Unwise Counsel

By Conrad Prophet

Unwise Counsel

For twenty years Morris & Morris Psychological Practice has had a contract with High Performance Manufacturing (HPM) to assist HPM employees with problems caused by the pressure of their work environment, and to cope with everyday challenges.

Dr. Sterling Pierre Morris II, Dr. Cheyenne Zoe Bouvier, and Dr. Benjamin Arnold Karson counsel at the plant, and they also meet demands from clients they serve at their private practice. From dealing with a micro-managing foreman to struggles of infidelity, the doctors advise company employees how to balance work and private life.

But do the good doctors follow their own advice?

When they are not dealing with the brutal realities of their clients, each doctor battle their own personal struggles. Dr. Morris’ challenges with his children keeps him giving into vices he cannot control. Dr. Bouvier copes with her obligations in the partnership, coupled with an obsession with Dr. Morris, and utter disdain for Dr. Karson. Dr. Karson has spent the last 30 years hoping to make sense of his life. His struggle with his identity has him agonizing over who he is, and to which culture he really belongs.

Given their entanglement with their own issues can they really give sound instruction? Or do they provide their clients with unwise counsel?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Conrad Prophet
• Release date: Apr 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781734275209

Conrad Prophet

Through personal experiences growing up in an urban environment, as well as experiences gained through his educational and employment opportunities, Conrad Prophet has an insatiable passion to write and share knowledge. Since the release of his first novel, Last Year Before Reality (2001/2007), Conrad has released No Time for Love (2006) and Behind the Broken Cross (2008). Each book continues the story that began in Last Year Before Reality of the turmoil and joys experienced in the lives of Rene Anthony Davis and his high school friends. In 2012, Conrad released his third novel, Trying My Hardest, which dives deeper into Rene Anthony Davis’s psyche.He has also written the non-fiction book Knowing the Rules of the Game (2004), an “instruction manual” in which he shares lessons on surviving in various employment arenas, higher education, as well as the U.S. Armed Services. Conrad's latest release is Unwise Counsel, follows three psychiatrists who battle their own personal complications while helping their clients overcome challenges on and off the job.Conrad’s books have received rave reviews which include a five-star rating from Rawsistaz.com for No Time for Love, as well as a Reader’s Choice listing for Behind the Broken Cross in the April 2009 issue of Essence Magazine from the Sistas Turning Pages Book Club in Lansing, Michigan.Conrad is a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University and veteran of the United States Army. He is a native of Royal Oak Township, Michigan, and currently lives in Detroit, Michigan.

Book preview

Unwise Counsel

Unwise Counsel

By Conrad Prophet

Published by The Prophet Group, LLC

Oak Park, Michigan

eBook Copyright 2021 Conrad Prophet

ISBN 978-1-7342752-0-9

Smashwords Edition

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Discover other titles by Conrad Prophet at Smashwords.com

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

DEDICATION

TO

VANILLA J. PROPHET

It has been five years since you left me and the pain is still here. As I journeyed up the mountain of life, I thought all of my trials and tribulations would prepare me for my journey down. I was mistaken. Life never prepared me for the pinnacle of pain that I continue to experience, now that you are gone.

Before I ever knew God existed, I had faith and believed in you. I know He does exist because He sent me, you. You continue to exist in my mind, heart and soul. When I was knocked down mentally and emotionally, you were always there to pick me up.

No matter what hand you were dealt in life or the cards you choose to play, you played them to the best of your ability. I never heard you complain or cry.

You were and are my savior. Every day, you are still a part of my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. When I was young, you took care of me. When you were old, I took care of you. Without you, everyday becomes more tolerable, but never acceptable.

There is an infinite hole, in my heart. It will never be completely closed until I see you again. I will never be the same without you in my life. When the time comes and I don’t make it to Heaven or it doesn’t exist, at least my pain will finally be over.

Thank you for all of the beautiful memories and laughs.

Love You Always, Conrad

Prologue

Most people think that psychologist and psychiatrist take the Hippocratic Oath. As licensed therapists, none of us took an oath when we received our licenses to practice. Professional mental health therapists do not have to swear anything at all. Doctors are the ones who must put their hand on the bible and swear to the Hippocratic Oath, which, contrary to popular belief, does not start with, or even include the phrase, First, do no harm. There is a phrase in the oath that states keep them from harm and injustice. All other professions such as emergency medical technicians, physical therapists, and even veterinarians are among those in the healing professions are sworn by and are mandated to uphold the oath. We psychologist and psychiatrist are believed to uphold confidentiality. Confidentiality is supposed to be a very respected part of psychology’s code of ethics. Psychologists all know and are taught that for people to feel comfortable talking about their own private and revealing information, a safe place to talk about anything they like without fear of the information leaving the room is a must.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contains a privacy rule that creates national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and personal health information, including information about psychotherapy and mental health.

When I inherited this practice, I was stuck with my dad’s partner, Dr. Karson. I hired Dr. Bouvier to help balance his craziness. This has to work.

CHAPTER 1

He stood there staring at the picture on the wall. Dad, you told me time and time again, ‘Do as you say and not as you do’. All my life you have been my hero. If you did it, I did it. If you said it, I said it. Look at all your degrees, Dad. He said, looking to the left and then to the right. "I have the same degrees. You are my role model. You showed me the way. Encouraged me when I did not even know I needed encouragement. Pushed me when I did not want to be pushed any further. You showed me life lessons, including how to handle my responsibilities and the tough lessons on how to be a strong Black man.

Today, is a new beginning. Unfortunately, following in your foot steps, I have made the same mistakes that you made. One deceased wife, two ex-wives, eight children, three of them with sidechicks. But just like you Dad, I have held myself accountable for all my actions. Five of my children, actually listens to me. Then we have the other three. All I can do is shake my damn head.

There was a gentle knock at the door.

Good Morning, Dr. Bouvier. He said, as soon as he opened the door. She embraced him. He forcefully peeled her off his body. Then he straightened his sports jacket and brushed the dust off his collar.

How many times do I have to tell you. I don’t mix business with pleasure. I don’t sleep with married women anymore. And that suit you are wearing is not conservative. He said, walking to his desk.

Dr. Morris, you really aren’t that fine, but you really are. You are not a grab bag; you are a whole snack. Your charisma, swag and sex appeal are almost irresistible. She said, sitting down in the chair in front of his desk. If you were my husband, we would be making love, three times a day while listening to Anthony Hamilton. We would be living our best life right now. She started laughing and he laughed with her.

You are hilarious, Dr. Bouvier, but it is time to get serious. You have been with the practice for five years. I want you to become an equal partner with Dr. Karson and myself. Your dedication, commitment, and the sacrifices you have made for the practice have been monumental. Anything less than equal partnership would be a travesty.

Aren’t you concerned about what Dr. Karson, would say?

"Really? Have you looked at the name on our website, social media accounts, on all of the practice’s letterhead, brochures, business cards and the ten-story building downtown? It says, Morris & Morris Psychological Practice. There is no, Dr. Benjamin Arnold Karson, anywhere in the title.

"My father, started this practice 32 years ago after he couldn’t find work with the white practices. One mentally unstable client at a time, he built this practice to what it is today. I make all of the decisions. He can either agree or bounce. This is not a democracy. It is a dictatorship.

After our orientation today, we will have a meeting and I will give him the wonderful news.

Why are you doing this? What makes you think I am ready to be an equal partner? I know I am, but what makes you so sure the timing is right? Dr. Bouvier asked, overjoyed, but inquisitive.

The telephone rang and he picked it up.

Dr. Morris, your oldest son, Sterling, is on the line. The receptionist said.

Tell him, I am in a meeting.

He said, it is important.

Becki, it isn’t important. Take a message and don’t buzz me again, concerning him.

Yes, Dr. Morris. She said, sensing him becoming irritated.

Why didn’t you want to speak to your son? Dr. Bouvier asked.

You don’t want to go down that road. I don’t speak on your relationship with your children. So please don’t speak on mine. Stay in your lane, Dr. Bouvier, before you become roadkill. Now, where were we?

We were discussing my becoming a partner. Dr. Bouvier answered with a slight attitude.

"Over the summer, I have had several discussions with the president of the High Performance Manufacturing Company. He did not come out and directly say it, but I have my suspicions this company is either going to be sold or all of its manufacturing operations are going to be moved to Mexico. I also met with a white man who will be overseeing the transition. He appears to be the most racist and incompetent, imbecile I have ever had the displeasure of meeting. Definitely unqualified for the position. Similar, to the qualifications of the Chump who is allegedly running this country. He is so racist, I bet he has a tattoo of a Nazi swastika on his pale chest. Him and the president of this company remind me of a cross between Laurel and Hardy, Pinky and the Brain and Beavis and Butthead. I know we are going to be the first on his hit list. Trust me, I am going to negotiate us a golden parachute so lucrative, you will think we were white and the CEO’s of a Fortune 500 Company. My father gathered so much incriminating information on this company’s top five executives, they can be prosecuted and sentenced to 30 years in prison. When it is time to bounce, we wouldn’t have to work another day, in our life."

Dr. Bouvier and Dr. Morris simultaneously looked down at their watch and then at the clock on the wall. Then the telephone rang. A nod was given and the telephone was picked up on the fifth ring.

I would like to speak to Sterling, Cheyenne. The man on the telephone requested.

Excuse me, but you don’t know me like that. You are to address me as Dr. Bouvier. Now, would you like to speak to Dr. Morris? She asked, sarcastically.

I guess. He answered. She nonchalantly passed the receiver to Dr. Morris.

Dr. Morris, you people and your color people time. The caller said, chuckling.

Kenneth Brooks! Have I ever exhibited myself as a he-he, ha-ha, joyous, Kumbaya, bubbly, jovial Black man? Dr. Morris asked, voice increasing with every word. I did not earn my PhD. in Psychology to deal with a shameless beta male. Tell your master we are on our way and don’t call me again.

Yes, Sir. Dr. Morris. Kenneth answered in a docile voice and pressed the end button on his cell phone.

What did he say? Mr. Schwartz, the president of the company asked, patting Kenneth who was the plant’s assistant superintendent on the shoulder.

They will be right down, Suh. He said, in a passive tone.

Both Dr. Morris and Dr. Bouvier stood up and gave each other a handshake similar to the way that some of the Cleveland Cavalier basketball players do before the start of the basketball game. Dr. Bouvier allowed him to walk pass her, so he could open the door.

Remember, they pay us enough to act like we love them. Both of us are going to win an Oscar, this year. When we are behind closed doors, we are going to let these mofos have it.

Yes Sir, Dr. Morris. Just call me, Viola Davis because I am your best supporting actress. She answered.

Never call me, Sir. I work for a living. I called my father, Sir. I have not earned that title as of yet.

The elevator door opened. He extended his arm to allow her to enter first.

Dr. Bouvier and Dr. Morris looked at each other with a grim expression on their face as they took the elevator to the first floor. They rode down to the first floor completely silent. Dr. Morris connected his Bluetooth on his cell phone and made sure it was paired with his earpiece. Dr. Bouvier did the same. Dr. Morris called her phone to make sure they were connected. They looked at each other and nodded.

WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY? WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY? The chant could be heard louder as they stepped off the elevator.

Dr. Bouvier had a distorted look on her face as they got off the elevator. Are we going to host an orientation or try to squash a riot, in a prison cafeteria?

He gently grabbed her arm. Did you take your meds this morning?

She looked him straight in the eyes. Yes, I did. Any more questions?

Dr. Morris smiled and opened the door to the auditorium. As soon as Dr. Bouvier entered, cheers and numerous phrases of endearment from the men and some of the women workers, echoed throughout the auditorium. Dr. Bouvier stood 5’ 7", caramel complexion, natural hair that came a quarter of the way down her back and built like one of the centerfold models in an edition of a 1980’s Jet Magazine. The two-piece designer jacket and skirt she was wearing hugged every curve. When she walked towards the front of the auditorium, her calf muscles tightened because of the high heel Red Bottom shoes she was wearing.

Zoe, I told your ass to wear something conservative, today. Dr. Morris whispered.

Calm down, Sterling. I got this. I am setting an example for all the women. Just because you work with men, don’t mean you have to dress and look like a man. I’m not dressing down for anyone. When I step out of my house, I represent my husband, my children, my people and myself. I dress and smell good every day. One thing I despise is a poorly dressed, dirty and funky woman. I am the first lady and role model at this facility. Even when I go to the grocery store, I am beat from head to toe and always on point. So, if you ever catch me slipping, please check my sexy ass. She turned her head quickly to the left, to make her hair whip, as she continued to strut down the aisle like she was walking down a catwalk at a fashion show.

All Dr. Morris could do was smile. He hurried to catch up with her, so he could assist her up the three steps to the stage. Dr. Bouvier sat down to the right of the podium. Dr. Morris tapped the microphone to make sure it was hot. Before he spoke, he looked out into the audience. The seating of the workers was different this year because of the division caused by the new president. Instead of the usual Black, white, Hispanic, Arab and other nationality of workers being segregated in their own ethnic group, they were separated on the left and right-hand side of the auditorium based on their political affiliation. On the left-hand side of the auditorium were majority Black, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and some white workers. On the right-hand side of the auditorium were majority low and middle class white workers, arrogant Hispanic workers who thought they were white and an exclusive white management staff with the exception of the token, Kenneth Brooks. All of the managers were standing in the back.

Dr. Morris stood at the podium for a couple minutes to allow the workers who were engaged in idle conversation to stop talking.

I trust all of you had an enjoyable summer with your family and friends. By the look on some of your faces, you couldn’t wait for Tuesday, September 5, 2017, to arrive. Your children have returned to school and you have a chance to earn some real money, again. Instead of receiving unemployment benefits.

The auditorium busted out in cheers.

"Before I begin. For those of you who are starting today, allow me to introduce one of my associates and future business partners, Dr. Cheyenne Zoe Bouvier. She is a Clinical Psychologist and has been with the practice for five years. Dr. Benjamin Arnold Karson, who isn’t present at this time, is a Psychiatrist and has been with the practice for ten years. I am Dr. Sterling Pierre Morris II. I am an Industrial Organizational Psychologist and I have been with the practice for twenty years. I took over the practice from my deceased father, Dr. Sterling Pierre Morris.

"Our practice was hired by your employer, High Performance Manufacturing during my father’s tenure over 30 years ago to provide employees with assistance in dealing with any day to day challenges that may interfere with your productivity, relationships with co-workers/ management, family problems and any other issues that may impact your quality of life.

"Studies have determined that 1 in 5 American adults suffer from some type of mental disability. Whether it is as easily detectable as a mood disorder to mental disabilities like schizophrenia, bipolar, major depression and borderline personality disorder. Another study revealed that people who are employed at manufacturing companies that perform repetitive and laborious jobs are prone to substance abuse, gambling addiction, anti-social behavior, domestic abuse and numerous other issues.

"Because of the diversity of the workforce, all three of us specialize in different areas based on our education and life experiences. When a worker requests a consultation, we determine which of us are best qualified to assist you. If your issue is extremely complex and beyond our field of expertise, we will not hesitate to refer you to another doctor who is more experienced to provide the necessary assistance.

"As for myself, I specialize in work related issues, depression and everyday life problems. There isn’t very much I haven’t experienced in life from the downside. If you are contemplating making a possible life altering decision, I advise that you come talk to me before you make the decision. Trust me when I say, been there, done that and that. If I haven’t experienced it, I know someone who has. If you are a client, I promise to find you the help you need. Our motto for High Performance Manufacturing is: ‘Please come see us, before we come see you.’ If we come see you, that means your actions have caused you to be on a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan) or terminated.

"One policy we have for High Performance Manufacturing staff is that we do not tolerate any discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender, transgender, military service or disability. There is zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind.

"Right now, envelopes and cards are being passed out. If you already know you need our assistance, please fill out the card, seal it in the envelope and drop it in the box on your way out. All of the information you provide will be kept confidential. At the end of the orientation, there will be a variety of pamphlets, brochures and business cards on the back table with our website, Facebook, Instagram and all of the other current social networks. We have staff on-call 24/7, for all of your needs.

"When you come visit one of us, don’t expect your issue to be resolved within thirty minutes including commercials like you see on television. I have a client that has been receiving therapy for fifteen years.

Finally. Please allow me to re-introduce, Dr. Cheyenne Zoe Bouvier. He said clapping his hands and then extending his right hand to assist her up from the chair.

Most of the men in the audience stood up and started clapping, cheering and whistling.

As humble as she was, Dr. Bouvier was not surprised by the reaction she received from the men. She has always been a Boss Chick. She waited for everyone to sit down and the audience to become quiet before she began.

She stood at the podium and struggled to pull down the left and right side of her skirt, but it did not budge. Dr. Morris chuckled. She looked at him and rolled her eyes.

Again, my name is Dr. Cheyenne Zoe Bouvier. Not Dr. Cheyenne. Not Dr. Zoe or Dr. B., it’s Dr. Bouvier. It is pronounced the same as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. I specialize in family relationships, such as marriage counseling, relationships with children, depression, grief counseling, self-esteem problems and I teach a class for women after work once a week. In addition, I am currently studying to pass the bar. If you have any legal problems, I will be able to consult you on your legal issues.

Suddenly, the employees started booing and cheering as Dr. Benjamin Arnold Karson entered the auditorium. Before he headed to the stage, he turned to the left and started vigorously shaking all of the hands of the white executives and managers that were standing against the wall near the entrance.

Are you watching him shaking their hands like he is jacking them off? Dr. Bouvier asked.

Dr. Morris did not answer. He slightly bit his lip to prevent from laughing. I don’t think I can take another year of these two going head to head at every chance possible. He thought to himself.

Dr. Karson hurried to the stage, quickly walked up the steps waving his right hand. The booing and cheering continued. He leaned in to hug Dr. Bouvier. She looked him up and down and continued standing at the podium. He extended his right hand to Dr. Morris. As Dr. Morris shook his hand, he applied as much pressure as possible, while he smiled. Dr. Karson returned a phony smile, while using his left hand to pry Dr. Morris’ hand loose. The hand shake occurred behind the podium, out of view of the audience. Dr. Karson turned and faced the audience as his right hand throbbed.

Dr. Karson was 5’8" tall, medium built, sported a short professionally maintained afro, with no facial hair. The dark Cartier frames of his glasses was camouflaged by his dark skin. He was wearing an expensive blue tailored-made suit with a white shirt with French cuffs and one carat diamond cufflinks. His tie cost as much as an average man’s suit. He raised his arms so the diamonds on his expensive Rolex watch could be seen by all.

Dr. Bouvier finished her speech. "If you would like to request me specifically, make sure you add my name to your card. Now, I would like to introduce Dr. sellout, fake ass, wanna white, coon ass. She thought to herself. Karson.

Good Afternoon all of you magnificent workers. He said quickly glancing to the left and then focused his undivided attention on the right side of the auditorium.

That crazy bastard, still works here? A worker asked, out loud. I’m out of this bitch. Ben, the mitch, Karson has more issues than all of us. The man said, abruptly getting up and walking towards the exit.

Rufus Davis! Come back and have a seat. Instantly! Dr. Karson shouted, slamming his right hand down on the podium, forgetting it was already in pain. He gritted his teeth to prevent from screaming as his hand throbbed more.

If you leave this mandatory orientation, you will be terminated before you reach the parking lot. It would be a shame for you to lose your employment with thirty-years of seniority. Where can you find another generous employer like High Performance Manufacturing that will provide an over fifty-year-old functionally illiterate Negro a job with your rate of pay, fringe benefits, yearly bonus, medical and dental benefits? With a ninth-grade education, you can’t even get a job flipping burgers. Dr. Karson said, condescendingly. I highly recommend you sit down, expeditiously.

Can you believe the fucking shade he threw on Mr. Davis? Dr. Morris asked.

Remind me to deal with his ass, at the earliest possible opportunity. Dr. Bouvier answered, her face tightening from rage.

Mr. Davis slowly walked to his seat with his head down, embarrassed.

Good Afternoon. Dr. Karson repeated cheerfully. Everyone returned his greeting in order to prevent from being called out and humiliated.

Like my colleague Dr. Morris would say, ‘I will bring it to all of you straight up, no chaser. Top shelf. No rock gut.’

Dr. Morris looked up at him in utter disgust. Cooning asshole, I don’t say that stupid bullshit. He thought.

For all of you that may be suffering from dementia, new workers and for some of you promiscuous females that almost certainly had your cranium banged against the headboard of a bed over a thousand times, allow me to reiterate that I’m exceedingly intelligent and articulate.

I don’t fucking believe it. He’s performing fellatio on himself in front of over three hundred people. Dr. Bouvier said. Dr. Morris’ eyes begin to water as he fought back the urge to bust out laughing.

What all of my current and new patients have become accustomed to and vividly realize is, I have earned my doctorate from one of the most prestigious universities of academia in the great State of Michigan.

Dead silence was in the auditorium. The vocabulary Dr. Karson constantly utilized was definitely over the heads of ninety-five percent of the hourly workers.

I refuse to modify my vocabulary or purposely dumb down the way I communicate while I am providing counseling sessions to those of you who are functionally illiterate and unable to comprehend standard American English. If you feel it is necessary, please bring a dictionary or your Smartphone if you are dumb. He was staring at the left side of the auditorium.

My associates may utilize a sixth-grade vocabulary and ghetto vernacular to convey their thoughts, but not I, Dr. Benjamin Arnold Karson. He said, in a pompous voice. "I vehemently refuse to under employ my massive amount of knowledge that I acquired at one of the most prestigious universities in Michigan and in the top ten of my class in this great country.

"If I appear to be arrogant, conceited and narcissistic, that is because I am. As I just stated, there are members on our staff that are not as blissfully articulate and cerebral as I, but I can assure all of you that they will dedicate a hundred and ten percent effort to all of your mental health issues. I guarantee their efforts will be extraordinarily inferior to mine, because of lack of expertise in the field of Psychology.

I will now exit the microphone and permit my associates to present their loquacious dissertations. And lastly, when you summon me please address me as the honorable, Dr. Benjamin Arnold Karson. One more thing. Go Republicans.

The booing started immediately as the workers filed out of the auditorium. Some of the them dropped their envelope, in the box.

Why are they leaving? Dr. Karson asked, befuddled.

Are you that stupid, dumb ass? Dr. Morris asked. The orientation started at 11:30am.

Dr. Karson pulled up his sleeve, so he could look at his watch. My goodness. I must have lost track of time. I was on colored people time. He busted out in his irritating laugh.

Dr. Bouvier was furious. She walked down the three steps, opening and closing her hands, trying to contain her rage.

Dr. Morris looked at him and snickered. You just tore yourself another asshole.

What do you mean by that, Dr. Morris? He asked, hurrying to keep in step with him.

Dr. Morris picked up the box off the table and headed for the elevator. Dr. Bouvier was waiting at the elevator holding it open for them. Dr. Morris looked at her and squeezed by not wanting to receive any of