Page 68 of Psychopath

Cleo poked her head inside the door. She had a warm smile on her lips. “I’ve got Mackie with me.”

“Mackie,” Quinn whispered, getting to his feet. He’d tried to speak to Mackie on their usual Monday, but he’d refused to come out of his cell. Cleo was overjoyed when Quinn told her he’d made an error and Mackie’s sessions could continue as planned.

“He was on the way back from talking to his lawyer,” Cleo explained. “And I thought you might want to…”

Quinn nodded and gestured for them to come inside. Cleo stepped back to allow Mackie through.

Mackie lacked his usual enthusiasm. He came inside and stood in front of the table, head bowed slightly and hands behind his back, like he was awaiting a firing squad. Quinn tried to catch his eye, but Mackie stared resolutely at the table.

Cleo nodded at Quinn encouragingly, and he jerked to attention.

“Would you like to take a seat—”

“No, thank you, Doctor Quinn.”

“It’s still just Quinn.”

Mackie didn’t reply.

“So,” Quinn started, sitting down, “I went through all the tests and the notes we’d made together, and I…I filled out something incorrectly that made me believe you weren’t right for the study, but after a second look, I realised I made an error.”

Mackie lifted his head. “An error?”

“Lots of errors, in fact.” Quinn shot him a reassuring smile. “And you are vital in my study. Participant number one. I’d really like to continue our weekly sessions.”

Mackie’s lips lifted with a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “That’s terribly nice of you, Doctor Quinn, but I no longer wish to be part of this study.”

Cleo widened her eyes, whipping her gaze from Mackie to Quinn, then back again. Quinn’s mind went blank. He gaped, then nodded awkwardly. “Okay.”

Mackie turned to Cleo. “I don’t have to continue, do I?”

“Of course not,” Quinn answered for her. “But I want you to know the option is there.”

“Option.” Mackie smirked.

Cleo frowned. “I thought that’s why…”

“Why what?” Mackie asked.

Cleo shook her head and didn’t answer. “Erm. I guess we should—”

“I did notice on the consent form it says you’ll debrief me, whether I finish the study or not,” “Mackie said quickly.

“Yes, yes, it does.” Quinn nodded. “You’re absolutely right. I was going to wait until the e—”

“Can we do it now?” Mackie interrupted. “I don’t want this hanging over me anymore. I’d like to move on.”

Quinn glanced at the clock above the door. They had ten minutes before Zane’s session was due to start. “Okay.” Quinn held his hand out towards the chair opposite him.

Mackie pulled it out.

“Um.” Cleo glanced over her shoulder at the corridor. “Are you good here? Eric’s bringing Martin through, and he can be a handful.”

“We’re good,” Mackie answered. “Aren’t we?”

“Yes.” Quinn nodded. “We’re good.”

Mackie beamed at Cleo as he took his seat. This smile reached his eyes.

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