The Inkwell presents: Unreliable Witness

By The Inkwell

Whether a cellphone camera waved around by our nearest and dearest or the security system of the local 7/11, we’re always being watched. What those electronic eyes see in these 8 stories may not be what their viewers expect.

The Group - A psychologist sits in on a session with a very unique group.
Press Play, Look Happy - When pursuing the appearance of happiness, don't forget to strive for the reality.
One Week in Rome - Finally reminiscing about a week away reveals a disturbing truth.
WTH (#8) - Kevin and the Sins are finally free from the curse, but trouble is not done with Hazel house.
Fade to Black - The line between love and obsession is thin and blurs in an instant.
Dead Girl - Sometimes, the person we were died when we became the person we are.
Today's Turmoil - Memory is fleeting and recognition ever more so.
Dogged Detective Work - Few things have a rational explanation, especially when it comes to murder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Inkwell
• Release date: Dec 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9780463703625

The Inkwell

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Book preview

The Group

Written by Ian Kitley

You're new here, right?

The coat itched. It wasn't a new clothing itch; that would have been bearable. No, something about the seams or the material rubbed Danny's skin the wrong way. Every few seconds, he had to refrain from adjusting the damn thing or scratching at one point or another. Last thing he needed was a reputation for having a tic. Not here, not in this place.

Yup, started last week. The director wants me sitting in on sessions to start. Something about gaining the right perspective on how we operate.

Gary—or so said the pin on his neatly pressed shirt—grinned impishly. You're in for a treat today, then. This group only meets once a month or so, and even then, only if the docs feel they're up for it. But, when they do, well, there's nothing quite like it.

Danny pulled at his collar, deciding he could get away with that, at least. It was a normal enough reaction from a new hire. I still don't understand why we use this particular technique. Recording the sessions makes sense, don't get me wrong, but using them as part of the therapy? Isn't that a little cruel?

Gary shrugged, apparently already bored with conversation as he turned to the bank of monitors. Not my area of expertise, new guy. I just sit here, press the record button, and intervene if a patient becomes problematic. You're the one with the degree and all. Well, you and the doc in there. You decide what is cruel or not.

Sighing, the new doctor approached the connecting door. He might not like this, but it was not his to reason why. His task today was simply to observe and learn his duties, no matter what happened. Once more restraining the urge to scratch at his wrists, Danny took a deep breath and entered the meeting room.

*          *          *

I looked up at the creak of hinges. For a place run with such military precision, it always surprised me how many of the small things got neglected. Mostly maintenance, though sometimes they'd forget to lock the doors at night. How else did you explain how often one person or another got out of their rooms and caused havoc? Before they bolted it down, I used my bed to block the door and keep the crazies out. Next came the chest of drawers, but they bolted them down too. Eventually, I took to sleeping under the bed instead. Matron didn't like that, but short of strapping me down at night, she couldn't do anything about it.

Hauling myself out of that line of thought, I studied the young man entering the room. He was probably the new intern Doctor Meers told me about yesterday. Simply observing, nothing to worry about. I dropped my gaze to the cat's cradle forming between my fingers but kept one eye on the intrusion into our little group. None of us dealt with disruption well. That was why we were here. We liked order, and chaos was...triggering, to put it politely. I only hoped Elise would be good today. I didn't want them to tranquillise us again.

The new doctor stopped by the door and sized us up. I wondered what he saw. Hopefully he appreciated how the chairs were carefully arranged in a circle, each equidistant apart, the shape as perfect as I could make it. That described me in a nutshell, seeking perfection in everything I did, making Mommy and Daddy proud. Even broken as I was, I still sought their approval.

After a moment, he stepped towards the two empty chairs, angling for the one across from me.

That's the Doc's.

The young man, a key card with the name ‘D. Raction’ hanging from a pocket, spun to face Alexander, the suddenness of his reaction almost tripping almost him up. I wasn't completely surprised, considering how quiet my fellow patient was. Skittish to a fault, the horse-faced boy rarely interacted unless spoken to directly.

Ummm, sorry, I didn't realise, the intern muttered, attempting to take the other seat, clearly unaware he was digging himself a deeper hole.

And that's for Alice, nitwit. She probably won't turn up, but that doesn't mean you can take her spot. Be an obedient little lap dog and stand by the wall, why don't you. We all know you're just here to watch us like a creeper, so go be one, okay? Irene didn't bother to stop preening in her hand mirror while she told him off, cocking her head first to one side and then the other. I didn't know where the compact came from, but having it was in breach of the rules, and I couldn't understand why no one confiscated it even when she used it so openly.

In danger of causing himself injury, the young doc's head kept whipping around the room. For an instant, he stared at Irene, as most men did. She was gorgeous and well aware of the effect she had, simply taking the attention in stride. Finally coming to whatever senses left to him, he raked the group with wide eyes, as if