifer. So, I think a big part of it was what was going on with me, also. I find it so intriguing how people develop, how they come up with some of the things they do, or feel. I know, well, for me, I was, and I suppose I still am one who basically had no clue about life and suddenly, there it was; it hit me very hard and at times, I responded in very strange and odd ways. So, in my efforts to help and assist others, to help them understand their actions, I am possibly seeking out answers for myself as well.

Dr. Leslie and I chatted for a while. She then said, I am happy you and I could get everything set for you to come and work here with me. I certainly will enjoy having you take over some of the case work. And, in time, if you see fit, I will undoubtedly seek to lessen my work load and probably retire. I hope we can reach an equitable agreement and you can then take over my practice here. As I told you, thirty five years of this and I am ready to slow down the pace! And, my husband, James, as you know, is quite insistent that we have a number of years to enjoy ourselves, to travel, to see the world and to just do what we want to do. I mean, I look forward to relinquishing my duties and to have basically no schedule to adhere to, for a change. James and I love to travel and visit faraway places.

I nodded, You are very lucky to have him and to have both of you in good health. My dad and mom are okay, but daddy still works. They are not much interested in traveling. I suppose their interest is in their family. Daddy will be retiring in a year or two. He told me he is not looking forward to it at all. So, I am conspiring with Mr. Simone and his daughter, Sicilia, to devise some kind of company where he can work on his little inventions he is always talking about. The man is so amazing, he never seems to turn his brain off, to hit the disconnect button. You should see dad's garage! It looks like an inventors paradise or something. I want to keep him very active and working though. Who knows, maybe he will invent something and strike it rich!

Dr. Leslie stood up, Well, once again, welcome! I've told you, my door is always open. I still have to stop and remind myself that Annabelle Jackson is here working with me! You are a special lady.

I stood up, My, you are very gracious and so flattering. Thank you. I hope we find our working together to be of a positive and special relationship. And, thank you so much for the opportunity.

I walked out into the office with Dr. Leslie. My next client was sitting there. I told Janette, one of our office staff that I would be just a few minutes longer. She smiled, Very well, Dr. Jackson.

I still had difficulty hearing myself referred to as Dr. Jackson. I mean, it still sounded so odd to me. I felt I really hadn't done anything yet to earn the right to be called a doctor.

I walked into the restroom located just adjacent to my office. I was still so uncomfortable wearing these very business like suits. I mean, it was nearly impossible to pee. You had to basically unzip the skirt from behind, then pull it down, carefully, carefully, or hike it up, whichever, so you didn't wrinkle the material. Then, I had a white blouse that I had to adjust, and then to slide my panties down, then pee. Ugh, I knew I had to figure something out better for the working woman! And I would, somehow! I had already put Genevieve to work on it at Annabelle's Hot Rags!

I finished and I re-assembled, mumbling under my breath, Why would it matter if we just wore say, oh maybe a tank top and shorts to work. I mean, South Beach is always so totally casual. So, I mean, why not extend it to the office as well. All this, ooh, and it makes me feel all tight and way too hot. Sucks!

I went to the mirror and I quickly assessed, Well, it is a good thing, I guess, that I got into some other line of work, like other than the modeling. I look so bagged out. Ooh, scary!

I threw my hand at the mirror and I returned to my desk. I let Janette know I was now ready for my next appointment.

I walked to the door and opened it. I felt that was the best way, to get up off my huge butt and offer a nice, friendly greeting to my client. I wanted them to feel like I was on their side, there to assist them.

I smiled and in walked Lea, a very attractive, younger girl, of Oriental descent. I extended my hand. Hello, I am Dr. Jackson. Come in, please.

We shook hands and she said, "I am Lea, nice to meet you.

I closed the door and Lea walked in and stood at one of the chairs opposite mine. I said, Well, would you prefer to sit on the couch. It is much more comfortable.

Lea nodded, Okay, shall I lie down?

I laughed, No, well, unless you want to?

Lea sat down and immediately kicked off her flip flops. She sat there and extended her feet out onto the table in front of the couch. I said, Can I offer you something to drink?

Lea grinned, Sure, vodka would be good.

I smiled, Well, I think I have water or coffee, or lemonade.

Leas nodded, Water, that is fine.

I went to the desk and called Janette for coffee and water. I came back, and sat back down. Well, I have some information here. You saw a Dr. Blackstone previously, I see. Now, your parents decided to discontinue with him. Do you mind my asking why?

Lea was fidgety, all messing with her hair and bouncing about, flexing her toes and feet, appearing rather nervous! Oh him, he was a dirty, nasty old man. Plus, like I think he was coming on to me. He would tell me to take my clothes off and everything. You know, to leer at me, I suppose.

I began to make some notes. And, did you?

Lea grimaced, No, I did not! I am not like that. I don't like men, I don't like boys. They are too gross!

I nodded, Did you tell your parents about this request by the doctor?

Lea didn't answer me. She dug through her purse. I can never find my stuff. I put like my lip gloss and everything in here before I came to see you. Now, it is gone. I wonder if someone stole it out of my purse?

I repeated the question, doing my best to keep with the question at hand. Lea glanced up at me. Request, oh, you mean telling my parents about stripping off my clothes for that ass hole? Yeah, well, maybe I did, but, like they wouldn't have given a shit. They are way too busy with their work. Oh, and with my younger sister who is a total dancer, a singer, and actress, and a star pupil at St. John's Academy. Oh, and their South Beach Country Club, hanging out with all the other snot ass holes who live in South Beach Golf. Go figure!

I scribbled some more notes. I see. Now then, Lea, if you had been accosted by Dr. Blackstone, those are very serious charges. You need to be absolutely sure about this. I need to have you tell me exactly what happened.

Janette brought in the water and coffee. She handed a glass of water to Lea. I told Janette, Thank you, that will be fine.

Lea sipped her water. She said, Wait, you are like really Annabelle Jackson? Like, I have seen you around, for real.

I smiled, I am. Where did you see me?

Lea stood up and she reached up under her black mini and pulled at her panties. Ooh, my panties are like all up inside me or something.

I sighed, wishing I could settle this young girl down so that we could proceed. And, I was beginning to wonder who was doing what at Dr. Blackstone's office.

I think I’ll just take these bad boys off. Lea yanked her little blank panties down and she then sat down, now slowly sliding them over one foot and then another.

Lea tossed her panties to the side, like on the couch. I stood up, I cannot help you if you are not going to co-operate, Lea. And, I will have to ask that you refrain from any more of this kind of activity.

I called for Dr. Leslie. She walked in and I was now sitting at my desk. I said, Dr. Leslie, this is Lea. I need to have you verify that Lea is being non-co-operative. She has removed her underwear.

Lea picked up her mini bikini panties and twirled them about. Ooh, big freaking deal. So, what if I did? What, are they maybe the wrong color? Do you not like them? Should I leave now?

Dr. Leslie turned to Lea. Lea, you are very, very fortunate to have Dr. Jackson as your doctor. In a short time, Dr. Jackson's schedule will not permit her to accept any new clients. She is much sought after.

Lea threw her panties in her purse. Cool, yeah, I like her. I mean, I met her a while back, when my family and I were vacationing down in Key West. She was really, really nice, not all stuck up and shitty like a lot of people I know. She signed a picture and said I was the prettiest girl ever. I remember. I like her.

I smiled, Well, I want to help you, Lea. I want to see what is going on with you. But, it is important that we work on that, on how you are doing and not letting ourselves be distracted. Can we start over? You seem agitated.

Lea huffed, Agitated? Yes, I am, I am agitated. It is that freaking school and those boys, they are always trying to feel me. And, even the girls are all freaking like gay, I think.

I smiled, Okay, so why don't we discuss that now.

I thanked Dr. Leslie, Thank you, Dr. Leslie. I think we will be fine now.

I returned to the couch and sat down. I said, I think I do remember you now. Your sister, her name is Kendra, right?

Lea nodded, Yes, she is thirteen. I am two years older than her. We were much younger when we met, but I remember you.

I nodded, I like that. Now then, your school, is it St. John's as well?

Lea nodded, Um hmm. It is a stupid place. I am like already about to graduate. I hate school. I mean, what do you learn there? Stupid shit, er, stuff. Do you care if I use bad words?

I said, I would ask that you refrain from using any foul language, thank you.

I smiled inside, remembering how mom had always said similar things, especially to Evie.

Lea sighed and sipped her water. Okay, but anyways, now, shit, er shoot, now I am going to graduate and what am I going to do next? I told mom and daddy, like no college for me. Nope, no way, no asylum for me! I told them that I wanted to be a deep-sea diver, to hunt and explore and even work under the oceans. That way, I am completely covered up and no one can bother me way down there. That is my plan. What do you think?

I about fell off the couch. I mean, this little Oriental girl wanted what I wanted some years back! And, she seemed somewhat like me, rather disconnected, unsure and somewhat paranoid. It hit me very strangely, but I felt as if I was looking at me some years ago!

And, now she said she wanted to learn to deep sea dive? Lea wanted to hide away under the sea, to block for her. Very interesting.

I had done quite a bit of scuba diving and training with Lt. Daniel Forbes. We had all done a lot of scuba diving in Jamaica, those times I had to attend my Annabelle Morales's various functions. I loved to dive and I really did want to do more.

I said, Well, everyone has a dream that they aspire to, that is what I think. You know, if you do so well in school, why not look into a degree in say, marine biology. I have read a lot of articles on what is going on with our oceans, and there is a real need for really qualified individuals to help, and to work with the oceans, to save them. I am afraid we have not treated them too well, just as we have exploited our planet.

.

Lea sat back,and she seemed to appear rather sullen. I was kind of at a loss on this one. But, who could say? If I just passed it on, Lea might never go to college or seek out her dream. I smiled, Why don't we schedule a meeting with your parents. I can speak to them about it. I think we need to have them in with you. How does that sound to you?

Lea grimaced, No, not even; just forget it. I'll just figure it out on my own.

I said, I tell you what. Let's keep on with our sessions here. I do have a good friend you can talk to, and maybe take scuba lessons, if you like.

Lea visibly brightened, Really, you do? Would you be there?

I nodded, I could be, possibly. He and I go diving when I have time. Let's check with your parents first, Lea. I will send a note home with you. You'll need their permission, of course. And, I still want to discuss your future with them. It is important.

Lea seemed better, This is like so weird. I met you years ago. You were cool then, and you still are! I think I might like this. At least I don't have some leering letch of a man all staring and everything. When can we start?

I smiled, First, Lea, let's continue on; I want to hear more about you!

* * *

I decided to allow extra time for Lea. She finally left my office and I moved back to my desk. I made some more notes and checked on my next appointment. I read over the information in the folder. I called Janette and told her to give me a few more minutes. I knew I had taken too much time with Lea and I had heard all about how it was so easy to spend more than the allotted time with a patient and how that was a bad habit to form. Sure, in no time, you fell behind and the next thing, oops, you were not able to keep up with your schedule.

But, I was thinking maybe just a little bit differently about things. For one, I was so not into this to become a kind of conveyor belt for those seeking my help. I despised how many doctors had their waiting rooms so stacked up. It seemed like a total money machine to me. And, to keep that pace endlessly, to go on, and on, and on, for the next however many years, well, no, it would not be happening like that for me. No way! I had other plans for my future!

I had decided long before that I would get my practice established and hire a number of associates to work for me. I enjoyed my work, I loved it when I closed the door and it was just myself and my client, one-on-one, and we blocked all the rest out. But, the business end of it, of the medical profession, I despised it. I had turned my part of it all over to Johnathan’s firm, and he handled all my business affairs for me, no different than before.

I checked myself in the mirror, and I knew, I had to have a full make-over here soon! I groaned, Ugh, please, Annabelle, you are like into looking like something or other, and it ain't so great.

Janette rang me, It is Jessica on line one, for you.

I told her, Give me five minutes and bring Mrs. Talbot in, please.

I quickly hit line one. Okay, so, what is going on?

I am flying in tonight. I need to see you. I am like sick and tired of this place. It sucks. I hate being cold. I hate not being by the water. I hate my life. So, I will take the shuttle and be home by eight or so.

Okay, baby, look, don't freak out. I tried to soothe Jess. I will have dinner for you. We can take a nice long walk on the beach. I love you!

I hate you, Annabelle. Why did I ever let you talk me into this crap? I am leaving and never coming back, ever! I am moving back to Key West. Daddy is not doing so well, I told you already. He needs me much more than this lab research dump does. I have had it and beyond.

Jess was her usual crazy, totally wired self, all overwrought and upset. I said, If you move to Key West, I am, too. You know we eventually will, for real. I already told you.

Jess sighed, Annabelle, look, I so don't want to be like eighty years old and us moving back down there then. I want to be able to do all we love to do, running, scuba diving, swimming, all that stuff.

Let's just do our thing for a while, Jess, then, we'll see. I have Delaney and she is doing extremely well at St. Johns. So, let's get her into college, then we will maybe think more about it.

Jess made this kind of moaning sound, Oh, shit, and in the meantime I am stuck here? Um, no, not happening. I am so outa' here. Love you, see you tonight.

You be careful. I can't wait to see you. I have a client. See you tonight. Love you!

We hung up. Jess had finished med school; it had taken her a year or so longer than me. Now, she was involved in research, her area of expertise, at The Cleveland Clinic, located in Cleveland, Ohio. Jess had found that they had one of the top cardiovascular research departments in the world. So, the powers that be had actually chosen her to fill one of only two placement openings within their department. The opportunity was too good to pass up. She was gaining invaluable experience in her field. In time, she figured she might be able to devise some kind of new discovery, say, something artificial as a real upgrade in the area of bio mechanics. Another-words, she might invent a new kind of body part, for the human cardiovascular system.

.

I sat on the couch with my new client, a very good-looking lady, age thirty nine, according to her chart. It was apparent that she had taken great pains to maintain herself. Mrs. Talbot appeared much younger, she certainly radiated good health, good looks and wealth! I knew just by her jewelry and her other accents, that she wanted everyone to know that she was rich!

Janette brought us coffee and water. I smiled, as we sipped our coffee. I opened up her file, Now then, Mrs. Talbot, can you tell me what motivated you to come in and see me today?

Mrs. Talbot kept gazing around, then back, staring at me. She hesitated, and I said, I hope we can engage in some meaningful discourse, maam. I would like that very much.

Mrs. Talbot tilted her head back and forth. Oh, I suppose, yes. You are Annabelle Jackson, the model, I know that much! If I tell you what I am thinking, you might ask me to leave.

Mrs. Talbot got my attention. I had heard a lot of kind of off-the-wall things. It always intrigued me when I heard something so different. Well, as long as it pertains to your being here, I want to listen and make some attempt to help you, if at all possible. That is why I am here.

Mrs. Talbot sipped her water. Tell me, I am sure you had to seek out psychiatric help while you were flying all around with your modeling and everything. Did you feel it ever helped you at all?

I thought back to my totally miserable existence, the one I had tried and tried to extinguish in my brain, like forever! Yes, I think it did. I trusted my doctors and confided in them. It gave me some confidence and some security in my life. I hope we can develop the same kind of relationship, Mrs. Talbot.

Please, call me Cynthia, Mrs. Talbot said, as she stood up and removed her very tight waist length, black leather jacket. I noticed she wore a black blouse, very tight also, highlighted by a strand of pearls and her blonde hair. She wore a tight black leather mini and matching heels. Very stylish and very pretty.

I nodded, Very well, then, I want to help you, Cynthia. Where shall we start?

Mrs. Talbot, Cynthia sat back down, I am nearing forty. I feel old and tired, doctor. I keep myself fit, I have a personal trainer. I run, I exercise two or three times a day. I am well educated. I do the required social events with my husband, for his business interests. But, I feel empty. My daughters are fifteen and sixteen, respectively. Of course, now, they are never home. Besides their school, they are both over-achievers, just like their father. I think he gave them all his crazy go genes.

Ooh, that made me stop and think. I found that many times, what I heard from my patients became painfully relevant to my world. I had to quickly disconnect from any of that. I certainly did not want to have any of my personal experiences interfere with my formulating any kind of judgment in regards to my clients.

I jotted some notes down, Well, you have what anyone would desire, I think. You are in great health, you have two daughters who seem to be doing very well, your husband has achieved his business interests, successfully. Why do you feel tired and old?

Cynthia leaned her head back on the couch. Yes, it appears that I have it all! I did, I suppose. You see, my husband, well, if you can call him that, loves himself, and no one else. He has his business, he has his money, he has his yacht and he has his harem of sluts. How is that for starters.

I wrote some notes. I see, so, are you estranged?

Cynthia laughed, Estranged? Isn't that a polite, mannerly term for uncertainty, usually by one of the affected parties?

How do you mean? I inquired.

Well, Cynthia said, now unbuttoning and adjusting her blouse so that her breasts became much more exposed. "I think it is just a matter of being uncertain, as in my case, as to just how to proceed! Do I remain estranged from a man who I am quite certain I have nothing remaining, nothing at all left between us? I haven't had any kind of sex with him in quite some time, as you can imagine. I haven't even had the pleasure of him taking me into his confidence. You know, I've learned to understand that that may be an even more important aspect of a relationship than anything else. If he has decided to